THE FLAG FOR NEW ZEALAND SCHOOLS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2436, 21 November 1900, Page 46

THE FLAG FOR NEW ZEALAND SCHOOLS.

of Defence, in conference with the Minister of Education and the military commandant. " 2. The military commandant could issue a ' general order,' providing that the flag on being hoisted should be duly saluted by detachments of the cadets, or mounted rifles or rifle clubs, who, I feel assured, would be pleased to take part in the ceremony. " 3. An important point will be to ensure the simultaneous hoisting of the flags. This •could be easily done by the Electric Telegraph department connecting the existing 'telegraph system with that part of the Exhibition Building in which the Commonwealth Parliament will be held, and arrangeing to keep the lines clear for a special •signal. "4. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York would doubtless willingly consent to give the signal by pressing a key, when immediately the grand old flag would be hoisted upon, the Exhibition Building and upon all the State schools throughout the length and breadth of Victoria, and, no doubt, also upon all public and many private buildings. "5. It may be urged that this plan can only be carried out in such localities as have telegraph stations, but this difficulty can be easily overcome by a pre-arranged chain of signals, which could be seen at long distances. "6. Thus not only would the opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia by the grandson of our Most Gracious Queen be impressed upon the memories of our children, but, in addition, they would realise the fact of our being part of the greatest Empire in the world. " 7. It may be well to mention that I have already consulted the Secretary for Education and the Deputy Postmaster-general, and ascertained, not only that the proposed plan is practical, but that it will also receive their cordial, and active support. " 8. I submit the above proposal thus early, as it will take a few months to provide the

The following letter has been addressed by the managing director of the Daily Times Company to the secretaries of the controlling oodies of the Otago Boys' and Girls' High Schools, the Normal School, and the George street, Union street, Albany street, Arthur street, and High street Schools : — " Dear Sir, — In view of the near approach oi the new 'century, and with it the birth of a greater British Empire, the time seems appropriate to strengthen the patriotic spirit which has so strongly marked the last year of the dying century throughout the British realm, and nowhere more so than in our own colony of New Zealand. The spirit of patriotism which has burned so fervently in the hearts of New Zealand's young manhood, and

which has been turned to such brilliant aocount in a distant land where British arms have upheld the principles of freedom and justice, animates no less the minds of the children of our colony, and it is in this connection that on behalf of the Paily limes and Witness Company, I have the honour to offer for the use of the public school under your charge a Union Jack of suitable dimensions. "In commemoration of the federation of the Australian colonies Sir Frederick Sargood has led the way in Victoria by a generous donation of 200 flags for the use of the publio schools in that colony, and other patriotio gentlemen there have promised contributions of poles, while the Melbourne press has energetically taken up the movement, with the result that a good deal of enthusiasm has been aroused. " The Daily Times Company, in initiating the movement in Otago, have decided to present each of the eight city schools with a flag, and hope to have these ready for use in time for the opening of the new century. " Yours faithfully, " George Fenwick, " Managing Director."