UNFURLING THE FLAP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2456, 17 April 1901, Page 71

UNFURLING THE FLAP.

The Wa.tati School children, together with s, 1 umber yl fuerds and \.<3itoi=, tim'eJ out m force on Fi.day to witness the ceremony of pnfuriirg tie Union Jack at the local school. The weather wa? gloomy, but the ram kept ofi[ until alter the termination of the cereluozij. The Chsirnian of the School Committee (Mr Ki'patrjck) ha\ing biieflv explained the object of tlio gathering, said tnnt as there were sever?! speakers to foiiow lie would not detaiji them with a speech. He then called upon Mr Ward, who initiated the mo\ ement, to unfurl the flag. — (Applause.) Mr. Ward expressed his pleasure at being present with them, and said he would follow the example of the previous speaker regarding 21 speech, ard wou'd simwlv content himself with the honour of laisirg the flag. As soon as the flag leached the masthead the childien sang ' G-od sa\ c the King, 1 ' after which those piesent saluted the flag, and Mr Landreth, the head master, called upon the pupils to give three cheer 9, which weie given lustily. Mr E. G. Allen. M.H R. for the district, than gave a capital addiess, in which he explained the object 111 having a, flag, and reminded them of "Nelson's famous explore of nailing the co'ours to the mast lather than allow .them to come down in the presence of the enemy. He said they sbou'd all rejoice 111 tho fact that the Union Jack of Old England floated over the greatest nation, whose people enjoyed the most freedom m the world. — (Applause.) Mr Allen concluded by expressing a hope that those present would long be spared to c cc the old flag — the -symbol of liberty and justice — floating 111 their rmdst. — (Applause ) The Chairman then called upon Mr Duke (chairman of the Waikouaiti County Council) to address them. Mr Duke complimented them upon having such a handsome flag, which would seive to remind them of their duty to their country, should occasion arise, and also serve as an emblem of joy or mourning as occasion demanded. He had watched the piogiess of the school and its pupils for the past 25 years, and he was proud to be able to say that the Waitati School was regarded by the Education Board as a model country school. They lied been singularly fortunate m having for their teacher 3 men and women who had the best interests of their pupils at heart. He concluded an excellent speech by calling upon the children to give three cheers for the committee, tlie call being heartily responded to. The Rev. Mr Fmlayaon then moved a. hearty vote of thanks to the visiting speakers, who had favoured them with their presence. He also explained the meaning of the various crosses in the flag device, which he said signified the union of the three kingdoms. Ho urged his young hearers to study the meaning of -the flag and its history for themselves. Messrs Allen and Duke briefly responded, expressing their pleasure at being present. The party then adjourned to Mr Colehan's paddock, wheie a sports programme wss gone through for the benefit of the juveniles, but this pait of the affair was marred to some extent by rain. Before the party dispersed the children three hearty cheeis for the committee and visitors.