BRITISH FLAG TAXED.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 8 May 1925, Page 9

BRITISH FLAG TAXED.

American Customs Levy.

“AFFRONT TO BRITISH QUESTS."

By Cable—Preu AeeoaUtJoa—-Copyright. Australian and N.Z, Cable Amooiatlon Received May 7, ?.B p,m, NEW May 6.

A mild sensation was caused when the British delegates to tho Convention of Associated Advertising Clubs of the World, which Is being held in Houston, Texas, were compelled to pay twelve dollars Customs duty on a British flag which they brought for presentation to the city of Houston.

The story dates back to last year’s Convention in England, when the New York delegation carried the flags of the United States, New York State and New York City, which were presented to York City. On that occasion, the Duke of York arid other dignitaries received the American Delegation with elaborate ceremony. The City of York accepted the flags, placing them reverently in the City Hall. This year the British delegates, desiring to return the courtesy, brought a large British flag for Houston. When the Customs officials questioned the British, they explained that the flag was intended for a gift and not for sale. Notwithstanding indignant protests by their American hosts to the Customs authorities, the Britishers were advised that the duty on the flag was twelve dollars, which they paid. American advertising men, still angered at what they regarded as an affront to their guests, demanded a rebate of the sum paid. The New York officials dispassionately replied that the money was in the till and only an Act of Congress oould get it out.

Washington officials asserted that the law. says that flags must pay 60 per cent., duty, and- there is no more reason for suspending it for British-, ers than for suspending the prohibition law for them, but privately they deplored the necessity for collecting the money. /