CHERISHED MEMENTO

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18540, 10 April 1930, Page 8

CHERISHED MEMENTO

BYRD’S NEW ZEALAND FLAG. By Telegraph—Pr-2*a Association WELLINGTON, April 9. To be preserved as one of New Zealand's cherished possessions, a Dominion flag carried by Rear-Admiral Byrd, on his flight over the South Pole was returned to the Government by the explorer at a ministerial luncheon accorded him to-day. “We carried with us across the South Pole the flag of New Zealand, and I now wish to return it to the Government,” said Admiral Byrd in quietly handing the ensign to the deputy-leader of the Government (Hon. G. W. Forbes). “This other flag I will take home with me, and present it to the United States Gove ment.” The combination of the American and New Zealand flags in the table decoration scheme was noted by the Admiral. “I have been looking,” he said, “at the two flags together on the tables—ours and yours That is how they should be. I hope they always will be. I have no doubt in the world that they will be as far cs civilisation and humanity are concerned. We have the same common interests. I take this opportunity of heartily reciprocating the sentiments of goodwill which have been expressed.” In reply, Air Forbes said the Government was highly honoured in receiving the flag from the hands of Admiral Byrd. It would be treasured as the mememto of an historic event. The Minister asked the Admiral on his return to America to act as an unofficial ambassador lor New Zealand, and to convey to the President and the people of the United States the Dominion’s best wishes for their future prosperity.