FLAG FROM SAMOA.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18024, 20 May 1930, Page 3

FLAG FROM SAMOA.

WHERE IS IT RESTING? EX-LIBRARIAN’S VERSION. Reference to the German flag which was hauled down at Apia, Samoa, in August, 1014, was recently made in a Wellington paper when it was stated that the Hag was now hanging on the walls of the vestibule of the Auckland Public Library.

The opinicii that this flag is not the original one which lie claims is in a j room at Parliamentary Library at WelI lington, was expressed by Mr J. J. j CcsLail, who for 4 5 years .was assist- ! ant librarian at the Parliamentary 'Library and retired about six years | ago. Mr Gostall bears a striking reI semblance to Lord Jellicoe. j Some years ago, Mr Costall stated, i he was offered a bribe by a foreigner | for the flag, which is a magnificent j silk one, and on which is inscribed the | signature 'of Colonel Logan, who ordered the flag to be lowered when the New Zealand troops took possession of Samoa. Mr Costall informed Mr Charles Wilson, who was then head librarian, of the incident and expressed his fears that efforts might be made to steal it. As a result the flag, together with a new Zealand ensign j from one of the warships which visited Samoa at that time, was removed lo the magazine room and kept under lock and key where Mr Costall believes it is to-day. A report circulated recently wVch drew forth the comment in the Wellington paper stated that the flag in question was mysteriously hiding at Rangiotu, near Palmerston North. II was said that “ obviously someone has got things rather mixed." With tile addition of Mr Costall’s story, things still appear to be somewhat mixed as three resting-places for the historic emblem have now been cited.

Probably an official intimation from Dr. G. 11. Schofield, now librarian at the Parliamentary Library, would clarify the position. .1