UNFURLING THE FLAG.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue XXIV, 16 June 1900, Page 1119

UNFURLING THE FLAG.

On Saturday morning the ceremony of unfurling the flag at Napierstreet School. Auckland, was performed by His Excellency the Governor, Lord Ranfurly, under most favourable circumstances. The fine weather attracted a large attendance of spectators, and the effect of the gay bunting and the crowds of children all wearing “the colours" was most pleasing. His Excellency, who was accompanied by the Hon. Charles Hill Trevor, A.D.C., was received by Mr. Squirrel!, chairman of the City Schools Committee, and conducted to a seat on the dais. After unfurling the flag His Excellency said it gave him very great pleasure to assist In the function. lie was leaving Auckland shortly, but he trusted be would

be back next year. He did not mind how hard he was worked so long as his efforts gave pleasure to the |>eoplc <»f this great city. (Applause.) Their flag was a glorious one, and they should guard it as a regiment guarded its colours. Nowadays colours were out of fashion in the field, but they were guarded as sacredly as ever, so it should be with the flag. He noticed a volunteer corps in connection with the school, and he hoped that it would soon be efficiently armed and extend its work beyond mere drill. His Excellency concluded his address by quoting a poem by Alfred Austin on the subject, “Is Life Worth Living?" “Sons of the Sea,” was then sung by one of the boys (Master W. Harvey). the children joining in the chorus. After an address by the ActingMayor (Mr. A. Kidd) a squad from the Cadet Corps, under Mr. Dunlop, gave a splendid exhibition of bayonet exercise, and were loudly applauded. This was followed by a very pretty exhibition of club exercise by a squad of girls—all wearing red. white and blue streamers —under Miss Ethel Tremain. Master W. Harvey then sang “Soldiers of the Queen." the children joining in the chorus. The cadet battalion then marched past His Excellency, each company commander saluting. Three cheers for Lord and Lady Ranfurly were given enthusiastically, and the National Anthem brought the function to a close. During the ceremony His Excellency was presented with a button-hole by Miss Vera Scott, and with bouquets by Miss Jessie Matthews and Miss Dorothy Castle.