Unfurling the Flag at Northcote.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue III, 21 July 1900, Page 123

Unfurling the Flag at Northcote.

The unfurling of the Union Jack at the Northcote School. Auckland, was |»erformvd on Saturday last. July 14th. by the Mayor of Birkenhead (Mr <’. E. Button) in the presence of a large enthusiastic gathering. In addition to the residents of the school district, which embraces Northcote, Birkenhead ami Chelsea, the ceremony was a’so attended by Messrs Andrew Geddes ami Jas. Bcacocke. of the Mt'. Held Schoo) Committee. Mr 11. Flewellyn, of the Birkdale Committee. and’numerous other visitors from the surrounding districts. Shortly after three o’clock the proceedings were opened by a short speech from the Chairman of the Northcote School Committee (Mr G. Low), in which he expressed the hope that the feeling of patriotism which It was the object of the present ceremony to impress upon the children, would be long retained by them. The Northcote brass band, led by their conductor (Mr Hunter), then played “Sons of the Sea” in a very creditable manner. The Mayor then mounted a platform and delivered some remarks upon the worth and beauty of patriotism, upon the symbols of power and liberty embraced in the three crosses of St. George, St. Andrew’ and St. Patrick, of which the British Hag was composed, ami also upon the reverence with which he had no doubt the headmaster would re quire his children to regard and daily salute the flag. Following upon this th headmaster (Mr Alfred Taylor) put his scholars through the old martial song.

“Red, White and Blue” witn singularly pleasant effect. The girls and boys were drawn up facing the flagstaff in two separate squads, and most of them wore ribbons of red, white ana blue, which gave a pretty colouring to the picture. As the voices ceased Mr Adams, of the Northcote Presbyterian Church, offered prayer, and then the act of unfurling was duly performed by Mr Button, Cneers were given as the flag reached the head of the staff, and a verse of the National Anthem w’as sung, the school children rendering the additional verses. At the close of the singing al) the children tiled past the flag, the boys saluting in military fashion, while the band played “Soldiers of the Queen." Thev were reformed and addressed by the headmaster, at whose request cheers were given for air Tarry (the donor of the flagstaff). Mr Button, the band for voluntary services, the members of the School Committee, ami the contributors to the funds. The children also heartily cheered the headmaster, at the suggestion of Mr Button, and then, what was probably the most important event of the afternoon, from the chi’ Ire i’s point of view, the distribution of oranges and bags of lollies, was proceeded with by Committeemen and teachers. The visitors were then invited into the school building, where afternoon tea was dispensed by the wives and daughters of the members of the Committee, assisted by Mrs Alex. Wilson, Mrs W. Thompson, the teachers. and numerous other young ladles.