THE FLAG GOES BY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 986, 28 January 1909, Page 23

THE FLAG GOES BY.

(By

H. H. Bennett.)

Hats off! Along the street there conies A hlare of bugles, a ruffle of drums A flash of colour beneath the sky; Hats off! The flag is passing by.

Blue and crimson and white it shines, Over the steel-tipped ordered lines. Hats off! The colours before us fly; But more than thie flag is passing by.

Sea fights and land fights, grim and great, Fought to make and to save the state; Weary marches, and sinking ships; Cheers of victory on dying lips.

Days of plenty and days of peace; March of a strong land’s swift increase; Equal justice, right, and law, Stately honour, and reverent awe.

Sign of a nation, great and strong To ward her people from foreign wrong; Pride and glory and honour, all Live in the colours to stand or fall.

Hats off! Along the street there comes A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums; And .loyal hearts are beating high; Hats off! The flag is passing by!