OUR FLAG

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 4, 28 April 1939, Page 3

OUR FLAG

HOW IT IS MADE UP We are all thoroughly familiar with our red, white and blue Union Jack, but do we all know exa-ctly how it is made up? It is a combination of three different crosses. The first of these is the cross of St. George of England. This is a red cross on a white ground, and in early times it alone formed the flag of England. When James VI of Scotland became King of England also in 1603. the two countries, England and Scotland, were united, so. by James's order, their flags were also united in 1606. This meant that the cross of St. Andrew for Scotland was added to the cross of St. George. St. Andrew's cross is a diagonal white cross, known as a saltire, on, a blue ground. This ground colour brings the blue into our flag. The combination of these two crosses wn« not recognised as such by law until the Act of Union between England and Scotland in 1707. Still another addition was made to the flag in 1801. In that year the Union with Ireland took place, and the cross of St. Patrick for Ireland was added to the other two. This last cross is diagonal red on a white ground. If you look carefully at a Union Jack you will be able to make cut the three different crosses .worked in with one another.. Strips of white been left in each place between the red and the blue, because it was a special rule of heraldry that ono colour should not be set directly beside another. MY MATL BOX Dear Peter the Whaler, I am enclosing three penny stamps to become a member of your club. I shall try to obey all rules, and be a faithful member. Yours faithfully Pamela Gartshore. I'm sure you will be a good mem* ber and keep all the rules. I must compliment you on the neatness ol your answer. P.T.W. * # # # Dear Peter the Whaler, My name is Colcma n Mon. teith Haynes and I am 12 years old. I enclose threepence to join your ''Good Endeavour League'' Yours faithfully C. Haynes. Good for you skipper. I have enrolled you as one of my engineroom staff. See you next week. AH good wishes. P.T.W. * ♦ * * Dear Peter the Whaler, I wish to become a member of your jolly crew., I am 12 years of age. I am enclosing 3d in stamps for the members fee. Yours sincerely, Dorothy Barton. Welcome aboard Dorothy, you will sec by your certificate which I hope you received safely just what your duties are. Write again soon. All good Avishes. P.ST.W. * * # * Dear Peter the Whaler, Will you please enroll me as member of the Good "Endeavour" League lor Avhich I enclose 3d in stamps. I remain, Yours faithfully, Roweiia Woods. / Welcome to our good ship and may you become an efficient member. All good wishes. P.T.W. * * * * Dear Peter the Whaler, Will you please enrol me as a member of the "Good Endeavour" League for Avhich 1 enclose 3d in stamps. I remain, Yours faithfully, Valerie Woods. Cheerful AA'eathcr to you too Valerie. May we see a lot of you during the cruise over the dancing waves. All good Avishes.. P.T.W. THE BUSY CORNER Wife: Where can I put this so I won't forget it before I go out? Husband: In front of the mirror.