EXCHANGE OF FLAGS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 200, 19 May 1919, Page 4

EXCHANGE OF FLAGS

BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND FKENCH SCHOOLS.

London, May' 16. Official: Mr. Massoy visited Boulogne on Wednesday to attend tho ceremony of the exchange of national flags between the College Marictte at Boulogne, cue of the oldest secondary schools' in Prance, and named after the famous scientist, and the scholars of the Hawera High School, New Zealand. The desire in France to establish, in permanent strength, a friendly feeling between both countries is very strong, and the reciprocal interest v of the Hawera scholars is keenly appreciated. The ceremony was very picturesque-, many special guests and an English 'band being present to welcome Mr. Massey, who. referred to the eager, practical manner in which the people of New Zealand had Tallied to the aid of Franco against the menace of Prussian control of free nations.

Mr. ■ Massey emphasised the need _of inculcating in the youth of the Allied countries the love of nationhood and of the unfettered freedom for which the armies of both countries had fought together on many battlefields. Their common service and sacrifice had formed permanent ties of friendship, and he hoped that , future generations, in enjoying the fruits of victory, would, •in the less heroic activities of both countries, make these ties stronger. The French flag which goes to New Zealand is an exceedingly handsome one.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.