RAG CONTROVERSY

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1000, 17 June 1930, Page 9

RAG CONTROVERSY

EX-SERVICEMEN’S CLAIM TO APIA STANDARD RETAINED IN AUCKLAND Which was the German flag taken down from the administrative headquarters at Apia when the New Zealand Expeditionary Force occupied Western Samoa on August 29. 1914? From all kinds of unexpected quarters in New Zealand, claimants are unwrapping German flags after years of existence in bottom drawers, to declare them to be the actual and the one flag of Apia. All these claimants are positive that their flags are the authentic flag. The controversy has roused the Auckland Ex-Servicemen's Samoan Association to bring forward a German flag in its possession. The members of the association are definite that they have the actual, disputed expanse of bunting. Throughout the years, it has been carefully preserved, and has been repaired to almost its onnigal condition. This fiag is 14ft 6in long and Sft 9in deep. No doubt exists in the minds of the members. Each year, on the Saturday nearest to August £9. they hold a reunion and the flag incident has been frequently recalled. Its freshness has been kept alive. There are probably 250 members of the association, and the former Administrator of Western Famoa, MajorGeneral Sir George Richardson, i* patron. Captain L. P. Leary is now president of the organisation. and former presidents include Major W. Kay, Sergeant D. Cresser and Major G. L. Simeon. The secretary, Captain G. H. Forsythe, N.Z.F.A., who brought the flag to The Sun Office yesterday afternoon, considers that the associations possession is the authentic flag. It was taken from the headquarters by a private of the Third Auckland Regi - ment.