MASTERTON'S "WELCOME FLAG."

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9157, 3 August 1908, Page 4

MASTERTON'S "WELCOME FLAG."

It certainly seems to be entirely appropriate that the welcome flags, which are being forwarded to Auckland, on the occasion of the visit by the American fleet, by various boroughs throughout the Dominion, should be presented to the fleet, and carried away by them as souvenirs of New Zealan l's welcome. We may rest assure J. tiat such souvenirs would be greatly appreciated by our American ousins, and that they would be sent tt America, and thera deposited in some suitable place of honour. Somewhat thoughtlessly, it seems to us, some ."ninety per cent, of the boroughs sending flags have asked that their flags be returned after the departure of the fleet." Subscribers to Masterton's welcome flag are, however, desirous that the flag should be presented to the fleet. Mr J. Hunter, chairman of the committee, appointed by Nthe subscribers, and with whom the idea, as a matter of fact, originated, telegraphed to Sir Joseph Ward, the other day, as follows,: -"Sir Joseph Ward, Parliamentary Buildings, Wellington. -p-Subscribers to Masterton welcome flag suggest that all flags be presented to the American fleet; will you kindly reply if the suggestion meets with your approval.~-J. Hunter, Chairman." On Saturday the Premier replied, by telegram, as follows: "J. Hiinter, Esq., Masterton.—ln reply to your telegram, as ninety per cent, of boroughs sending flags have asked that their flags be returned after departure, I regret your proposal that they be presented to fleet does not appear practical. To pre sent a proportion of the flags only would not be advisable.—J. G. Ward." It is evident that the Premier, himself approves of the proposal, for he remarks, "I regret your proposal. .' . . does not appear practical." It w'll be regrettable if the matter is allowed to drop, and we think, in fact we feel sure, that if Sir Joseph Ward were "to father" the suggestion, that all boroughs subscribing flags would speedily adopt it with the greatest of pleasure. ' *