Presentation Watches & Trophies

Lot 2651    Day 2    Presentation Watches & Trophies

Estimate $1,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au

R.J.SEDDON, presentation miniature flag, handcrafted in silver (60x60mm), no maker, reverse inscribed 'Presented to/Right Hon R.J.Seddon/By the Scholars of the Campbell St/School in Memory of the Unfurl-/ling (sic) of the Flag April 17 1901'. Extremely fine.

The following courtesy National Library of New Zealand - Papers Past - from the Manawatu Times, 18th April 1901:^^"Unfurling the Flag.^^The ceremony of unfurliug the flag at the Campbell street School was performed by the Premier yesterday afternoon in the presence of a large gathering of adults and children numbering about 1000. The weather had a threatening aspect at midday, but fortunately it remained fine until the proceedings had practically terminated. The members of the School Committee and teachers of the school had made excellent arrangements for the ceremony, with the result that everything pasted off smoothly. ^^A pretty arch of evergreens was erected at the gateway, in Campbell street, while a platform for the accommodation of the Premier and other visitors was placed at the front entrance of the school. Shortly after two o'clock members of the Manawatu Mounted Rifles, Palmerston Rifles and Guards arrived at the school grounds and were drawn up in position, the scholars and Campbell street Cadet Corps occupying the intervening space between the volunteers and the platform. ^^At 2.15 the Premier accompanied by the Chairman of the School Committee (Mr W.T.Wood), ascended the platform, on which were also assembled Mr Pirani, M.H.R.; the Mayor and Borough Councillors, School Committeemen, Major Hall, Rev C.C.Harper, Miss Seddon, and several other ladies and gentlemen. The flagstaff had been erected in a very convenient position on the southern side of the school, its total height being about 40ft. The flag was presented by Mrs H.Palmer, and the flagstaff by Mr Palmer, the generosity of both being thoroughly appreciated by the parents and children. ^^The ceremony was commenced with the singing of "The Red, White and Blue" by Little Winnie Watson, the children taking part in the chorus. The item was excellently rendered and was much appreciated. Mr Wood (chairman or the School Committee) then introduced the Premier to the gathering, stating that they all felt pleased to see the latter in good health. With regard to the unfurling of flags at public schools he stated that some people were of the opinion that these ceremonies were simply children's fetes, but notwithstanding that idea he was pleased that the Premier was present that day to assist at such a gathering, as it could not fail to impress upon the minds of the children memories of their school days. If they accomplished that result they would be doing what was right and proper. He then went on to state that Mr F.E.Watson, headmaster of the Campbell street school, had been in the service of the Education Board in this town for something like 22 years, and they would therefore understand that a great many scholars had passed through his hands. He regretted that many had forgotten the school after leaving it, and he thought it was to the credit of all to do what they could, to stimulate the minds of the children by giving prizes or helping in some way to induce the children to attend school. He then mentioned that the flag about to be unfurled was the flag of New Zealand and was presented to the school by Mrs H.Palmer, and the flagstaff had been given by Mr Palmer, a member of the committee, who had passed through the school as a pupil under Mr Watson. At this stage cheers were given by the pupils for Mr and Mrs Palmer. Mr Wood thanked the Premier for coming here, knowing that his time was so fully occupied, but he knew he was at all times only too pleased to help and assist the children. Mr Wood concluded his remarks by detailing the programme it was intended to carry out during the afternoon, mentioning also that the school in recognition of his visit intended to make a presentation to the Premier (cheers). ^^The Premier, who was greeted with loud cheers, prefaced his remarks by expressing the pleasure it gave him to be present at the ceremony. The chairman had well stated that where the children were he (the Premier) took pleasure in being. They were to be the men and women of the future, and if they were trained in the way they should go they would be a credit to their parents, a credit to their teachers, and a credit to the colony and to the British Empire. Reference was made to the disappointment and delay caused by his inability to attend on a previous date fixed for the ceremony, owing to stress of business, and an apology was due from him. They had shown their desire for him to conduct the ceremony by waiting until that day, and it was a pleasure for him to come, He was very glad at all times to get away from the seat of Government, and as he was no stranger to Palmerston North, he thought the introductory remarks by the Chairman were scarcely necessary. He stated it was the duty of all public men, and was the duty of teachers and all well-wishers of the Empire and Colony, to inculcate a sound, vigorous, national life. A people without an object, people without national aspirations, are people who must take second place. That had not been so with our nation, for almost from the cradle to the grave our race had possessed a sound national life. ^^Functions of the nature of to-day's ceremony were implanted in the youthful minds, they receive what has taken place, and which is borne in the minds of their parents, hence it is not simply the hoisting of the flag or the floating of the bunting, but there was behind it the national life, which was symbolised to our world by the flag floating over us. ^^Historical facts were narrated in reference to the emblems carried into battle by races waging warfare prior to the Christian era, and in this way described the gradation from the metal emblems used by ancient races to the flags at present in use which were symbolical and emblematic for a better and brighter order of things. He would like to see every school in the colony provided with a book of the flags of the nations of the world. Nothing would prove more in-teresting-and instructive, and prove of more service to the little ones in after life. An insult to the British flag meant an insult to the nation. Every Britisher would resent it and light to the last to wipe out the stain. (Cheers). ^^Reference was then made to the various flags used throughout the world, mention being made of the black piratical banner, the white flag, and signalling pennants. Allusion was made to the disaster that overtook the British flag at Majuba Hill fourteen years ago, but which had now been wiped out most effectively during the present war, in which for the first time in the history of the Empire the sons of the colony had borne their full share in wiping out the stain to which the British flag had been subjected. He incidentally mentioned that he was in possession of a, Boer flag captured by the Third New Zealand Contingent, and also that he had made application to Lord Kitchener for a Kupp gun and pompom captured from the enemy by the same contingent. ^^Dealing With the trip of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, he stated that the colony would very shortly be visited by the Royal visitors, and he hoped on the day of their arrival in the colony, every flag it possessed would be hoisted mast high. He stated that a recommendation had been made that immediately on arrival of the Royal visitors they should touch an electric button, and through the whole length and breadth of our colony the news would be flashed of their arrival and of their goodwill to us as a people. He went on to state that Government had made arrangements for every school in the colony to be provided with a flag, and he would like it to be hoisted monthly. He would also like the teachers to take the top boys and girls of the school who had been well behaved and proved themselves worthy of the honour, place them around the staff with the flag floating over them, and let all the remaining scholars salute the flag. This would encourage other children to work well, so that they might be placed under the flag and saluted during tho following month. ^^He expressed the opinion that the people of New Zealand were destined to be a great nation, and in conclusion he fervently expressed the hope that they would continue on their present lines in educating the boys and girls to respect the Constitution and revere the flag which he was now about to unfurl. (Cheers.) ^^At the request of the Premier cheers were then given for the teachers of the school and for the school. At the request of the Mayor cheers were given for the Premier and Miss Seddon, The Premier then proceeded to the flagstaff and duly hoisted the flag to the accompaniment of "God Save the King" played by the band, and a general salute by the volunteers present. At the conclusion of the National Anthem the Premier was presented by Master Louis Keeling with a miniature silver flag on behalf of the scholars of the school, the hon-gentleman acknowledging the gift in appropriate terms. Mr Watson, head-master of the school, during a few brief remarks, referred to the interest taken by the children in the ceremony which they would consider one of the greatest times they had experienced. He stated the year had been remarkable in that for the first time in history the sons of New Zealand had helped the Mother Country in the field, and it was also remarkable for the production of the Australian Commonwealth. He concluded his remarks by stating that if this occasion proved the means of storing up such memories in the minds of the young people, then the Premier and ladies and gentlemen present would one and all feel that their time in attending the ceremony had not been wasted.^^The prizes won during the course of the year's studies were then handed to the successful scholars by the Premier, Miss Seddon and Mr W.T. Wood alternately, each, as they handed over the very handsome books presented, making encouraging and pleasing remarks to the delighted recipients."^^The following courtesy of Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia:^^Richard John Seddon PC (22 June 1845 - 10 June 1906) was a British-born New Zealand statesman who served as the 15th Premier (Prime Minister) of New Zealand from 1893 until his death in office in 1906.^^First active in local politics, Seddon entered Parliament as the MP for Hokitika in 1879. He became a key member of the Liberal Party under the leadership of John Ballance. When the Liberal Government was elected in 1891 Seddon was appointed to several portfolios, including Minister of Public Works.^^Seddon succeeded to the leadership of the Liberal Party following Ballance's death in 1893, inheriting a bill for women's suffrage, which was passed the same year. Seddon's government achieved many social and economic changes, such as the introduction of old age pensions. An imperialist in foreign policy, his attempt to incorporate Fiji into New Zealand failed, but he successfully annexed the Cook Islands in 1901. He also purchased vast amounts of land from the Maori. Seddon's government supported Britain with troops in the Second Boer War (1899-1902) and supported preferential trade between British colonies.^^In office for thirteen years, Seddon is to date the country's longest-serving head of government. Sometimes derisively known as "King Dick" for his autocratic style, he has nonetheless been lauded as one of the greatest, most influential and widest-known politicians in New Zealand history.