Commonwealth of Australia Gazette
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette Number 8
Department of External Affairs,
Melbourne, 8th August, 1903.
His Excellency the Governor-General directs the publication of the subjoined “Miscellaneous” Despatch of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and enclosure, representing the Flag adopted as the Merchant Flag of the Commonwealth of Australia, to be flown by vessels registered in the Commonwealth.
Edmund Barton,
Minister of State for External Affairs.
Commonwealth of Australia.
Downing-street, 24th June, 1903.
My Lord,
With reference to my despatch “Miscellaneous” of 29th December last, I have the honour to transmit to Your Lordship a Warrant issued by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty authorizing the Flag adopted as the Merchant Flag of the Commonwealth of Australia to be flown by vessels registered in the Commonwealth.
I have, &c.,
(Sgd.) J. Chamberlain.
Governor-General,
His Excellency Lord Tennyson, K.C.M.G., &c., &c., &c.
BY THE COMMISSIONERS FOR EXECUTING THE OFFICE OF LORD HIGH ADMIRAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND, &C.
Whereas His Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve of the adoption as the Merchant Flag of the Commonwealth of Australia of the Red Ensign of His Majesty’s Fleet defaced as follows:–
In the centre of the lower canton next the staff, and pointing direct to the centre of the St. George’s Cross in the Union Jack in the upper canton next the staff, a White Six-pointed Star, indicating the six Federated States of Australia, and in the fly five smaller White Stars, representing the Southern Cross;
And whereas by the seventy-third section of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 it is provided that the Red Ensign usually worn by merchant ships, without any defacement or modification, shall be the proper National Colours for all ships and boats, and any other ship or boat for the time being allowed to wear any other National Colours in pursuance of a Warrant from His Majesty or from the Admiralty;
We do, by virtue of the power and authority vested in us, hereby warrant and authorize the Red Ensign of His Majesty’s Fleet, defaced as stated above, to be used on board vessels registered in the Commonwealth of Australia.
Given under our hands and the seal of the Office of Admiralty this fourth day of June, 1903.
(Signed) J.A. FISHER. J. DURNFORD.
By Command of their Lordships,
(Sd.) EVAN MACGREGOR.