Digital NZ Atom Feed of Search Results

GREY R.S.A. (Grey River Argus, 24 February 1920)

2010-03-11T06:30:54.558Z

SEFTON 1918 snow. Gaslight.

2010-03-11T05:04:00.884Z

ANZAC Day parade

2010-03-11T05:03:51.924Z

View of an Anzac Day parade marching east on Arawa Street passing Town Square.

Trenches, WWI

2010-03-11T02:44:20.913Z

View from the trenches during WWI in Belgium.

Medical Corps, WWI

2010-03-11T02:44:20.853Z

WWI Medical Corps walking on wooden board walk over muddy ground in Belgium, circa 1917.

Medical Corps, WWI

2010-03-11T02:44:20.793Z

WWI Medical Corps carrying wounded military personnel on a stretcher, Belgium circa 1917.

Group outside Slingshot and Homechurch Convalescent Home, England

2010-03-11T02:44:06.113Z

Photo postcard of a group of wounded soldiers with two nurses posing between two buildings. Ruthven McLauren Monteath is pictured in the second row, second in from the left. He was convalescing in Slingshot and Homechurch Convalescent Home, England after being wounded in France during WWI. Postcard was written by Monteath and dated 8/12/1918.

'Unveiling of Reverend John Whiteley memorial stone at Pukearuhe'

2010-03-11T02:44:03.464Z

Fan

2010-03-11T02:43:48.384Z

This fan was carried by Natalie Reville as part of her wedding outfit. In a wedding photo Mrs Reville is shown holding the fan which originally belonged to her mother whose maiden name was Mollie Tucker. The fan was a gift to Mollie from her father, Fredrick Tucker. Mr Tucker sent the fan home from Palestine during WWI. Mrs Reville came to New Plymouth in 1950 to work as a nurse and it was during this time that she met her husband. She was married on July 5 1955 and she had her wedding dress made in New Plymouth by Mrs Suhr, a local dressmaker. The materials for the dress were purchased at Haughton's Dress Fabric shop.

Returned Soliders Club Hawera

2010-03-11T02:43:47.614Z

Architectural plans for the Returned Soliders Club located on Princes Street in Hawera. 1921 The Returned Services Club building is a single storey timber framed structure with a textured stucco plaster finish; the joinery is timber (with some aluminium) and the roof is sheathed in corrugated iron. The original architectural drawing shows the billiard room on the south side with timber trusses spanning across the room and supporting lanterns in the roof; alongside (on the north side) were a lounge, committee room, kitchen and other service rooms. The front elevation to Princes Street has a wide porch with columns forming a generous entrance; a wing on either side with an arched parapet each contains a floral wreath above the windows, symbol of peace. The Club building was constructed in 1921 and just before the War Memorial Arch. It has served its original purpose to the present day, with some modifications - externally a part of the front porch area has been built in and additions have been made to the rear (Hawera Town Centre Heritage Inventory, South Taranaki District Council PE10, p.89).

Passchendaele memorial locomotive

2010-03-10T20:40:10.282Z

A B 608, Passchendaele , on display at New Zealand railways’ centennial celebrations in In 1925 the minister of railways, Gordon Coates, agreed to a proposal to name a steam locomotive ‘in memory of those members of the New Zealand Railways who fell in the Great War’. More than 5000 railwaymen serve...

Lancaster Park war memorial, Christchurch

2010-03-10T20:30:39.350Z

Lancaster Park war memorial, Christchurch. The plaque reads 'To Commemorate the Glorious Deeds of the Athletes of this Province in the Great War Aug. 1914-Nov. 1918'.

Birch Hill Station war memorial

2010-03-10T20:30:14.681Z

Detail of plaque on the Birch Hill Station war memorial. It reads: "In memory of the men of Birch Hill Station, who fought in the Great War. 1914-1918. J.T. Ford, W.J. Thompson, H.B. Brittan, P. Burke, M. Pavelka, H.D. Harris, J. Tait, A. George, M. Fitzgibbon, H. Coombes." Detail of plaque on the B...

Passchendaele: fighting for Belgium

2010-03-10T20:20:12.948Z

Belgian battle scene Since 1917 Passchendaele has been a byword for the horror of the Great War. The name conjures images of a shattered landscape of mud, shell craters and barbed wire, and of helpless soldiers mown down by machine-guns and artillery. The capture of the Belgian village of Passchenda...

Ashley war memorial

2010-03-10T20:20:11.938Z

Ashley war memorial. Situated on Fawcetts Road, opposite Ashley School. THE ROLL OF HONOUR 1914-1918 WAR ASHLEY GORGE SCHOOL Information from the original Ashley Gorge School Honours Board now at the "Northbrook Museum" of Richard Spark at Rangiora.

Bluff RSA memorial park

2010-03-10T20:10:34.094Z

Crosses at the Bluff New Zealand Returned and Services' Association memorial park.

Tapanui RSA roll of honour board

2010-03-10T20:10:33.384Z

Detail from the honours board showing the names listed.

Today in History

2010-03-10T20:10:30.974Z

Six p.m. closing of pubs was introduced as a 'temporary' wartime measure. It ushered in what became know as the 'six o'clock swill', as patrons aimed to get their fill before closing time. The practice lasted for the next 50 years. Since the 1880s the campaign for the prohibition of alcohol had dev..

Today in History

2010-03-10T20:10:29.454Z

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month marks the moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front in 1918, with the signing of the Armistice. In 2004 an Unknown New Zealand Warrior from the First World War was laid to rest at the National War Memorial. Despite the difficult circumstance..

Today in History

2010-03-10T20:10:26.404Z

For decades, many people believed that a deadly new influenza virus came to New Zealand aboard the Royal Mail liner Niagara , which arrived in Auckland from Vancouver and San Francisco on 12 October 1918. This is no longer thought to have been the case. Among the ship's passengers were Prime Minist..

Today in History

2010-03-10T20:10:26.214Z

Six p.m. closing for pubs was introduced as a 'temporary' wartime measure in December 1917. It was made permanent the following year, ushering in what became know as the 'six o'clock swill', as patrons aimed to get their fill before closing time. Since the 1880s the campaign for the prohibition of ..

Tapanui Cemetery RSA flagpole

2010-03-10T20:10:23.904Z

Plaques at the base of the flagpole.

Riverton RSA roll of honour board

2010-03-10T20:10:14.055Z

Riverton RSA roll of honour board, 2008. Details from the roll of honour showing the names listed.

Mataura war memorial

2010-03-10T20:10:12.565Z

Mataura war memorial, c1986. Mataura war memorial in its new position opposite the Mataura RSA, 2008. Details from the memorial showing the names listed.

North Otago memorial oaks

2010-03-10T20:00:30.972Z

Visitors entering or leaving Oamaru via Severn Street pass through the start of New Zealand's largest war memorial, the North Otago memorial oaks. In 1919 locals planted 400 oak trees in North Otago, one for every serviceman from the district killed during the war. They were planted in the form of ...

Balfour RSA war memorial plaques

2010-03-10T20:00:29.461Z

Balfour war memorial plaques situated on the wall of the Balfour Bowling Club/RSA building.

Pukekohe RSA memorial

2010-03-10T20:00:29.091Z

Pukekohe Returned Servicemen Lawn Cemetery memorial chapelet. On 12 April 1949, during an official visit to Pukekohe, the Governor-General Sir Bernard Freyburg V.C. unveiled a memorial chaplet (chapelet) in the Pukekohe Returned Servicemen’s lawn cemetery in Wellington Street. This included a Pukeko...

Tuakau War Memorial Hall

2010-03-10T20:00:23.222Z

Tuakau War Memorial Hall. On 18 March 1918, a roll of honour listing local men who had been on active service during the war was unveiled at the Tuakau public hall. Work soon began on a more substantial memorial to the town and district's fallen, and on 15 September 1924 the Tuakau War Memorial Hall...

Today in History

2010-03-10T20:00:19.931Z

The journalist, poet and novelist, born Iris Wilkinson, was one of New Zealand's finest writers of the inter-war era. Troubled for years by depression, illness and poverty, she took her own life in London. Read more about Robin Hyde's life here. Although today best known for her novels Passport to ..

Today in History

2010-03-10T20:00:19.532Z

As his damaged Hawker Typhoon fighter-bomber rapidly lost height, Pilot Officer James Stellin struggled to avoid crashing into Saint-Maclou-la-Brière, a village of 370 people in the Seine-Maritime region. He succeeded, but at the cost of his own life. The villagers gave him a hero’s funeral and have..

Today in History

2010-03-10T19:50:18.668Z

Bolt was an outstanding figure in the development of commercial aviation in this country. He achieved a number of aviation firsts, taking New Zealand's first aerial photographs in 1912 and delivering its first official airmail in 1919. He later served with the RNZAF during the Second World War. Tod..

Anzac Day

2010-03-10T19:40:29.565Z

Anzac Day occurs on 25 April. It commemorates all New Zealanders killed in war and also honours returned servicemen and women. Anzac art 1916 The date itself marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the Anzacs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. The aim was to ...

Helensville war memorial hall

2010-03-10T19:40:20.795Z

Helensville war memorial hall. Located on Commercial Road, Helensville, near Porter Cres. Part of larger complex including Kaipara RSA, Helensville Library & Service Centre and Plunket. View Larger Map

Silverdale RSA cenotaph

2010-03-10T19:40:20.505Z

Silverdale cenotaph at the Silverdale RSA on Viponds Rd, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa. A memorial wall runs alongside the driveway to the cenotaph. The original Silverdale First World War memorial still stands outside the original home of the RSA at Silverdale War Memorial Park.

Silverdale war memorial

2010-03-10T19:40:20.425Z

Silverdale war memorial c1986. This memorial stands outside the original home of the Silverdale RSA at Silverdale War Memorial Parkon the Hibiscus Coast highway. The RSA is now at Viponds Rd, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa where there is a new cenotaph . Jock Phillips and Chris Maclean, c1986

Patearoa memorial

2010-03-10T19:30:32.003Z

Patearoa war memorial near Ranfurly. The lower section of the 1914 plate reads: 1939 - 1945 Pte R B McLaren Lt F F Greer Which is a duplicate of the inscription on the left side of the memorial. Interesting that the First World War is noted as 1914-1919.

East Taieri war memorial

2010-03-10T19:30:31.302Z

East Taieri war memorial. The memorial is in the grounds of the East Taieri Cemetery which is located on the outskirts of Mosgiel. The plaque shows the RSA badge, then "Lest we Forget" underneath, and "Mosgiel RSA" underneath both.

Today in History

2010-03-10T19:30:27.282Z

New Zealand troops were part of the Allied invasion force that landed at what became known as Anzac Cove. Nearly 60% of the 8500 New Zealanders who served at Gallipoli would be killed, die from illness or be wounded. For nine long months New Zealanders, Australians and allies from France and the Br..

Today in History

2010-03-10T19:30:27.222Z

A total of 245,059 small poppies and 15,157 larger versions were sold, earning £13,166. Of that amount, £3,695 was sent to help war-ravaged areas of northern France; the remainder went to assist unemployed returned soldiers and their families. The idea of selling artificial poppies to raise funds f..

Thames war memorial

2010-03-10T19:30:16.522Z

Thames war memorial. The memorial in 2007: Thanks to Jeni Palmer for supplying these (and the 2007 image). She writes, 'it is not clear from the monument whether it is only for WWI or includes those lost in other wars. It starts out alphabetical and then adds on more names.' Find out more about the ...

Kaitaia First World War memorial

2010-03-10T19:30:15.592Z

Kaitaia war memorial. The very first war memorial erected to commemorate the dead of the First World War was unveiled at Kaitaia on 24 March, 1916, less than year after the landing at Gallipoli and with the torments of the western front still to come. A Maori, L.T.Busby of Pukepoto in the far north,...

Kyeburn and Kokonga war memorial

2010-03-10T19:30:11.782Z

Kyburn and Kokonga war memorial located in Swinburn Cemetery. FIRST SIDE: Erected by the residents of Kyeburn and Kokonga to the memory of their fallen soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the Great War 1914-1918 THEIR DUTY DONE Unveiled April 1920 There is a link death cannot sever Fond remem...

Tuatapere war memorial library

2010-03-10T19:30:11.442Z

The memorial library at Tuatapere, Southland, image c1987. Tuatapere memorial library in 2008. Roll of Honour board inside the library. Image of Private Albert Sneyd, killed in action in August 1915.

Floss, the New Zealand Army rugby mascot

2010-03-10T19:20:29.868Z

The New Zealand Army rugby team is pictured at Codford Camp, near Bristol, in 1917. The team toured several English cities and apparently never lost a game. Their mascot, Floss, sits in front. According to a report in the RSA Review , November 1969: Floss performing tricks while her fans take photo...

Riverton First World War memorial

2010-03-10T19:20:24.738Z

Riverton First World War memorial in c1987. Riverton memorial in May 2008. This information provided courtesy of Mark Portnick. One column on the monument has: TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND OF THOSE OF THIS TOWN AND DISTRICT WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918 carved into the stone work itself...

New Zealand and Le Quesnoy

2010-03-10T19:20:22.629Z

Le Quesnoy memorial window, Cambridge Just a week before the end of the First World War in November 1918, the New Zealand Division captured the French town of Le Quesnoy. It was the New Zealanders' last major action in the war. To this day, the town of Le Quesnoy continues to mark the important role...

The liberation of Le Quesnoy

2010-03-10T19:20:21.079Z

The capture of the French town of Le Quesnoy by the New Zealand Division on 4 November 1918 has special significance in New Zealand's military history. This is not merely because it was the last major action by the New Zealanders in the Great War – the armistice followed a week later – but also beca...

Whataroa Second World War memorial

2010-03-10T15:30:44.656Z

Outside the RSA, on the main street of Whataroa, is a simple slab commemorating the end of the Second World War. The slab has been cut from blue kyanite schist - a unique rock type found only as boulders in Jacobs River. I understand that there are memorials inside the RSA building, but was unable t...

Hokitika war memorial

2010-03-10T15:30:38.686Z

Hokitika war memorial in the mid-1980s. The Hokitika memorial in 2005, showing names. Westland District Second World War Memorial (RSA building) at Sewell St, Hokitika. Image from Simon Nathan, 2008.

Taihape war memorial

2010-03-10T15:30:27.856Z

Taihape war memorial. Taihape war memorial in 2008. The Taihape RSA don't know when the memorial was updated to include the Second World War names, but the Second World War 50th Anniversary Plaques were attached in 1995. The Korea, Malaysia and South Vietnam names were unveiled 25 April 1998. The 10...

Omahu war memorial, Coromandel

2010-03-10T15:30:19.127Z

Omahu war memorial. Omahu is 3 km north of Hikutaia on the Coromandel Peninsula between Paeroa and Thames. This memorial records that it was first erected in Wharepoa 1922 and resited 1973. It was erected 'In memory of the men from Wharepoa and Omahu who fought in the war 1914-1919'. Among the names...

Men and machines - the Battle of the Somme

2010-03-10T15:20:29.073Z

By the time of the Somme offensive of 1916, the Great War had become shaped by artillery. Villages, woods and fields were reduced to drab wilderness by relentless shellfire and blighted by the squalid apparatus needed to support hordes of soldiers. No Man's Land became so featureless that it was...

Petone railway station war memorial

2010-03-10T15:20:20.943Z

A large crowd gathers by the flagpole alongside Petone railway station during Anzac Day commemorations in 1916. On the first anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, 25 April 1916, a commemorative flagpole made from kauri and Australian hardwood – symbolising ‘the unity of Australian and New Zealand r...

The many derelicts of the War? Great War veterans and repatriation in Dunedin and Ashburton, 1918 to 1928

2010-03-10T15:10:42.860Z

The New Zealand Government�s repatriation measures to assist Great War veterans have largely been considered a failure. This thesis examines repatriation through the experiences of Dunedin and Ashburton veterans, demonstrating that within the context of the 1920s pre-welfare state these provisions proved to be both generous and far more successful than is often suggested. The Government�s repatriation response to returning veterans reflected contemporary attitudes towards dependency and need. Belief in self-reliance underpinned repatriation policy, with a stated aim of restoring veterans to the civil position they held prior to enlistment rather than providing assistance to move up the occupational ladder. Fear of the morally corrosive effect of dependency, as well as economic concerns, meant the repatriation provisions were principally concerned with ensuring veterans regained financial independence through employment. To that end war pensions compensated for lost earning power, rather than providing a full living income, and repatriation provisions largely consisted of assistance in finding jobs or obtaining farms and businesses. The Government�s repatriation provisions also reflected contemporary medical knowledge. The repatriation legislation restricted war pensions and free medical care to veterans with disabilities directly attributable to military service. However the link between military service and disability remained unclear in many cases. Slightly more than half of those discharged unfit suffered from sickness rather than wounds, many from conditions common among the civilian population. Contemporary aetiological knowledge often did not support the war pension applications lodged by returned soldiers disabled as a result of non-contagious disease, and an absence of clinical evidence undermined claims of latent illness. In addition the medical profession�s failure to adopt psychological theory and practice meant that by the early 1920s shell shock sufferers were treated according to psychiatric medicine�s understanding of mental illness. Within the context of 1920s New Zealand the repatriation provisions were generous: the Repatriation Department�s work had no precedent; the war disabled were one of the few groups to receive state pensions and received more than other state pensioners; and the provisions of the soldier settlement scheme were available to all veterans, regardless of health, capital or farming experience. Despite the limited aims of the Government�s repatriation provisions many veterans did successfully re-establish themselves in civilian society. By the 1930s Ashburton soldier settlements had proved more successful than others in Canterbury, and compared well with other crown settlements in Ashburton County. More generally war service produced no dramatic change in the occupational structure of veterans: veterans generally retained their occupational status during the post-war decade, volunteers faring slightly better than conscripts but neither as well as their civilian counterparts. Although some veterans certainly did experience need and indigence after the war the majority of urban and rural men in the sample groups were financially stable, particularly after the boom and bust of the immediate post-war years. The men in the Dunedin and Ashburton sample groups represent the most successful of the returned soldier population nevertheless they show that a significant proportion of Great War veterans were successfully repatriated by the end of the post-war decade.

Sepulture perpetuelle : New Zealand and Gallipoli : possession, preservation and pilgrimage 1916-1965

2010-03-10T15:10:39.260Z

Constructions of memory, myth and legend relating to Gallipoli have dominated the academic assumption which suggests that this dimension alone has allowed for the reawakening of the exceptional interest in the Anzac tradition; a tradition that has converged at the physical site in modern day Turkey. While these intangible constructions have waxed, waned, and re-emerged over the Twentieth Century, possessing the site to commence the construction of an Anzac Battlefield Cemetery has been ignored in academic enquiry. This significant series of events from 1916 to 1965 were indispensable to memory perpetuation and essential to the commemorative primacy that this preserved headland now enjoys. The desire to repossess, and then own in perpetuity the battlefield in order to attach the appropriate masonry adornments, is in itself unique. This dimension has not been academically scrutinised by any historian until now. Nor has the deliberate desire to construct an Anzac shrine that would someday attract pilgrims from the Antipodes been studied. Present day site-sacralisation by rite-of-passage pilgrims, thoroughly emersed in the Anzac tradition, suggests the convergence of the two dimensions is complete. To counteract this problem of the �hegemony of the intangibles� this thesis explores primary sources, gleaned largely from archival records, then evaluates the significance of the history of �physical Gallipoli.� Thematic approaches based upon the lines of possession, preservation and pilgrimage argue that this parallel dimension has played an indispensable role in shaping the end result today. Tens of thousands Australasian travellers now flock to this preserved battlefield to encounter the actual physicality of the tradition. The battlefield cemetery, complete with botanical emblems of ownership, had been out of the reach of the very generation who had created, acquired and constructed the battlefield landscape. The New Zealand public had to be content with assorted forms of vicarious pilgrimage coupled with widespread domestic memorialisation. New Zealand�s post-evacuation experience at Gallipoli became a story completely distinctive from that of Australia or Great Britain. The deliberately constructed Anzac Battlefield Cemetery is a unique landscape artefact that a proud but mournful generation set out to create. They eventually achieved this end by a complicated mixture of conquest, occupation, careful preservation, and commemorative ownership. These efforts were assisted by the vagaries of economic happenstance and international politics that left this remote Peninsula isolated and off-limits to human encounter. Fortuitously frozen in time, this landscape artefact, so steeped in Classical history, has emerged as one of the most sacred, and perhaps the most recognisable, geographic features associated with Australasia. Overriding these plans for shrine construction had been the stated goal of securing a reverent final resting place for those who fell during the creation of the Anzac legend in 1915. Sepulture perpetuelle became the post-evacuation catchphrase that propelled this Great War generation to go almost to the brink of war to secure the principles of this phrase. This lofty goal of permanence, by passage of time and the re-appropriation of nature, had mercifully been completed before the current �second invasion� that commenced in the 1980s. The Anzac Battlefield Cemetery is now a victim of its own very successful physical preservation.

Thames South African War memorial

2010-03-10T15:00:39.407Z

Thames South African War memorial c1910. As this photo shows the memorial was originally located in Mackay Street at the intersection near the Methodist Church. It was subsequently moved to Victoria Park, Thames, where it stands today (see image on Webshots website ).

South Australian case study of Australian identity and commemoration of war deadANZAC culture : a South Australian case study of Australian identity and commemoration of war dead / Janice Gwenllian Pavils.

2010-03-10T15:00:38.547Z

vii, 420 leaves : ill., maps, photos. (col.) ; 30 cm.Bibliography: leaves 390-420.Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of History and Politics, Discipline of History, 2005Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library."December 2004"

A loyal people - Royal visit, 1953-54

2010-03-10T15:00:35.617Z

Film: the Royal couple enter Parliament While in Wellington, the capital, the Queen fulfilled her constitutional role. She opened Parliament and invested New Zealanders with honours. As head of the Church of England she laid the foundation stone of the Anglican cathedral, and as head of the Commonwe...

Racial Equality Bill : Reasons for rejectionRacial Equality Bill: Japanese proposal at Paris Peace Conference : diplomatic manoeuvres and reasons for rejection

2010-03-10T15:00:32.011Z

Introduction -- Anglo-Japanese relations and World War One -- Fear of Japan in Australia -- William Morris Hughes -- Japan's proposal and diplomacy at Paris -- Reasons for rejection : a discussion -- Conclusion.Thesis (MA (Hons))--Macquarie University (Division of Humanities, Dept. of Asian Languages), 2006.Mode of access: World Wide Web.Japan as an ally of Britain, since the signing of Anglo-Japanese Alliance in 1902, entered World War One at British request. During the Great War Japan fought Germany in Asia and afforded protection to Australia. After the conclusion of the War, a peace conference was held at Paris in 1919. As a victorious ally and as one of the Five Great Powers of the day, Japan participated at the Paris Peace Conference, and proposed racial equality to be enshrined in the Covenant of the League of Nations. This Racial Equality Bill, despite the tireless efforts of the Japanese delegates who engaged the representatives of other countries in intense diplomatic negotiations, was rejected. The rejection, a debatable issue ever since, has inspired many explanations including the theory that it was a deliberate Japanese ploy to achieve other goals in the agenda. This thesis has researched the reasons for rejection and contends that the rejection was not due to any one particular reason. Four key factors: a) resolute opposition from Australian Prime Minister Hughes determined to protect White Australia Policy, b) lack of British support, c) lack of US support, and d) lack of support from the British dominions of New Zealand, Canada and South Africa; converged to defeat the Japanese proposal. Japanese inexperience in international diplomacy evident from strategic and tactical mistakes, their weak presentations and communications, and enormous delays in negotiations, at Paris, undermined Japan's position at the conference, but the reasons for rejection of the racial equality proposal were extrinsic.Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Honours) at Macquarie University.Bibliography: leaves 137-160.xii, 188 leaves

Amberley war memorial

2010-03-10T15:00:30.467Z

Amberley First World War memorial. Situated on Carters Road, Amberley. Two years ago the new Hurunui District Library was built on the previous RSA site and the war memorial was moved to accommodate this. Original site of the memorial.

Albert Park South African War memorial

2010-03-10T14:50:37.593Z

View north-west from Albert Park, across Auckland towards St. Patrick's Cathedral and the North Shore showing the Troopers Memorial and several cannon guns, 1913 Troopers Memorial, Albert Park, Auckland.

PM Helen Clark planting rose at Crete, 2001

2010-03-10T14:50:09.364Z

New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark, plants a 'Lest We Forget' rose from the Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association at Suda Bay War Cemetery, 19 May 2001

Somme bell at the Carillon

2010-03-10T14:40:42.860Z

This is the Somme bell in the Carillon at the National War Memorial in Wellington, New Zealand. The inscription reads: To the Glorious Memory of The New Zealand Division, 1916 – 18. 'Its Record does honour to the land from which it came and to the Empire for which it fought.' D. Haig, Field-...

New Zealand artillery on the Somme - the Battle of the Somme

2010-03-10T14:40:41.750Z

The Great War was halfway through when the big guns roared into life along the New Zealand Division's sector around the Somme in support of a major attack on 15 September 1916. In the preceding days, field gunners tried to blow gaps in the barbed-wire entanglements in No Man's Land and betwe...

Origins of the war - First World War overview

2010-03-10T14:40:41.240Z

The declaration of war on Germany on 4 August 1914 by King George V confirmed the outbreak of what was known at the time as the Great War. It is now more often referred to as the First World War or World War One. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and...

Le Quesnoy memorial window, Cambridge

2010-03-10T14:40:38.360Z

This is a detail of the war memorial window in St Andrew's Church, Cambridge, New Zealand. The image shows New Zealand soldiers scaling the walls at Le Quesnoy. The caption reads 'Le Quesnoy 4 Nov 1918'.

Chunuk Bair Memorial at Gallipoli

2010-03-10T14:40:36.891Z

Chunuk Bair Memorial, Gallipoli Detail. Text reads: 'In Honour of the Soldiers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force 8th August 1915. From the Uttermost Ends of the Earth'.

Known unto God

2010-03-10T14:30:29.368Z

The Unknown New Zealand Warrior interred at the National War Memorial in Wellington lost his life in France some time between April 1916 and November 1918. War graves One of the countless victims of the 'war to end all wars', he died on the Western Front, a vast arena of misery and suffering...

Finding interviewees - war oral history programme

2010-03-10T14:30:24.028Z

You may want to interview war veterans but not know any in your family or community. If this is the case, you could approach your local RSA and ask them if you can put a notice in their newsletter or on a bulletin board to seek veterans willing to talk about their wartime experiences. You may also t...

Warea war memorial

2010-03-10T14:20:30.894Z

Warea war memorial, located at Cape Egmont Boating Club, Bayly Road, Cape Egmont (Formerly at Warea School). Erected by the residents of Warea To the memory of those who served 1914 -1918 Roll of Honour Returned Men 1939 - 1945 Roll of Honour Returned Men For King and Country Find out more about t...

New Plymouth RSA

2010-03-10T14:20:30.834Z

The New Plymouth RSA places these crosses near the cenotaph on Anzac Day.

Aro Valley war memorial

2010-03-10T14:20:25.874Z

Aro Valley war memorial. [Eastern aspect of the memorial] Inscription: ERECTED IN MEMORY OF THE BOYS OF THE MITCHELLTOWN SCHOOL AND DISTRICT WHO SERVED ABROAD IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1919 - KILLED IN ACTION - [Northern aspect of the memorial] DENOTES WOUNDED * [Western aspect of the memorial] DENOTE...

Dunedin RSA war memorial

2010-03-10T14:20:22.054Z

Dunedin RSA war memorial.

Maungatapere First World War memorial church

2010-03-10T14:10:15.806Z

Maungatapere war memorial church showing plaque with names of those killed in WW1. Thanks to John House for supplying this information. In 1919 a local committee was set up to build a church as a memorial to those men from the District who gave their lives during first world war. Fund raising was no...

Christchurch Cathedral

2010-03-10T11:30:25.584Z

Its funny, I've had this picture for over 5 years, but I've only just noticed how epic the clouds are, transforming a pretty nondescript picture into something a little more interesting. It almost looks like one of Frank Hurley's weird compositions from the Great War.

St Paul's Church (Anglican), 28 Symonds Street, Auckland, NZ

2010-03-10T10:20:17.369Z

Construction date: 1895 - Architect: William Henry Skinner. Built of Auckland basalt with Oamaru limestone dressings - St Paul's, Symonds Street, is the third building occupied by the parish. It is known as the 'Mother Church' of Auckland as the first St Paul's was also the first church built in the city. The foundation stone was laid by Governor Hobson on 28 July 1841 and the first service was held on 7 May 1843. In 1884 a temporary wooden building was erected to the design of William Skinner, on the site of the first church. This site was still considered for the replacement, permanent church but in the end the more central location of the Symonds Street, Wynyard Street intersection was chosen. William Skinner's plans were accepted but it was decided to leave the church unfinished at a lower cost. The foundation stone, from the first St Paul's, was relaid for the new church on 11 June 1894 and the building was consecrated the following year. The fine carving of the capitals and label stops was completed by William Feldon in 1910-11. The foundation stone for the permanent chancel was laid on 11 April 1915 but the addition did not proceed until 1936. It was dedicated on 29 October that year. In 1945 the vestry briefly considered completing the church tower and spire as a war memorial. The church features some interesting internal decoration and fittings including Bishop Selwyn's throne, communion patten and chalice presented to him by Queen Victoria. Set into the walls in the south west corner are carved stones from Westminster Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral, Yorkminster and St Paul's Cathedral. Information sourced from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust Register: (No 650) St Paul's Church (Anglican)

Whytes Hotel, Main Street, Foxton

2010-03-09T15:50:06.631Z

Photos of Whytes Hotel in Kete Horowhenua: 1879 - Whytes Hotel is large building on the left Whytes Hotel on left - circa 1900 Whytes Hotel survived the fire in 1912 Whytes Hotel - undated photo 1918 - End of WWI Whytes Hotel Foxton fire 31.8.1918 The hotel burnt to ground after fire broke out at 6.30pm in storeroom and soon spread. The hotel had been built in 1876. It was claimed that the fire was caused by rats. Fire - 1918 After the Fire Whites Hotel (middle distance) - circa 1920s Transformation into New World Supermarket

British War Medal

2010-03-09T14:45:06.515Z

This British War Medal was awarded to Lieutenant O R Roberts for his service with the Royal Naval Reserve during World War I. One of the criteria for the award of the British War Medal was the rendering of approved services overseas during the war. Establishment The British War Medal was approved by King George V in 1919 in recognition of the successful conclusion of 'the Great War' (World War I) for the Allies, and the arduous services rendered by His Maje...

Soldier's Memorial Certificate

2010-03-09T14:44:54.215Z

Doll

2010-03-09T14:44:19.905Z

Christie the walking doll This walking doll, known as Christie, has an interesting and entangled history. It is identical to the Harry H Coleman mechanical walking doll patented as the 'Dolly Walker' in the United States and made by Wood Toy Co. between 1917 and 1923. However, this doll's wooden torso and flexible legs were made at one of the Returned Services Rehabilitation Centres (officially named the Disabled Soldiers' Civil Re-establishment League in 1930) established in...

British War Medal

2010-03-09T14:44:17.006Z

This British War Medal was awarded to Ordinary Seaman E J Larter, who had served with the Royal Naval Air Service. One of the criteria for the award of the British War Medal was the rendering of approved services overseas during the war. Establishment The British War Medal was approved by King George V in 1919 in recognition of the successful conclusion of 'the Great War' (World War I) for the Allies, and the arduous services rendered by His Majesty's ...

British War Medal

2010-03-09T14:44:15.382Z

This British War Medal was awarded to Private Frederick John Verney for his service with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during World War I. One of the criteria for the award of the British War Medal was the rendering of approved services overseas during the war. Establishment The British War Medal was approved by King George V in 1919 in recognition of the successful conclusion of 'the Great War' (World War I) for the Allies, and the arduous services r...

The New Zealand Memorial Plaque ["The Next of Kin Memorial Plaque"], WWI.

2010-03-09T14:44:03.325Z

WWI souvenir handkerchief

2010-03-09T14:43:44.566Z

This handkerchief was made as a souvenir during World War I. It features an image of Admiral Sir John Rushworth Jellicoe (1859-1935) who was the Commander of the British Grand Fleet. Jellicoe was one of the Allies' most influential people, and the latest technology of the day (fighter planes, battleships, and an airship) is featured alongside his portrait. Commemorating Unlike battlefield objects, this handkerchief was produced with the intention of celebrating ...

British War Medal

2010-03-09T14:43:38.716Z

This British War Medal was awarded to Sister E M Fairchild for her service with Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service during World War I. One of the criteria for the award of the British War Medal was the rendering of approved services overseas during the war. Establishment The British War Medal was approved by King George V in 1919 in recognition of the successful conclusion of 'the Great War' (World War I) for the Allies, and the arduou...

Medal

2010-03-09T14:43:37.406Z

This gold medal, or 'fob pendant', was presented to James Gordon Campbell by his friends in Houipapa as a welcome-home present after his safe return from World War I (also known as the Great War). James Campbell was a farmer from Houipapa, a locality about 10 kilometres from Owaka in the Catlins area of South Otago. He sailed from New Zealand with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force's 38th Reinforcements on 5 June 1918. Designed and made locally The me...

British War Medal

2010-03-09T14:43:37.336Z

This British War Medal was awarded to mark the war service of Private Barry Pfundt of the Auckland Infantry Battalion. Barry Pfundt was killed on 25 April 1915, the day that Australian and New Zealand troops first landed on Gallipoli. The medal would have been sent to his parents in England after the war ended. Establishment The British War Medal was approved by King George V in 1919 in recognition of the successful conclusion of 'the Great War' (World War ...

Programme: Unveiling of Monument in Memory of Soldiers who Died at the Military Training Camp, Featherston, during the Great War

2010-03-09T14:32:27.933Z

[Horcig] or [?Herzog]

2010-03-09T14:32:09.900Z

Portrait of a young man wearing the uniform of a 2nd Lieutenant in the New Zealand Army, World War 1. The person depicted is probably 23/345 2nd Lieutenant Joseph James Charlton HERZOG, who died as a result of his wounds in December 1918. Joseph was one of two sons of Joseph Paul and Anna Herzog, of Brooklyn, Wellington, who died in the War. Their names are inscribed on the soldiers' memorial in Brooklyn.

Burial site of Opo the dolphin, Opononi

2010-03-09T14:32:04.773Z

View of men at work at Opo's last resting place, the RSA Hall. A New Zealand flag iat half mast is positioned above the grave. A young girl is standing over the burial plot under the watchful eye of the seven workmen present.

Burial site of Opo the dolphin, Opononi

2010-03-09T14:31:48.664Z

[Horcig] or [?Herzog]

2010-03-09T14:16:21.194Z

Portrait of a young man in a New Zealand Volunteer's uniform, about 1900-1908. The person depicted is probably Charles Matthias HERZOG, a corporal in the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, who was killed in action on the Somme, 25 May 1916. Charles was one of two sons of Joseph and Anna Herzog of Brooklyn, Wellington, who died in World War 1. Their names are inscribed on the soldiers' memorial in Brooklyn.

when a man is tired of lumsden, he is tired of life.

2010-03-09T10:10:10.731Z

A walk through historic Foxton.

2010-03-08T14:50:10.309Z

On 28 February 2010 I collected a pamphlet from the Foxton Museum (open Sundays 2-4pm) and walked through historic Foxton stopping to look at the plaques (the text of some is included in this topic).. Starting at Coronation Hall where the plaque shows a photograph of cars assembled 'outside the Coronation Hall (c1915) in readiness for a parade. The front car's sign urges citizens to "Support the Wounded Soldiers". The others read "Remember Grand Patriotic Concert". Such concerts were held in 1915 and 1916. The Manawatu Hotel stands in the background. Between the hall and the hotel is a house belonging to S. Howan. Photo below: circa 1915 Photo below: 2010 Click here to see more details of the Foxton Coronation and Town Halls. Over the road are Ihakara Gardens. The Maori settlement of Te Awahou was located in this area. The war memorial stands on the triangle reserve which is reputed to have been the site of the meeting house of the settlement. The Ngati Raukawa people that lived here were led by Ihakara Tukumaru. Nearby Ihakara Gardens are on the site of the kainga's burial ground which was used by both Maori and Pakeha. Although Ihakara's people later abandoned the settlement they returned to bury the body of their chief there in 1881. This is one of the six graves still marked by a headstone. Photos (left): Sign outside Ihakara Gardens (right): View of 4 headstones in Ihakara Gardens. In Ihakara Gardens there is a plaque with three photographs taken by Wanganui photographers Harding-Denton in 1878. The originals of these photos are held in the Alexander Turnbull Library. In the foregrounds of each is part of Ihakara Gardens with picket fence marked graves. This photograph shows at left the two storied Manchester House (with horses tethered outside) and residence. The building burnt down in the 1880s and was replaced. It had various uses including a drapery shop (Osborne), Bryant's billiard saloon, boarding house, butcher's shop, photographer's studio and a Gentlemen's Club. When it burnt down again in 1937 it was not rebuilt. In the distance can be seen some of the bush that lined the sand ridge along which a road was laid. Originally known as The Avenue but today it is Avenue Road. In the middle of the photo: "Tansley's Manawatu Hotel" had been in existence for over ten years (at the time of this photo). It began life as White Hart Hotel in the mid 1860s. The present day building is a 1900 replacement of the original that burnt down. On the right of the photo is Trasks's bakery and home. On the left of this photograph are the barracks used for housing immigrant settlers when thay had to wait for railway transport after they had arrived at the port of Foxton. It was also used as the Borough Council office when it was formed in 1888. At the back can be seen the privately owned public hall after which the street it is located in, Hall Street, was named. Originally this thoroughfare was known as Loudon Street. In the middle of the photo is the Court House, built c1865. This section also housed the district's first policeman, John Purcell, appointed in 1867. The Court House was not just used by the judicial system but also by several groups for meetings. Sittings of the Maori Land Court were also held here for, in early years, the only other village in the area was Otaki. This Court House was used until 1929 when it was replaced by the building now housing the Museum of Foxton History. St Andrew's Presbyterian Church is the next building along Main Street and it is the oldest building in town. New Zealand's first Presbyterian Missionary, James Duncan, raised funds from all over the Wellington Province to pay for the church, which opened in 1867. It was used as a church until 1970 and became the home of the Foxton Little Theatre in 1971. This photograph shows St Andrew's Church and several business premises including the newly built two stories Whytes Hotel. Down the right hand side of the street there is another group of business premises including Liddel's two storied shop. In the foreground is what was to become the Manawatu Herald building. Horses and a cart stand on the Triangle Reserve which today accomodates the town's memorial for fallen soldiers. The tram/railway line ran down the middle of Main Street from 1873 to 1881. In a later year a deviation was constructed which took the line to the west of the town through what is now the grounds of Manawatu College and down to a riverside reclamation. The Triangle Reserve in the foreground was first tidied up in 1899 when a post and chain fence wes erected. Cabbage trees and a seat were also installed. In 1908 John Chrystall drilled a well here which supplied water per a hand pump. Note there is no road running between Ihakara Gardens and the Triangle Reserve. The land to the west was the property of Rev. Duncan and roads through were not laid out until several years later. Photograph: The "Old Cemetery" as it was known, became very much neglected and from the early 1900s locals began agitating for it to be cleaned up. This photograph shows how it had been invaded by pine trees. Also in the photograph is the old Court House built in the mid 1860s and replaced in 1929. Historical background: Before any upgrading could be started the Borough had to approach the Maori owners. Several years of discussion etc. resulted in the land being offered to the Borough as a gift. In the mid 1920s the "Old Cemetery" became the focus of the activities of the Foxton Beautifying Society and they organised the cleaning up of the section, shaping and grassing of the hill, laying of footpaths, construction of the fence and planting of shrubs. Thus the "Old Cemetery" became Ihakara gardens and the town had one of its iconic features. The oldest marked grave (1850) is that of Dr J. Best a nephew of Capt. F. Robinson whose son is also buried here. Ann, the daughter of one of the district's other early settlers T and K Kebbell, was buried here in 1854. There are certainly others whose graves are no longer marked, buried here, for this urupu of the Te Awahou marae was the only burial ground in the town until 1871. Besides Ihakara, there are six other Maori of his whanau listed on the headstones. Earlier photographs show picket fences around sites where there is now no indication of a burial having taken place. There are twelve people who it is considered would almost certainly have been buried here. Main Street, Foxton PHOTOGRAPH: Main Street c 1922. The Memorial to Fallen Soldiers is in place but the water tower is not. The new Ihakara Gardens fence is still to be built but note there is no sign of the marked burial plots of the 1878 photos. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: The early 1920s saw several changes at the northern end of Main Street. Noticeable in this photo is the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial on the triangle reserve. The fence around the memorial was later replaced by a concrete one which has since been removed. On the let stands St Andrew's Church which was erected as a result of the fund raising efforts of Rev Duncan. Beyond it are the brick buildings replacing those destroyed in 1912 fire. The first of these is the general store of Barr and Tyer. Behind is the two storied Whytes Hotel. On the right is the two storied McColl plumbers building and next to it is the home of the Manawatu Herald (now Manawatu Print), which was built 1879. This publication began in 1878, in a building next to All Saints' Church. It served the district well, although not only from this site, until 1996. There is no building next to the Herald as in 1920 the Racing Club office was burnt down and was not replaced until 1922. The first verandah denotes Bauckhams store. This business was moved in 1924 to a new building on the corner of Clyde and Main Streets, which was built after a fire in that area. Bauckham's store was the forerunner of Foxton New World which was opened accross the street in 2002. The picket fence in the photo was replaced by the present roughcast one as part of the Beautifying Society's upgrade in 1921-22. The present day plantings in Ihakara Gardens were part of a 1990s clean up by te Historical Society and Keep Foxton Beautiful, using funds from the sale of the Band Hall in Cook Street. A similar photo on Kete around 1922: Similar view in 2010: Secondary department Foxton D H S Foxton District High School Secondary department taken from Ihakara Gardens. This photograph shows the building (now demolished) which stood on the land beside Ihakara Gardens. It was built as the Secondary Department of Foxton District High School and opened in 1927. As well as classrooms it contained woodwork and cooking rooms. A few years earlier the site had been considered as a possible site for school baths. Historical Background: Until this building was opened local children had to go to boarding schools or travel by train to Palmerston North for their secondary education. The latter option meant arriving at school late and leaving early, ideal for some nut not for the serious scholar. For many years School Committees and Headmasters pushed for provision of secondary education. Finally, in 1925, it was decided to translate Foxton Primary School into a District High School. This meant adding secondary classes to the already existing state school. During 1926 headmaster Frank Mason taught a few secondary pupils in his office while the new building was being built. In 1952 the secondary department moved to new buildings in Lady's Mile as increasing rolls had created overcrowding. These new buildings became the basis of Manawatu College in 1961. This building continued to be used for manual training for primary and decondary classes. The primary section of the school moved a class in and also established their library in one of the rooms. The building was later condemned and it was demolished in 1973. Ownership of the site was returned to the Maori descendants of the original owners who had donated it for educational use. Click here to see more details of the Foxton War Memorial. Click here to read exerpts on the History of the Foxton War Memorial published in the Manawatu Herald in 1919/1920. The view from Clyde Street dates from the early 1900s, prior to 1905. It was in that year that the old Bank of New Zealand building (next to the first telegraph pole on the left) was burnt down. Whytes Hotel is on the left and on the other side of White Street is the Red Store of M H Walker. A flag flies on the Post Office Hotel. On the right a group stands outside the building which was built as the Bank of Australasia and in the photograph is probably a doctor's surgery. It was also used by the Salvation Army Red Shield Club before it was burnt down. Historical background: The wide Main Street of Foxton has been one of its features from the first plan. The original tramway/railway ran down the middle to the station next to the Wharf Street corner. There were often complaints about the wagons of stock left in the street overnight and Foxtonians were pleased to see the line removed to the riverside in 1881. The muddy surface was not sealed until 1912. In the foreground is an ornate gas lamp. The reticulation of coal gas through the town was started by a private firm in 1908. The gasworks were in Cook Street and the Borough took them over in 1910. These works were closed in 1938 and all signs of them have now been removed. The lamplighter lost jis job when electric lighting was installed in 1925. The red Store across Whyte Street was founded by Thos Westwood in 1894 and sold to M H Walker in 1899. The next owner was Thomas Rimmer who was also a builder. It was burnt down in one of the many fires of 1912.

Hurunui Memorial library

2010-03-07T15:00:13.099Z

111 Carters Rd, Amberley

Whanganui

2010-03-07T14:40:48.954Z

Queen's Park, Whanganui. New Zealand Wars Memorial, Queen's Park, Whanganui In Grateful Memory of the gallant officers and men of Her Majesty's Imperial Army and Navy and Colonial forces who died in the service of their country during the long wars with the natives of these islands and who lie buried in or near this town. This Monument was erected by the inhabitants of Wanganui MDCCCXCII Near this spot stood the Rutland Blockhouse Erected 1841 Removed 1883 Panel 1 1847 1851 Priv Jn McMoran 58th Regt Priv Mtw Lofthouse 65 Regt " Wm Webster " 1852 " Denis Neville " " Jn Ward " " Wm Weller " 1854 " Jn Mooney " " Wm Clayton " " Dl Treatdowner " " Jn Snook " " Jo Spratt 65th " Dnl Curtis " " Wm Connolly R A 1855 " Jn Clatworthy ) Seamen " Thos Mansfield " " Sl Sculthorpe )HMS Calliope " Jn Wood RE 1848 1857 Sergt Geo Booth 65th Regt Capt D Bazelgette 65th Priv Thos Bartholomew " 1858 " Geo McAllister " Lieut Fredk Wemyss " 1849 1861 " Hry John " Ensign Wm Alexander " " Jn Glynn " Serg Fredk Smith " " Ptk Moore Privt Wm Bowlder " " Thos Williams " " Ptk Cooney " " Jno W Star " 1862 1850 " Ptk Muskell " " Wm Lordon " " Ml Connor " Panel 2 1863 1865 Drumr Rbt Robertson 57th Regt Priv J Could 50th Regt Priv Jn Anderson " " C E Poole " 1864 " S Hargreaves " Sergt Thos Traynor " " Wm Erwin " Priv Keefe " " Wm Vine " " Ml Mulcahy " " Wm Land " " Mthw Fleming " " Ml Murphy " " Ptk Sheehan " " Jn Renny " 1865 " Hny Paris " Lieut - Maloy RE " Rt Ridyard " " Wm Masterton (The last 17 killed at " Oct R Lawson 18th Regt Nukumaru " J O Johnstone 40th and buried there.) Ensn Geo C Jenkins 18th " Jo Hassard " Interp Cs Broughton Staff " Jn Longlin 18th Regt L Cor P Conlin 18th " E Christopher " Priv P Connolly " " Thos Dobell " " S Heathwood " " Hgh Kilroy " " J Brian " " Ptk Shea " " F Travers " " Thos Crossan " " G Sparks " " Chas Robinson 68th Regt " Jnthn Fisher " Cor Ml Fee 57th " Panel 3 1865 1866 Priv Sl Peake 57th Regt Priv Rt Malcolm Col Frs " Thos Bradley 40th " M Hegerty " " Thos Moon 14th " C Henley " " Ed Delaney " " H Econemdes " " Jmr Toomey 68th " C Green " " Ed Condon " 1867 " Jas O'Brian Col Forces " Jn Corrigan 18th Regt " Jn Hobson " " Ptk Sheridan " Ensn Rt Whitfield " " Thos Prenderville 1866 1868 Lt Col Jsn Hassard 57th Regt " Rt Brown " Priv Jfy Costelloe " The Following Killed " Js Harrity 18th at Moturoa " Jn Bryan 68th Mjr Wm M Hunter Col Frs " Sl Wellesley 28th[?] Sergt E Kirwin " " Jn Brennan 14th Cpl C N Stockfish " " Jas Saddler 5th Fus Priv S Rogers " " Jn Laycock RA " S Brown " " Jo Barnet " " J Path " " S Adams " " W Lees " " Wm Stone " " G Satler " Sergt F De C Duff Col Forces " Js Kelley Died 1870 Panel 4 1868 1869 Moturoa continued At Kai Iwi Priv C Eastwood Col Frs Priv T McKenzie Col Frs " P Norman " " T Cummings " " - Nocus At Karaka " W Nicholls Sergt C Menzies D Urquhart Cpl G Horspool H Thompson Priv C Boyle J Devon " J Banks W Keneally " A Barris S Brewer " M Clowen At Te Ngutu o Te Manu " J Howe Lieut H B Hunter Priv Rd Wallace Place Unknown " T Squirs The Nukumaru remains " T Cole were removed to this At Nukumaru spot 19th March 1892 Sergt G Maxwell At Wairoa Cpl T Collins At Okotuku Priv M Glennon Panel 5 To the Memory Of His Majesty's Veterans Died since 1908 Year Age Regt Medals Priv R Bright 1909 78 yrs 57th Crim NZ " J Donovan 1910 78 " " " " Cor H J Reid 1911 75 " 65th NZ Priv A O'Connor " 85 " " " Far Sergt W J Park " 79 " 6th Dra Cds Crim Ind Mut Con S Clancy 1912 69 " A C F NZ Q M Sergt J Chadwick 1913 88 " Wan Cavy " Priv C H Swan " 80 " N Z Mil " Priv J O'Neil " 75 " 18th Regt " Sergt W Handley " 77 " Wan Mil " Scout T Adamson " 68 " Wan Rangrs NZC & Medal Troopr S Wall 1914 67 " Wan Cavy NZ Priv J Wright " 82 " 57th Regt Crim Turkh NZ Priv W McNiven 1916 82 " 57th Regt " " " Ensign E McKenna 1908 79 " NZ Mil NZC and Medal Major Kemp (Kepa) 1898 74 " Native Cont " " Sergt S Austin 1903 76 " " " "

History of the Foxton War Memorial

2010-03-05T15:50:06.273Z

These excerpts from the Manawatu Herald 1919/1920 give some history of the construction of the memorial.. FOXTON - FALLEN SOLDIERS MEMORIAL Description of Monument: The foundation of the Fallen Soldiers’ Monument now being erected in the triangle by Messrs FJ and WH Jones, monumental masons, of Feilding, consists of five reinforced concrete and plastered bases, the first, or lower base being well embedded below the ground surface, is 10ft square, with reinforced ties or bars running cornerwise. Each base in turn being reinforced. The whole of this concrete work stands over 7ft in height. Next above these bases comes two huge bases in grey New Zealand granite, the lower of these two bases has four polished pillars, and the top base has all four sides polished. This grey granite is worked and polished in Auckland, and is found to be equal to the well know Scotch granite, and is absolutely imperishable. Above these New Zealand granite bases is the monument in Red Scotch granite, a circular and very highly polished piece of stone in three pieces. The bottom base has four panels, on which are inscribed, in bold letters, four mottoes: North side, “For Freedom’s Cause.” East side, “Greater Love hath no Man.” South side, “For God, King and Country.” West side, “Their Duty Nobly Done.” On the main circular shaft are four panels, and the inscription, “To perpetuate the memory of the following, who gave their lives for God, King and Country in the great war 1914-1918,” inscribed on the East panel, then follow the names of the men who made the supreme sacrifice, divided between the north and south panels. The surmounting cap is finished with four gables and is traced with a design in each gable. The completed monument will stand 18 feet above the ground surface, and has a very handsome appearance, and will show to great advantage facing down the Main Street. Manawatu Herald 28 April 1920. --------------------------------------------------------------- FALLEN SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL ELSEWHERE in this issue will be found the full list of contributors to the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Fund. So far no canvas has been made for the fund, and those contributing have done so voluntarily. Owing to the holidays, many have overlooked the fund, and will no doubt send along their contributions before the fund closes at the end of this month. The objective aimed at was £500, and surely this is little enough to put into a lasting memorial for those who paid the supreme sacrifice. There has been a difference of opinion as to the form of this memorial, some advocating swimming baths, and others a band rotunda in Easton Park. Anyhow, the meeting decided to erect an obelisk in the Triangle Reserve in Main Street, and all, we feel sure, will fall in with the proposal. To those who desire to assist we make this appeal to send in their contributions as early as possible, in order that the memorial may be erected and unveiled on Anzac Day. Manawatu Herald January 13, 1920 --------------------------------------------------------------- FOXTON SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL FUND The following is a complete list up to date of donations to the above fund:- A Friend £10.10.0 Ed Newman MP £5. 5.0 John Chrystall 5. 5.0 Frank Robinson 40. 0.0 HF Gabites 1. 0.0 John Smith senr 2.10.0 Miss Agnes Smith 2.10.0 A & A Alsop 1. 0.0 WS 1. 0.0 JH Robinson 10. 0.0 A Hawke 1. 1.0 W Nye 1. 1.0 Fred Rout 10.0 CE Robinson 5. 0.0 Dr Wall 3. 3.0 FH Crawley 1. 5.0 RJ Thompson 1. 0.0 A Jagger 3. 3.0 Thos Henderson 10.0 H Hillary 10.0 W Riddle 1. 0.0 AN Smith 1. 0.0 Dr Mandl 3. 3.0 MH Walker 1. 0.0 O Robinson 10. 0.0 James Barber Estate 20. 0.0 WE Barber 3. 3.0 GO Barber 2. 2.0 Mrs WE Riddle 1. 1.0 DH Campbell 1. 1.0 Mrs Honore 1. 0.0 Miss Honore 10.0 Geo Hughes 1. 0.0 John Neil Rider 1. 0.0 W Derrick 1. 0.0 Mrs Thynne Senr 10.0 Surplus Returned Soldiers’ Function 2. 8.4 Foxton Racing Club 26. 5.0 AH 1. 0.0 Pupils of State School 6. 0.7 Previously Acknowledged 152. 8.0 Mrs M Frankland 1. 1.0 Mr H Frankland 10.0 Captain Goffin 1. 1.0 Mr JW Bowe 1. 0.0 Mr Thos Bowe 3. 3.0 Ernest Healey 2. 2.0 Maurice Hartley 5.0 Hilda Hartley 5.0 Mr SJ Hartley 10.0 John Robinson 5. 0.0 Mrs JL Harvey 1. 1.0 RN Speirs 2. 2.0 JG Williams 1. 1.0 SE Cowley 10.0 HA Ingle 1. 1.0 Geo Huntley 10.0 HJ Claris 1. 0.0 W Bock 5. 0.0 FE Jenks 1. 1.0 C Peterson 1. 1.0 Manawatu Herald 15 January 1920 --------------------------------------------------------------- SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL There can be two opinions as to the wisdom of the public meeting on Thursday night in deciding that Foxton’s tribute to local soldiers’ who made the supreme sacrifice should take the form of a suitable monument in the main thoroughfare. Provision has been made to do the right thing by those who came through the war with their life, and large sums of money are held in trust to assist the sick and wounded and dependants, but the honoured dead must not be forgotten. In speaking on this point at the public meeting, one returned soldier said: Those of us who came through the ordeal of war were fortunate, and are glad to be back with our loved ones and friends, but we can never forget our comrades who fell, and what we saw, and what they did for us. The returned soldier, while grateful for all that has and is being done on his behalf, would willingly sacrifice much to keep green the memory of the honoured dead. This applies with greater force to all who remained at home in safety, and we feel confident that a generous public will give the Mayor and his Committee, who have the details in hand, practical support in erecting a suitable memorial. The site chosen for the monument is the Triangle at the north end of Main Street, and the memorial will take the form of an obelisk rising from a suitable base. We have no doubt that a generous public will subscribe freely and liberally to the movement. Manawatu Herald November 6, 1919 --------------------------------------------------------------- FALLEN SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL A meeting of the Committee of the above Fund was held in the Red Shield Club last night. It was decided to circularise the public, soliciting funds for the proposed memorial, and matters in connection with same were discussed. A further meeting is to be held next Friday night. Donations may be forwarded to the Mayor, or to the Fund Secretary, Mr Hornblow. November 15, 1919 --------------------------------------------------------------- FOXTON SOLDIERS’ AND PEACE MEMORIAL A PUBLIC meeting is convened by the Mayor for Tuesday evening next, at the Council Chambers to discuss ways and means of erecting a suitable memorial to those who took part in the Great War, and to commemorate the signing of Peace. The Mayor has given this subject a good deal of thought, and has been in communication with monumental masons to ascertain the cost of a suitable monument: Mr Chrystall is anxious that Foxton should not be behind other towns in doing something which will mark the great sacrifices made by our boys – many of whom made the supreme sacrifice and to inspire a feeling of loyalty and patriotism in generations to come. The first point to consider is the nature of the memorial and its location. It has been suggested in these columns that an obelisk be erected on the commanding site in the old cemetery. Other suggestions are memorial gates leading to the ground donated by Mr Easton as a park, and a Band Rotunda. With respect to the site we believe the old cemetery should be chosen for obvious reasons. The acquisition of this site by the Council is a mere matter of form, and claim to ownership if any, by the Natives, could be easily adjusted. Details of this nature will be discussed and settled at Tuesday night’s meeting, when it is hoped there will be a large and representative gathering in attendance. Manawatu Herald Thursday October 30, 1919 ---------------------------------------------------------------

1918 Lady Liverpool

2010-03-04T14:30:40.842Z

From the Shuttleworth Collection

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Setting2

2010-03-04T14:30:35.142Z

Pedestrian bridge linking Cambridge and Oxford Terrace. The Bridge of Remembrance was opened on Armistice Day, 11 November, 1924 and was dedicated to the memory of those who took part in the 1914-1918 war. At a later date further plaques were added to commemorate the battlefields of World War II.

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Setting

2010-03-04T14:30:35.063Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Seat

2010-03-04T14:30:34.963Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Rosemary

2010-03-04T14:30:34.823Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance River Setting2

2010-03-04T14:30:34.753Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance River Setting

2010-03-04T14:30:34.692Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Theatres Of War

2010-03-04T14:30:34.617Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Step3

2010-03-04T14:30:34.533Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Step2

2010-03-04T14:30:34.463Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Step

2010-03-04T14:30:34.400Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance South Side

2010-03-04T14:30:34.333Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance South Inscription

2010-03-04T14:30:34.245Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Setting Navy

2010-03-04T14:30:34.173Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Setting Friendship Corner

2010-03-04T14:30:34.093Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Wall

2010-03-04T14:30:34.013Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Torch Detail

2010-03-04T14:30:33.943Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Torch

2010-03-04T14:30:33.863Z

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Theatres Of War2

2010-03-04T14:30:33.792Z

Lord Jellicoe inspects the First Canterbury Guard of Honour, ANZAC Day, foundation stone ceremony, Bridge of Remembrance

2010-03-04T14:30:33.632Z

Lord Jellicoe inspects the First Canterbury Guard of Honour, ANZAC Day, foundation stone ceremony, Bridge of Remembrance Bridge of Remembrance Pedestrian bridge linking Cambridge and Oxford Terrace The Bridge of Remembrance was opened on Armistice Day, 11 November, 1924 and was dedicated to the memory of those who took part in the1914-1918 war. At a later date further plaques were added to commemorate the battlefields of World War II. From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries KPCD-15-023

The Territorials cross the Bridge of Remembrance on the way to King Edward Barracks

2010-03-04T14:30:33.562Z

Bridge of RemembrancePedestrian bridge linking Cambridge and Oxford Terrace The Bridge of Remembrance was opened on Armistice Day, 11 November, 1924 and was dedicated to the memory of those who took part in the1914-1918 war. At a later date further plaques were added to commemorate the battlefields of World War II. From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries

Cashel Street Bridge Of Remembrance Upham Medallion

2010-03-04T14:30:33.473Z

Bridge of Remembrance

2010-03-04T14:30:31.673Z

Bandsmens Memorial rotunda

2010-03-04T14:30:18.323Z

This was the first memorial in New Zealand to be erected to the memory of bandsmen who fell in the Great War. It was designed by S. & A. Luttrell and erected in 1926. It was opened by Sir Heaton Rhodes. The Bandsmen's Memorial is a white, round-columned rotunda in Harman's Grove overlooking the Primula Garden. It was erected to commemorate the bandsmen who lost their lives in World War I. In the spring it is surrounded by thousands of daffodils and is used for musical programs.

A World War 1 Story, Part 6. Hutt Valley, Wellington, New Zealand, 14 April 1916

2010-03-03T23:20:09.885Z

This is the New Zealand Division marching from Trentham to embark for Europe. A note shows Felicity's great uncle W.J. Parker. He was killed at Passchendaele in 1917. For the start of this story go here www.flickr.com/photos/flissphil/2060922739/ To continue to Part 7 go here www.flickr.com/photos/flissphil/2061025617/ " Many valuable weeks of the 1917 summer were wasted and when Field-Marshal Haig started his great offensive from the Ypres Salient on 31 July autumn rains had begun. Hope of strategic objectives faded; but successes in late September and early October made him try to win the rest of the Passchendaele ridge for his winter line. The New Zealand Division had been training since the end of August to overcome the numerous concrete “pillboxes” in this sector. The first objective of the Division was the Gravenstafel Spur, attacked before dawn on 4 October, as part of a major advance. The 1st and 4th Brigades forestalled a heavy German counter-attack, and the supporting artillery barrage inflicted frightful slaughter on the waiting Germans. Crossing this scene of carnage, the 1st and 4th Brigades gained their objectives after a hard fight, inflicting exceptionally heavy loss on the enemy and capturing much equipment. For such a resounding success the 1,700 New Zealand casualties, though a sad loss, did not in current terms seem excessive. But heavy rain turned the countryside into a bog and tragedy lay ahead. A British attack on the ninth on Bellevue Spur and part of the main Passchendaele ridge gained a little ground at prohibitive cost. Heavy swathes of barbed wire still girdled the hillside, however, and belated and meagre heavy artillery made no impression on them, nor on the many pillboxes beyond. New Zealand gunners slaved to breaking point to get only a few guns and howitzers forward, but stable platforms and accurate fire were unattainable. The 2nd and 3rd Brigades – the latter weary from heavy work in the salient – nevertheless renewed the attack early on the twelfth. There was little to encourage the men as they waited overnight in a morass under steady rain. Shelled in their assembly area, some were shelled again by their own guns when the thin barrage opened at 5.25 a.m., and then they led off into a deluge of small-arms fire, speckled with geyser-like eruptions as shells exploded in the mud. Worst of all was the wire, covered with deadly fire, its few gaps deliberate deathtraps. Some men tried to crawl under it, some threw themselves at it, two got right through and were killed in the act of hurling grenades at the loopholes of the nearest pillbox. The left gained 500 yards of slippery slope, the centre 200 heartbreaking yards, the right nothing until the 80-odd occupants of two blockhouses and a trench used up all their ammunition. Then they were captured, blockhouses and all, by two brave and skilful men, sole survivors of two Otago platoons. The cost of these small gains, 640 dead and 2,100 wounded, made the Passchendaele mud in New Zealand eyes rich soil indeed and what the wounded suffered in drenching rain is another chapter of horrors. For the first time the Division had failed in a major operation; but what New Zealander can look back in memory or imagination on those dogged thrusts, time and again, by the Otago and Canterbury Battalions and the Rifles across the boggy flat and up the bullet-swept slopes of Bellevue Spur, without being stirred by their resolution in the face of hopeless odds. The steady drain of men while units only held the line was less spectacular, though it made up half the losses of the Division. Here, before withdrawing from the front, 400 more men were lost in the 4th Brigade alone." .... and then www.flickr.com/photos/dri3s/6270393/

'Soldiers and Shirkers': An Analysis of the Dominant Ideas of Service and Conscientious Objection in New Zealand During the Great War.

2010-03-03T20:50:26.065Z

During the First World War, ideas of duty and sacrifice were a dominant characteristic of public discourse in New Zealand. Specifically, concern centred on a perceived inequality of sacrifice, which saw brave soldiers die on the front lines, whilst other men remained on the home front, apparently avoiding duty. This thesis charts the prevailing and powerful ideas that circulated during wartime New Zealand around these two stereotypes; on the one hand there was the soldier, the ideal of service and duty; on the other, the conscientious objector, a target for the derogatory label of 'shirker'. While there are a few select critical works which examine the experiences of New Zealand World War One conscientious objectors, such We Will Not Cease (1939) and Armageddon or Calvary (1919), there is a near complete absence of studies which examine the home front and ask how conscientious objectors were perceived and consequently judged as they were. It is the contention of this thesis that ideas around the soldier and the 'shirker' were interrelated stereotypes and that both images emerged from the process of mass mobilisation; a highly organised war effort which was largely dependent for its success upon the cooperation of wider civilian society. In sum, the thesis examines and analyses the ideas within mainstream New Zealand society as they appeared in public sources (notably newspapers, cartoons and government publications), and in doing so, tracks how social mores and views towards duty, sacrifice and service were played out at a time of national and international crisis.

Anzac Day meanings and memories : New Zealand, Australian and Turkish perspectives on a day of commemoration in the twentieth century

2010-03-03T20:40:53.812Z

This study examines the changing perceptions of Anzac Day in New Zealand, Australia and Turkey in the twentieth century. Changing interpretations of Anzac Day reflect social and political changes in the nations over that time. Anzac Day is an annual commemoration which has profound significance in the Australian and New Zealand social landscape. It has undergone significant changes of meaning since it began, and may be regarded as being an example of the changeable script of memory. The thesis argues that memory and landscape intersect to influence the way commemorative gestures are interpreted. Personal and community memories are fluid, influenced by the current historical landscape. This means that each successive Anzac Day can have different connotations. The public perception of these connotations is traced for each of New Zealand, Australia and Turkey. Anzac Day reflects the forces at work in the current historical landscape. Within that landscape it has different meanings and also functions as an arena for individual and community agency. On Anzac Day there are parades and services which constitute a public theatre where communities validate military service. Individual and communal feats are held high and an ethic or myth is placed as a model within the social fabric. Anzac Day is contested and reflects tides of opinion about war and society and the role of women. It is also the locale of quiet, personal contemplation, where central family attachments to the loved and lost and the debt owed by civilian communities to the military are expressed. Generational change has redefined its meanings and functions. Anzac Day was shaped in a contemporary historical landscape. It reflected multi-national perspectives within British Empire and Commonwealth countries and Turkey. For Turkey the day represented a developing friendship with former foes and was couched within Onsekiz Mart Zaferi, a celebration of the Çanakkale Savaşlari 1915 victory in the Dardanelles campaign. As Anzac Day evolved, Turkey, the host country for New Zealand and Australian pilgrims, became the focus of world attention on the day. Gallipoli is now universally recognised as the international shrine for Anzac Day.

Class, conflict and the clash of codes : the introduction of rugby league to New Zealand : 1908-1920 : a thesis presented in part fulfilment of the requirements for a Ph.D. in History at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

2010-03-03T20:40:52.182Z

Rugby league was introduced to New Zealand in 1908 by players desirous of playing a game generally considered to be faster and more skillful than rugby union. Even before its introduction, there were fears within the rugby union community that league would replace union unless steps were taken to make that game more attractive to both play and watch. In the early years of the twentieth century disputes within the New Zealand Rugby Union as to whether to introduce rule changes to make the game more attractive, or to stay with the status quo, had led to division and disharmony. This situation led the promoters of rugby league to be optimistic that their game, once introduced, would quickly replace rugby union as New Zealand's premier winter sport, but they greatly underestimated the hostility they would encounter from rugby union authorities, and this never happened. Investigated in this thesis are the reasons why the high hopes of rugby league's promoters were not fulfilled but how, nevertheless, in the years 1908 to 1920, the game did become established as a working-class sport in parts of the country, particularly the cities of Auckland and Christchurch. Newspapers of the period are used to show where and when league was introduced, where it was, and was not, successful, and to provide evidence of the efforts of rugby union authorities to brand league a professional sport, to threaten its players with banishment from rugby union, to deny league the use of Council owned playing fields, and to deny schoolboys the right to play rugby league at school. Occupations of league players and officials, found from electoral rolls, are used to show that league was an overwhelmingly working-class sport, shunned by the middle-class. The difficulties of establishing the game in small New Zealand towns are related to the geographic and demographic features of the country, and finally, the recovery from the effects of the Great War, which forced most leagues into recess, is shown to owe much to the highly successful postwar tours by international teams from Britain and Australia. Five periods in the development of rugby league are postulated; its introduction in 1908, its near collapse in 1909 and 1910, its expansion during the years 1911 to 1914, the difficulties experienced in the war years 1915 to 1918, and its post-war recovery in 1919 and 1920. The Great War put paid to the real possibility that league would rival union as New Zealand's premier winter team sport, but by 1920 it had recovered sufficiently to become firmly established on the New Zealand sporting scene with its own constituency of players and supporters.

Improving patient satisfaction through information provision

2010-03-03T19:00:53.749Z

Published on behalf of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.Background: This study aims to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of the Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, to ascertain satisfaction levels with aspects of care, and determine if patient satisfaction levels can be increased by the provision of information letters prior to appointment. Methods: New patients attending Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic were surveyed regarding sociodemographic information and satisfaction levels. Participants received an introductory letter prior to their clinic appointment, and were compared with controls. Responses were analysed using Mann–Whitney U-tests. Satisfaction scores regarding waiting times, clinic environment, doctors, nurses, clerical staff and general satisfaction were correlated with demographic data using Spearman correlation coefficient analysis and chi-squared statistics. Ordinal logistic regression and non-parametric rack testing determined differences between the two groups. Results: Positive correlations were identified between patient-estimated actual waiting time, ratings of waiting times, booking efficiency, information given, intention to return to, recommend the clinic, to comply with advice given, and higher ratings of the overall quality of the service, and satisfaction levels. Negative qualitative comments correlated with lower ratings of satisfaction and quality of the service. The intervention group showed statistically significantly higher ratings of the wait in clinic and the overall quality of the service. Satisfaction ratings of the clinic staff were also higher in the intervention group. Conclusions: Ophthalmology outpatients are more likely to be happy with their health care if they are satisfied with waiting times, and are more likely to return to the service and comply with advice, thus improving health outcomes. Provision of information regarding the outpatient clinic structure and estimated waiting times is a simple, cost-effective method of improving patient satisfaction levels and altering perceptions of waiting times.Kathryn Billing, Henry Newland and Dinesh SelvaThe definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com

Soul Talk. "Directions: A Vision for Australia" by William Deane and "Sir William Deane: The Things That Matter" by Tony Stephens. [review]

2010-03-03T16:41:26.574Z

Australia Council, La Trobe University, National Library of Australia, Holding Redlich, Arts VictoriaIf we do not yet have our own Lincoln, Sir William Deane's writing sometimes shimmers with that extraordinary combination of elegant diction and profundity that marks great rhetoric. It is doubtful that any national leader has spoken more eloquently about ANZAC and Australia’s military history while at the same time linking them to our multicultural diversity and our bonds with Aboriginal people. Tony Stephens's book is not a biography but rather an extended profile piece and a commentary on Deane's work as Australia's twenty-second governor-general, built around a collection of his most important speeches.

Permed Days. "Air Guitar" by Anthony Griffis. [review]

2010-03-03T16:41:25.734Z

Australia Council, La Trobe University, National Library of Australia, Holding Redlich, Arts VictoriaThe recent film "Garage Days" begins with budding rock star Freddy (Kick Gurry) enlivening sex with his girlfriend Tanya (Pia Miranda) with fantasies of singing an AC/DC number to adoring hordes. Anthony Griffis has a similar fantasy and repeats it often throughout "Air Guitar". The Rolling Stones come to him cap in hand, asking if he will replace Mick Jagger, who's sick, or doing something else: Griffis fills Jagger's shoes with aplomb, the crowds adore him as much as they adored the old singer, and he gets to sing 'Let's Spend the Night Together' et al. with 'Keef' by his side and Charlie pounding away nonchalantly behind him. Griffis sets up the scenario and follows it to its climax almost pornographically.

Unwanted Anzacs. "German Anzacs and the First World War" by John Williams. [review]

2010-03-03T16:41:11.304Z

Australia Council, La Trobe University, National Library of Australia, Holding Redlich, Arts Victoria"German Anzacs", as the rather arresting title suggests, concerns those members of the First AIF (Australian Imperial Force) who were of German birth or descent. Specifically, this book traces the experiences of 100 men, via their letters and service records. We are privy to their enlistment, their wartime experiences and, all too often, their deaths.

Indigenous epistemology, wisdom and tradition; changing and challenging dominant paradigms in Oceania

2010-03-03T14:50:11.155Z

On the small, raised coral island of Niue in the south Pacific, now with a population of less than 1200 due to the disastrous cyclone Heta in January 2004, there are thirty or so memorials, obelisks and plaques commemorating foreign missionaries, Niuean pastors, WWI and WWII veterans and Niue's relationship with New Zealand since 1901. These signify important events in Niue's history. But there are other histories of Niue. The distant and recent past on Niue is contained in gestures, honorifics, modes of gender and age respect, set-piece oratories for conflict resolution, and in words, songs, dance-drama and genealogical and mythological narratives. These essentially Niuean behaviours are shaped by indigenous epistemologies or Niuean ways of thinking, creating and conveying knowledge.

November 1918: Peace in Europe and influenza worldwide

2010-03-02T14:11:55.123Z

In popular memory, the war with Germany ended in November 1918 (although it did not officially end until June 1919, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed). Coinciding with this long-awaited event was an influenza pandemic that swept across the world and through New Zealand. Leslie Adkin, who farmed a property in the Horowhenua near Levin, wrote about these major international events, entwined as they were with family life, in his diary entries from early November to early December 1918. On 11...

Medals from the Great War

2010-03-02T14:11:54.913Z

Te Papa holds a small collection of medals awarded to soldiers who served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces during World War I (1914-1918). The medal most widely awarded was the British War Medal, which was given to all members of the forces who served overseas. The medal was awarded regardless of whether the members had entered an active theatre of war. Over 6.5 million silver British War Medals were awarded throughout the British Empire; another 110,000 were issued in bronze. The Victory...

Ephemeral mementoes of the Great War

2010-03-02T14:11:53.893Z

The term ephemera comes from ‘ephemeral' which means ‘lasting or of use for only a short time; transitory'. In archives, libraries, and museums it is used to describe printed objects that were designed for a specific short-term purpose. World War I generated its own specific ephemera. This ranged from official military-related material such as enlistment orders, forms, notices, recruitment posters, and propaganda, to more sentimental items, such as postcards that servicemen collected o...

We Will Remember Them

2010-03-01T18:40:11.249Z

War Memorial, Picton

Lest we forget

2010-03-01T10:40:25.369Z

Two young customers learn about Anzac day from poppy sellers. Anzac Day is a national public holiday in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. Paper poppies are widely distributed by the Returned Services Association and worn as symbols of remembrance. This tradition follows that of the wearing of poppies on Remembrance Sunday in other Commonwealth countries.

Cover - The Call of the camps : the only way a man's way to save the state

2010-02-27T10:50:47.829Z

File Reference: CCL-CKey135378 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries Collated for 2009 Beca Heritage Week’s ‘Doves & Defences’ - Discover Christchurch in Peace and Conflict About

Artillery Piece at Peace

2010-02-27T10:41:06.816Z

"At the entrance to the Christchurch Returned Services Association is this artillery piece, being one of two guarding the peace. " File Reference: HW09-Chch-RSA-Dusk Heritage Week 2009 Photo Hunt Entry 2009 Beca Heritage Week’s ‘Doves & Defences’ - Discover Christchurch in Peace and Conflict

A Christmas Greeting - Postcard - back

2010-02-27T10:30:16.343Z

A Christmas Greeting - Kia Ora Postcard - back File Reference: PCOL-0091-0009-b From a private collection - courtesy of Christchurch City Libraries

A Christmas Greeting - Postcard - front

2010-02-27T10:30:16.243Z

A Christmas Greeting - Kia Ora Postcard - front File Reference: PCOL-0091-0009-a From a private collection - courtesy of Christchurch City Libraries

From one of the New Zealanders - Postcard - back

2010-02-27T10:30:16.153Z

From one of the New Zealanders: Serving his King & Country Inscription "With best love and kisses From Laurie To my dearest girl" Postcard - Back File Reference: PCOL-0091-0005-b From a private collection - courtesy of Christchurch City Libraries

From one of the New Zealanders - Postcard - front

2010-02-27T10:30:16.073Z

From one of the New Zealanders: Serving his King & Country Postcard - front File Reference: PCOL-0091-0005-a From a private collection - courtesy of Christchurch City Libraries

Levin War Memorial

2010-02-25T15:50:13.742Z

Located at the corner of Bath and Cambridge Streets, Levin.. In 1917 it was proposed at a Levin Borough Council meeting to have a memorial created to the dead following the immense loss of life in the NZ forces during WW1. This was deferred until the war was over. A piece of rock was cut out of an outcrop of rock known as a monadnock on the hillside beside the Ohau River. The stone was found in Gladstone Road, around the bend into the Ohau Valley past the water treatment station and settling tanks. The memorial however, was crude, being cracked and in 2 pieces and there was strong public protests. Eventually a committee was formed and fundraising began to erect a new memorial. Work on the project started on 25 January 1923. The Soldiers’ memorial was unveiled on 13 March 1923. A parade started from Levin School, consisting of veterans (Boer War), returned Soldiers, Cadets, Territorials, School children from Levin, Ohau, Ihakara, Koputaroa and members of the public. The proceedings opened with a speech by Mayor Matheson, followed by the hymn, O God Our Help In Ages Past. Scripture was read by Reverend Bawdon Harris, followed by a prayer by Reverend JC Davies, Anglican Church, followed by a recessional, Lest We Forget. The memorial was unveiled by Major General FW Chaytor KCMG. A hymn, Lead Kindly Light and a Benediction by Captain Hoare of the Salvation Army followed. The singing of the National Anthem (God Save the King) by the people led by a combined choir and orchestra concluded the unveiling ceremony. Contributed by Lorraine Wright THE MEMORIAL STONE TOMORROW'S UNVEILING CEREMONY The unveiling of the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial in the Levin Public Gardens to-morrow br Major General Sir E. Chaytor will be, from its very nature, a solemn and impressive ceremony. The idea of the memorial grew out of a meeting of those who had lost relatives in the war, and who expressed a wish that some memorial be erected to commemorate their sacrifice. The district interested comprises the Ohau, Koputaroa and Ihakara districts, and the 64 names on the stone are those of men from these districts who died in action, or in hospital in England, as the result of wounds or sickness. Between 500 and 600 men left from the district and a parade of returned men will take place to do honour to their fallen comrades. Major-General Chaytor will arrive by the Napier express to-morrow, and the unveiling ceremony commences at 2pm when a large gathering of relatives, representatives of the various public bodies, and the general public will assemble to pay tribute to those who gave practical demonstration of their patriotism by laying down their lives for their country. The Chronicle Tuesday March 13th, 1923 FALLEN SOLDIERS MEMORIAL To be unveiled on Wednesday The programme has now been arranged for the unveiling of the Fallen soldiers’ Memorial in the Public Gardens on Wednesday afternoon by Sir Edward Chaytor. The hour fixed is 2 o’clock and an invitation to be present is extended through our columns to the next of kin (for whom seats will be provided), Returned Soldiers and Veterans, Cadets and Territorials, school-children of the Levin (three) Ohau, Ihakara and Koputaroa Schools, members of the Native Race and the general public. The order of service is as follows. 1. Introduction, the Mayor of Levin 2. Hymn, ‘O God Our Help in Ages Past’ 3. Scripture reading, Rev M Bawden Harris 4. Dedicatory Pray, Rev J C Davies 5. Recessional, ‘Lest We Forget 6. Unveiling the memorial and address by Major-General Sir E W C Chaytor, KCMG 7. Hymn, ‘Lead, Kindly Light.” 8. Benediction, Captain Hoare (Salvation Army). The National Anthem A combined choir and orchestra will lead the singing. A parade of returned soldiers and veterans is called for 1.30pm on Wednesday. The Chronicle, Monday March 12, 1923 >>Click here to see the names listed on this memorial

Page 47

2010-02-23T03:54:28.950Z

This page contains articles: Bowling green opened 1909. Bowlers have much to thank her for. Central bowling club.. Bowling green opened 1909: Not many years behind the establishment of Levin as a borough came the beginning of the Levin Bowling Club. Contains: Levin Bowling ClubMr W. H. FieldMr ryderBowling and Croquet tournamentWalter BullJoe ShieldsBert WoollettJim GilbertBen RolfeLord FreybergLevin RSA Bowling Club's Clark Memorial GatesAvenue of RememberanceGovernor General of NZ Bowlers have much to thank her for: How many bowlers, as they roll up in the pleasant surroundings of their respective greens, realise that croquet and a woman had alot to do with the growth of their sport in Levin? Contains: Levin Bowling ClubMrs W. LettLevin RSA Levin CentralLevin Women's Bowling ClubDiggers Bowling TournamentSir Howard KippenbergerMr A. J. Harper Central bowling club: The Levin Central Bowling Club was first mooted in 1937 as a result of a few very keen bowlers in the district anxious to see a second bowling club in Levin where the sport was beginning to make headway. Contains: Mr F. E. ParkerMrs W. LettMr J. H. Bowater

Page 18

2010-02-23T03:54:14.310Z

This page contains articles: Bitter blow when Levin site rejected. Rugby was Jack Smith's life.. Bitter blow when Levin site rejected. Rugby was Jack Smith's life: A bitter disappointment for Levin was when the Government selected Palmerston North and turned its back on Levin as the site for Massey Agricultural College. Contains: Cr R. McAllisterCentral Development FarmMr W.H. FieldMr HawkinMr E.W. WiseMr S.T. RussellMr A.T. FletcherLevin RSA Rugby was Jacks life: Among the districts earliest rugby players was late bushman Mr Jack Smith. Contains: Jack SmithLevin Football ClubThe Maori ClubWanderers Football Club

Page 21

2010-02-23T03:54:13.750Z

This page contains articles: Low water pressure frustrated firemen. Two thirst-quenchers.. Low water pressure frustrated firemen: Poor water supply hampered firemen battling Levin's most spectacular blaze-the destruction of the towns Wall Paper Factory on January 2, 1964. Contains: Levin Wall Paper FactoryMr Colin SuttonN.Z. Wall Paper Manufacturers FactoryMr L. V TrassEarliest photo of Levin Fire Brigade-1902. Two thirst-quenchers: Levin once supported two thriving soft-drink factories, one of them "quenching the thirst of the Horowhenua" for nearly 70 years. Contains: Mr D.H. Tomlinson Mr J.S. TomlinsonO'Conners Cordials LtdRSA roomsMaurice O'ConnerGeorge LesterPorter MotorsMotorcoPremier Laundry premisesHokio Beach Road

Clark Family has close ties with early development

2010-02-23T03:53:51.220Z

This article was published in The Chronicle's 75th Borough Jubilee Issue.. Talk golf around Levin and the name Clark must come up. Look down the main street and one of the most prominent business signs you see in town has the name Clark on it. It has been there since 1894. It was in that year that William Mace Clark bought out the business of Te Aro House, Wellington, that, two years previously, he had come here to manage. Two sons, Bill, now 84, and Elsdon, now 81, took over the business in 1934 and a grandson, Brian Campbell, now manages William Clark and Son. The connection with golf began in 1911 when the late Mr W.M. Clark became interested in the sport and helped form a club here. Bill Clark started playing at the age of 13. His prowess on the course is legend as his many trophies and inscriptions on the club championship board will attest. He was born in Granny Retter's nursing home (where the Oxford Hotel now stands) in a house later moved to Waitarere Beach for use by the RSA. During World War 1 he served with the NZ Machinegun Company and was invalided out of Pachen-dale. He played rugby and was selected in a trial team to pick a side to go to England from France. On his return from the war, he joined his father's business. ELSDON Mr W.M. Clark's other son Elsdon was born in the old homestead at 51 Saulisbury Street in August, 1899. He went to kindergarten school, run by the daughter of a local chemist, situated at the corner of Saulisbury and Queen streets. He finished his education in Levin and entered his father's business in 1914 at the commencement of World War I. In 1919, Elsdon went to Chicago to attend a school of show card writing and window dressing and moved on to San Francisco where he worked in the Emporium dry goods store for 12 months, returning to his father's business in 1920. In 1923, Elsdon left Levin again, this time travelling with a companion and working his way through Canada. He worked for the British Columbia Electricity Company and then went on to Sascatchewen to help bring in the 1923 wheat harvest. He went on to San Francisco where he again worked in the Emporium before returning to 'Levin. Working in his father's business, he married Blanche Elma Reeve in 1927. WALKING FEATS Fond of mountaineering and tramping, Elsdon thought nothing of walking from Levin a companion and working his to Feilding in a day and on another occasion walked from Levin to Paekakariki one day, then on to Plimmerston the next 'day. _He recalls he walked to Shannon on 27 occasions, using the rail track for part of the way. Aged 42 in 1942, Elsdon joined the armed services and, although older than most of the men then in camp, survived the tough training schedule. He was posted to the 10th Field Ambulance Unit. Golf was also Elsdon's interest and he won the Levin championship twice and the Otaki championship once. He is also a life member of the Levin golf club. Elsdon played a large part in the development of the Moutere course and on fact gave up golf for six years while it was developed. With the death of his wife, their property was passed to the Presbyterian Social Services Association for, the establishment of Reevedon Home. The name Reevedon is a combination of his late wife's maiden name of Reeve and Elsdon. Three years after his wife's death, Elsdon married Thelma Kilsby and is currently living at Linton.

World War One and it's effect on Shannon

2010-02-23T03:53:51.040Z

This project was done by Simon Shoker for his sixth form certificate.. Shannon - Background Industry during the War Farming, Volunteers and Conscription Rugby and Other Social Activities Those Who Served Shannon War Memorial - Annotated Version Notes on Annotated Memorial Women in Wartime After the War Shannon Characters From and During the War Mr...

Shannon - WWI Commemoration

2010-02-23T03:53:50.210Z

There are several concrete examples of commemoration of the Wars Shannon - both the First and the Second World War - of which the obvious are the War Memorial and the War Memorial Hall.. Another in which Shannon remembers the War is through the RSA and the yearly service on Anzac Day. The War Memorial was unveiled on Anzac Day, 25 April 1924 (as shown in the photo on the left), after several years of planning, considering proposals and yet more planning. The War Memorial Hall was also several years in the making, being built in 1954, after much fundraising and many hours of voluntary labour. When opened, the celebrations were spread over a full week. The decision to build it came because of two different reasons - the Druids Hall was privately owned, and thus not a community amenity, and the desire to erect a suitable memorial to those who had lost their lives in the wars, especially the Second World War. The section in Grey Street, upon which it is situated, was donated by Mr and Mrs John Roach, a subsidy was received from the Government War Memorial Committee, and the Shannon RSA raised almost £400 in one week. The Shannon Returned Services Association was formed soon after the conclusion of World War One, for the welfare of returned serviceman, and as a way of keeping in contact with wartime friends. The Shannon RSA was formed in 1919, as a sub-branch of the Levin association, with 25 members. Unfortunately, in 1933 the RSA records were lost in a fire, but the later records are still intact. The RSA have been responsible for the rehabilitation and settlement of returned servicemen after WWII, with the post war years bringing membership to a peak of 228 in 1946. With no global conflicts for over forty years, the membership of the RSA is understandably dwindling. Members meet every Friday evening for a chat, but Anzac Day is still the highlight of the year. Anzac Day, which originally commemorated the fallen Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, has now widened to become a national day of remembrance for those who have served in all wars. Early Anzac days consisted of a street parade of ex-servicemen, the laying of wreaths at the two war memorials, followed by a service in the Renown Theatre and a lunch provided by the Women’s Institute, but the format for recent years replaces the indoor service and luncheon with a short open air service and a light lunch at the club rooms. The annual sale of poppies in the week before Anzac Day provides the funds for welfare services.

Shannon- Characters From and During the War

2010-02-23T03:53:48.660Z

Edward Law, Father Patrick Dore, John Thomas Bovis and Rewi Moynihan.. Name: Edward Law Born: 6 March 1864, Near Blenheim Age in 1914: 50 Whereabouts during war: Shannon History: Born in 1864, by the age of nineteen Edward Law was farming for himself. He married in 1892, and arrived in Shannon in 1893, along with his wife and four children. While in Shannon, Edward and Jane Law had a further four children, making a family of six sons and two daughters. Edward and Jane Law were very active in local affairs, and Edward was later an elder in the Presbyterian Church there. Edward Law was also a member of the Horowhenua County Council, Shannon School Committee, founded the Shannon Co-operative Dairy Company and was its first chairman. Jane Law died in 1910, aged 46, and Edward Law sold their original property and moved to a hill country farm. Three of his sons went to the war, and although Archie and Wilfred returned, his second son, Henry, was killed at Gallipoli. Edward, Archie and Wilfred moved to a farm in the Bay of Plenty in 1919 where he farmed for many years before moving to Whakatane, where he died at the age of 75, in 1939. Name: Father Patrick Dore, S.M., M.C. Born: 1886, Ireland Age in 1914: 28 Whereabouts during war: Gallipoli, England, New Zealand. History: Father Dore came out to New Zealand in 1910, at the age of 24. At first he worked in Palmerston North, then Kaikoura, and in 1913 he came to Foxton as Parish Priest. When World War-One started, he went away as padre with the main body of the NZEF to Gallipoli where he distinguished himself by his bravery and dedication. He was seriously wounded in the back and leg while bringing in a wounded soldier, and was almost completely paralysed. He received a Military Cross for his courage and, after treatment in England, returned to New Zealand where he once again became a Parish Priest. In 1918 he went to Auckland for an operation hoped to restore some mobility. Although the operation was carried out successfully, the strain of his injuries proved too great and he died on July 15. He was awarded a military funeral, and recently the RSA contributed some money towards a memorial, which was spent on a new road leading to the church he preached at, and a plaque alongside the road. Name: John Thomas Bovis Born: 1887, Wellington Age in 1914: 27 Whereabouts during war: Serving overseas. History: John Thomas Bovis, born the same year as Shannon, worked in Palmerston North for a while before coming to Shannon in 1909 as secretary-accountant to Carter Bros, and for the next 50 years was involved in almost every organisation in Shannon. He served overseas during the First World War, and shortly after he returned, he convened the meeting which declared Shannon a Borough, and was appointed the first town clerk, in 1917. In 1918 he married Olive Minnie Laurvig, and in 1919, he resigned as town clerk, only to be re-appointed in 1923, and he kept the position for the next 45 years, until his resignation in 1958. After the war, he was also the Shannon agent for the HEPB, the secretary for the Buckley Drainage Board and representative for the New Zealand Insurance Company - both for around 40 years. He also acted as an accountant on a private basis for many others. He was a Horowhenua representative in hockey, and also played athletics, bowls, tennis, rugby and cricket. He was also a good and sought-after public speaker, and was often an MC for various events. Olive Bovis was also highly involved in community groups, and was a member of almost all women's organisations in Shannon. John and Olive Bovis were given a public farewell when John resigned in 1958, with almost 250 people attending. He died in 1962, at the age of 75. Name: Rewi Moynihan Born: 1895, Wellington Age in 1914: 19 Whereabouts during war: Gallipoli, then Shannon. History: Mr Moynihan moved from Wellington to Shannon with his parents at the age of six months. He went to Shannon School, and afterwards went to Palmerston North High School, where he began an illustrious rugby career. He left school to start farming, but enlisted when war was declared, and left with the Main Body in 1914. He took part in the landing at Gallipoli, and was wounded twice, on the second occasion being sent home in October 1915, being the first wounded man to return. On recovering enough to run the farm, he took over while his two brothers, W. and T. Moynihan, went to the front. When they returned, he took over the running of the Club Hotel, along with his brother Tom, taking over from their father. A prominent sporting figure in Shannon, he represented Shannon both as a junior footballer, and in the senior team, where he was also selected to play for the Union. He played for the Manawatu-Horowhenua team against the Springboks in 1921, and was included in the North Island All-Black trials, and represented Wellington-Manawatu-Horowhenua against the All-Blacks before they left to go to England in 1924. He died in 1927, at the age of 32.

Notes on Annotated Shannon War Memorial

2010-02-23T03:53:44.270Z

Simon Shoker provided these notes on War Memorial in Shannon.. Ernest Henderson 10/1256 of Shannon W I B. N-O-K is R S Henderson (brother) Shannon. Not on memorial. Murdock W. is probably Murdoch, W, a settler. HAPOKA, H ikamate should be H I KAMATE , Hapoka, as per Shannon Rugby Jubilee Booklet and 1935 RSA records. William Henry Venn, Cpl. Occup. Wireless Engineer appointed to Wireless section. Left 15 October 1916. Probably from Shannon's Post Office. A replacement would have been required. Charles Vaughan, Occupation Printer. Next of kin: Clifford O'Regin (friend) Shannon, left 1916. Hard to get a replacement for him. Leonard Alfred Howe (2nd Vol 23/2000) Labourer. Robert Ephraim Selby (2nd Vol) N-O-K mother in Scotland. John Swanney (2nd Vol) Labourer. Died at Pahiatua camp. Archibald Hunter Yates (2nd Vol) Flaxmill hand. left 15 Nov 1916. R. Sands (2nd Vol) Bushman Sister at Port Awanui. J.Gardiner on. the Memorial, but the " I " is minus it's 1ead Aug. 1989. There were Gardiner & Gardner families in Shannon 1912, so the lead might have been removed because the name was wrong, or just fallen out.

Shannon - War Memorial - Annotated Version

2010-02-23T03:53:44.210Z

This is the text recorded by Simon Shoker in his 1987 school project.. SHANNON WAR MEMORIAL - ANNOTATED VERSION* Memorial unveiled April 25th 1924 by W. Murdoch, Mayor of Shannon. THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND JUSTICE IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 -1918 IN MEMORIAM Vol. 1 Enrolled by * RugbyFamily S=Single 31 Dec 1915 # Shannon RSA member 1935 UPPER FRONT PANEL * BUTLER William Joseph Ignatius S Private Vol 1 P100 FATHER DORE (M. C.) Patrick S Chapl Capt. Vol 1 194 GARDINER James S Cpl-Vet Corps Vol 1 255 HENSMAN Albert S Rifleman Vol 1 324 HOWE Leonard Alfred (Labourer) S Roll 26/28 JONES Percy Raymond KNYVETT Edmund Charles S Private Vol 1 400 LAW Edward Henry (farmer) S LanceCpl Vol 1 407 MILLAR James Grewar S Pte Flax Vol 1 503 McNAUGHTON William Alexander MITCHELL William John Vol 1 510 MILLIGAN Edward Noel S Private 49/16 PROSSER J. PICKENS Joseph George Alfred S Trooper SAMMETT John * SMITH John Ernest S Private Flax Vol 1 675 STEVENS/STEPHENS Arthur Francis Noble Private Vol 1 690 * WOODS/Wood Norman Harold S Private Vol 1 797 * POOLE Mostyn McDONALD A. RIGHT SIDE AT THEIR COUNTRY'S CALL SERVED IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918 ALLOWAY C F * EAGLE C L ANDERSON R B * EAGLE A E Vol 1/207 # BELL Thomas [flax] V.1/48 FELL W BOVIS J T FINLAY S BOHANNA T FREEMAN F S BRIDLE C J GRAHAM A BRETTEN R G A # GARDNER K C BUTT E S # GRIFFITHS J BARCLAY J GRAHAM T * BURKE F *# GUNNING E (grocers asst.) BURTTON J J HYDE M Vol 1/355 CAMERON W * HEMMINGSEN G F(teacher) COLEY J B (MM) Vol 1/139 HINCKSMAN G COLEY R Vol 1/139 HARVEY W # COLEY D Vol 1/ ? HAYCOCK G W CURRAN * HOOK R " CARTER W A * HOOK C CASSERLEY J HANSEN A CREEDY T HOLDEN A C DUNCKLEY G HANNIFIN 0 DOYLE J JUDD L LEFT SIDE JACKSON A W Vol 1/360 NEWSON H Vol 1/537 JENKINS R J Vol 1/367 *# NEWTON W W *# JOHNSON C * NEWTON J W (settler) *# KING T H (rdmn) Vol 1/395 *# NEWTON C (farmer) * KING F NICHOLSON A D * KING J (eng. Driver) * OSBURNE J Vol 1 KIRBY E OAG W KNIGHT L H * PRAIN G G Vol 1 * LENIHAN J * PRATT G LIVINGSTONE D PORT E LAW A M RYRIE J L Ro1143/35 LAW W T # RYRIE JOHN MURPHY J * ROWLANDS R Vol 1 MILLAR W (MM) Vol 1 * STRATFORD H J Roll 38/36? MITCHELL S * STRATFORD R C Vol 1 1 MITCHELL K SAUNDERS N # MITCHELL J.Allan Vol 1/509 # SECORD A # MARTIN J [butcherl # SECORD L * MOYNIHAN R Vol 1 SECORD C * MOYNIHAN J SUGREI P * MOYNIHAN W J SYMES A MURDOCK W (settler) # SIMPSON Joseph * McKENZIE J A (Chapl .)Vol 1 SULLIVAN E McCONVILLE J STAPLES G (farmer) McINTOSH H W SELBY R E (clerk) Roll 33/3 McCARTHY J J Vol 1 (Flax) SWANNEY J Roll 28/9 BACK STERN J F C * WOODS E G (Wood) Vol 1 STERN J H WOODS J J # STERN W C # WHITE A J H *# SMITH P Ay[farmer] WICKENS H *# SPRING E C R # WRAGGE F SPEIRS W WILLS A # SCOBIE W M Vol 1 *# WILKINSON George TOMLIN Harry Vol 1 (Vet) WICKLIFFE L TURNER J R WALTON J T * THOMPSON A F Vol 1 (Vet) * WILSON H * TERRY R J * WILSON C TREMEWAN M * WILSON A VENN W H # WOODMASS K VAUGHAN C YATES ArchibaldHunter Roll 45/33 WOOD G RANGI WIARI TOPIA KOPERU J MOWBRAY H (farmer) SENK W SINCLAIR J H THOMPSON P R SANDS R (MM) HARDI E C G *# HAPOKA H I KAMATE

Those Who Served

2010-02-23T03:53:44.150Z

One hundred and fifty-two men from Shannon served overseas during the war.. Of these, thirty-seven had enlisted by 31 December 1915, and were thus listed in Volume One of the Nominal Roll. (See annotated version of the War Memorial transcript, over-leaf). Those who had enlisted by the end of 1915, left with the Main Body, and served in Gallipoli. Of the twenty Shannon men who died in the war, twelve were among those who went to Gallipoli, a much higher death rate than among those who went later, to serve in France or other places. Farewell functions were organised as each soldier left for active service, and the Shannon railway station was full of people farewelling departing servicemen when they left. The conditions in Gallipoli, France and the other battlegrounds New Zealanders served at were appalling. There was also very little to do, thus the eagerness with which the parcels from home were awaited is understandable. Letters were also a godsend, and were often read over and over. One man from Shannon who found something to do to keep the boredom was George Prain, whose cartoons were published after the war in a book containing examples of New Zealand war-time writing and drawing. After the war he moved to Sydney, where his cartoons continued to be published, in the Sydney Gazette. Everyone in Shannon was affected by the loss of those who went, not only as a husband, son or brother, but also because of their loss to the industries of Shannon. Many of the men who went were farmers or farmer's sons, and others ranged from grocer's assistants, clerks and teachers to bushmen and flax-cutters. C. Vaughn was a printer, which was quite a loss for The Shannon News, and W.H. Venn was a wireless operator, which was also a specialised profession affecting the Shannon Post Office quite seriously.

Shannon Memories

2010-02-23T03:53:43.821Z

This topic has pictures and documents collected together in a folder by Pam Locke (ex Shannon Library) and shared at a Shannon Women's Institute meeting on 17 November 2009.. Some of you will remember Pam as the Librarian at the Shannon Library - this photo was taken at the Shannon Centenary celebrations in 1987. It shows the librarians from 1951 to 1987 - Left to Right: Mavis Clough (1974 – 1981) Pam Locke (1981 – 1996) Barbara Burke (1951 – 1974). While some of the photos shown here were already in Kete Horowhenua, others have been scanned from Pam's copies. Earliest known view of Shannon - 1894 Plimmer Terrace, Shannon - looking north - before 1916 Albion Hotel, Shannon - 1894 H. Aitchison Quality Milk & Cream - Shannon early 1920s Richardson’s meat delivery cart on farm, Shannon, c.1900 Plimmer Terrace, Shannon - looking north from Club Hotel, 1909 Club Hotel, Ballance Street, Shannon Marinoto, Shannon - 1907 Pit sawing timber at Shannon 1914 Jessie Annie and Mary Cameron at 'Te Kara'. Shannon 1914 Camerons, Te Kara, Shannon The Shannon Band outside Shannon School 1901-1905 Mr and Mrs Edward Spencer (nee Newton) 1907 Mrs Gertrude Hallam with needlework, 1921, Shannon The Gunning family from Shannon, c.1900 W.H. Gunning and Co. Ltd., General Merchants, Shannon, c. 1920s Mr Southee in new car (a “Bean”), Shannon, about 1920 Ken Mitchell and others in car, Shannon, c.1920’s Five boys with cricket gear, Vogel Street, Shannon, c.1920 Eight children in fancy dress representing Ireland at Empire Day celebrations, Shannon, c.1920. Opening of Memorial Gates at Shannon School, 28 November 1940 Senior class, Shannon School, 1935 Shannon Borough Councillors, 1938 – 1941 Shannon Borough Council, 1947 – 1950 Shannon Dairy Company, No. 1 truck, driven by Charlie Wishart 1922 - Mangahao - 7 died of monoxide poisoning Plimmer Terrace, Shannon, c. 1915 Osborne’s (Osbourne?) Bullock Team Shannon 1902

River and Rail - the story of Shannon

2010-02-23T03:53:43.714Z

A river and a railway both share an important place in the history of Shannon. From the river came the first settlers and from the railway - Shannon was born.. PREFACE. This work is an attempt to put the notes and information I have been collecting on our town, into some sort of order. It is not - and was never intended to be - a detailed study, but I have tried to include most of the main details of our history. It was written with the younger person in mind - the child or student thirsting for information about the origins of his community. Some subjects I have touched on only lightly - others more fully. This is mainly due to the amount of information I had at hand on a particular subject. My apologies to those who think I have left some important fact out. In my opinion, the most important part of this work is the section at the end. Here, I have tried as far as possible to list the sources of my information: For those interested, this section may help you to fill in the gaps and add to the information given. Then, this work will have served its purpose. Signed: R.D.Ayson, Minnie Street, SHANNON. The words below are from Mr Ayson's paper - River and Rail - the story of Shannon: RIVER AND RAIL THE STORY OF SHANNON. A river and a railway both share an important place in the history of Shannon. From the river came the first settlers and from the railway - Shannon was born. Starting as a tiny stream deep in the Ruahine Ranges the Manawatu river flows for over a hundred miles through the Manawatu district, till it reaches the coast at Foxton Beach and empties into the Tasman sea. The most popular meaning of the word Manawatu is ‘depressed spirit’ or ‘heart stood still’, and according to legend it was named by an early Maori explorer and Wizard named ‘Hau’. During his journey up the coast he came to a wide river and he became sad at the thought of being unable to cross to the other side and so continue his journey. The first people to settle along the river were the Rangitane tribe where they lived peacefully for many centuries. But their peace was shattered in the early 1800's when the Ngati Toa led by their great fighting chief, Te Rauparaha, swept down from the north. The Rangitane armed with only stone and wooden weapons were no match for the invaders who were heavily armed with pakeha muskets. Many of the Rangitane were killed, eaten or captured for slaves, a few escaped and hid in the thick forest. The victorious Te Rauparaha then claimed all the land from Kapiti to the Rangitikei and invited some friendly tribes from the North to share his new-won land. The invitation was accepted by the friendly Ngati Raukawa and a sub-tribe or ‘hapu’ the Ngati Whakatere who travelled from the Waikato district to the Manawatu in a migration lasting between 1825-30. The Whakatere tribe chose to settle on the area of land we now call Shannon. They named their tribe after their ancestor, ‘Whakatere’, and they are descended from a formidable array of chiefs who arrived in New Zealand on the ‘Tainui’ canoe. In the early days, their powers of public opinion and speech-making were remarkable and had no small effect in the preservation of law and order. Matters of general interest were discussed, the building of a meeting-house, or church, or anything affecting the general welfare of the tribe. They possessed a marked sense of dignity which was seen to its greatest advantage at these tribal gatherings. Men, women, and children worked together in some cases, as in the clearing of a piece of land for cultivation, but the men alone worked at any tasks which were covered by a tape, such as house-building or canoe-making. In fact, every activity was covered by some form of ritual or ceremony. The Maori could do little without relying on his gods for help or protection. A considerable amount of their time was taken up in fishing and obtaining other food supplies. They were experts at fresh-water fishing and the eel, being plentiful in the creeks and streams, especially the Tokomaru and the Manawatu River, furnished a most important food supply. They were caught in ‘hinakis’ or eel-baskets, baited with earthworms. They were also taken with [barb] and spear, and surprisingly, often caught with their bare hands. There was always a good supply of bird-life in the dense forest such as the Tui, Kaka, and pigeon. These were caught by spearing or laying snares. The birds were attracted by a call leaf, and as they came close, were killed with a spear or by a piece of hard wood thrown at them. Snares were set in the pathways of flightless birds, just above the surface of the water for ducks, and in trees for forest birds. The most favourite method of cooking was the earth oven or ‘hangi’, in which food was cooked on heated stones in small pits excavated in the ground. An ordinary meal would be cooked in about 2 hours. The Poutu Pa built in 1876 on the northwest side of the Manawatu river, is still today the centre of the Maori community. On the ‘Marae’ is the church Turongo’, built in 1869 by Bishop Hadfield. In 1965 it was moved to its present position from its original site in Bowes Road. It is said that an elder of the tribe dreamed that two big ‘Totara’ trees grew near the Manawatu river at Rangiotu. The trees were found, and with the help of a friendly tribe, were floated downriver, and the timber was used in the construction of the church. War was always a threat in the life of the Maori and all able-bodied men were trained in war-fare. The Whakatere tribe were fierce fighters and employed strategy and decoy manoeuvres to outwit their enemy. So successful were they in combats that other tribes believed in some mythical being or war-god was blessing them with assistance. Many tribes sought their help to avenge some insult or wrong. The Whakatere tribe have been recognised as great ‘haka’ performers. In 1929 they won the N.Z. Haka Championship shield, held in Shannon, and in 1931, won the N.Z. Haka Challenge Cup in Wanganui, defeating six other teams. In 1889 a Maori sports club was formed. One of the principal events was horse racing and a mile track was laid down near the Pa. Successful meetings were held for 18 years and competitors came from as far as Auckland and Rotorua. The first white man to come into contact with the Manawatu Maoris was a runaway sailor named Bush. He was called Te Puihi by the Maoris and he married and remained with them for three years, and then left as suddenly as he had arrived. However his presence marked a new era and soon after the emigrant ships arrived in Wellington, the more adventurous of the pioneers established a precarious trade in flax and pigs in the Manawatu. In August 1840, Jerningham Wakefield visited the Manawatu river with the whaler Geordie Young. They were taking supplies to the American whaler 'Horse Lewis, who was building a 30 ton schooner about 15 miles up the river. Lewis and his small band of helpers were the only Europeans known to have been living on the river at that time. While there, Wakefield met a trader, Jack Duff who had just travelled upriver through the Manawatu Gorge, the first white man to do so. Following Wakefield's visit, there was considerable interest in the Manawatu by the New Zealand Company. First the Company's Surveyor, General William Mein Smith, made a preliminary survey. The survey headquarters were set up at Te Karikari and during 1842 extensive surveys of the district were carried out. As a result, a large block of land, 25,000 acres on the river's south bank was purchased by the Company. The Company's draughtsman, Charles Heaphy suggested the company establish a town near the river. They chose Te Maire, the spot where Shannon now stands. Plans for the new settlement were drawn up and a syndicate of Wellington colonists was formed. It was very optimistic and imaginative. The plans included, a riverside esplanade, botanical gardens, market and church squares, custom house, goal and cemetery. This was a great enticement to the settlers but the town was never to take root. Investigations were made into their land purchases, with the result that they were only awarded 900 acres. Their scheme of a settlement had to be abandoned. Of the 900 acres only 400 was taken up, a few miles downriver from Te Maire at Paiaka. Of these, Captain Robinson, a trader, and the Kebble brothers, John and Thomas, pioneer sawmillers, acquired 200 acres each. Later these holdings were doubled when Governor Grey came into office. Other traders also established themselves at Paiaka, the most prominent being Thomas Uppadine Cook, and Charles Hartley. For a time the little settlement thrived. The Maoris were employed in rafting the logs down the river and hauling them to the mill on a tramway. A brisk trade of such goods as clothing, blankets, ornaments tools, tobacco, pipes and even the occasional horse or cow, developed with the Maoris who in turn gave pigs, potato, wheat and flax. By 1850 about 50 Europeans lived on the river's banks, while the Maori numbered about 3,400. But progress came to an abrupt halt in Paiaka when on the evening of January 29th 1855, a violent earthquake struck the lower half of the North Island. Strong shocks were felt in the Manawatu and the settler's frail houses at Paiaka collapsed and tumbled down around them. Kebbell's mill was damaged beyond repair and those houses left standing were pulled down and transported to Te Awahou, the site of Foxton. This was the beginning of European settlement in Foxton and soon the settlers had built stores and a wharf there. Although, as has been seen, the township of Te Maire did not eventuate there was still some European interest in the spot as a trading centre and missionary station. As early as 1841 a Maori chapel had been built there. It was situated on an old cut off loop of the Manawatu river, on the left bank (about 12 miles west of Shannon). In the early days, before the arrival of the white man, the Maori had cut a channel at the narrowest end of the loop to provide a shortcut. Early settlers called it the Te Maire lagoon. In 1844 the Reverends, James Duncan and John Inglis, from the church of Scotland set up a mission station there. Reverend Duncan taught the Maoris the use of figures and weights and measures, which made him an unpopular figure with some of the traders. He moved to Te Awahau in 1846 and with the help of the Maoris built a home and a church there. He was the first white man to settle at Te Awahau, and was there to welcome the settlers after the disaster at Paiaka. Another European who settled at Te Maire was the Trader, Charles Hartley. He arrived in 1846 and started trading for flax with the local tribes. He was a fair and honest man and they often went to him with their problems and to seek advice. They called him ‘Haretere’. Hartley and his wife lived in a Maori style house but with one European touch - it had curtains at the windows. He brought the first horse, cow, and sheep to the district, and it became a common sight to see two or three schooners anchored on the river opposite their house. The settlement of Te Maire increased with other traders coming there and cherries, peaches and heavy crops of potatoes were grown. Also a mill for grinding wheat was built on the Otaura stream. This was owned by Hartley and T.V. Cook, as also were two schooners, the ‘Hannah’ and ‘Mary Jane’ built there on the river bank. To Hartley goes the honour of being the first white man to see the clearing in the bush which was to become Palmerston North. From Te Maire they moved to Foxton about 1875 to a spot known as Hartley's bend and then in 1878 they moved to Palmerston North. At a week long meeting at Parewanui in 1849, the 225,000 acre Rangitikei block of land between the Turakina and the Rangitikei rivers was bought for £2,500. In 1858 the Awahau block of 37,000 acres from Awahau, 30 miles along the Manawatu river was bought from the Ngati Raukawa also for £2,500. Talks then began for the sale of the upper Manawatu or Ahauturangi block of 250,000 acres. This included the clearing ‘Papaioea’ (the future Palmerston North) bought in 1864 for £12,000 from the Rangitane tribe. These sales opened up the Manawatu for European settlement and small towns began to grow at Foxton and Palmerston North. The many hardships these settlers faced and their efforts to conquer the land makes interesting and absorbing reading. To give an idea of the thickness of the forest, which covered the entire area, in 1842 Charles Kettle reported that it took a survey party 8 hours to travel two miles. This, of course, caused many transport difficulties and the early traveller found the easiest form of transport was by Maori canoe un and down the river. In 1871, however, a tramway was built from the river (near the Opiki bridge) to Palmerston North. The rails were wooden and the trucks were pulled by horses. In April 1876 the first train, nicknamed the ‘Skunk’ ran from Palmerston North to Foxton. The railway was extended to Feilding in 1877 and to Wanganui in 1878. The Foxton line continued for many years, but declined in importance with the opening of a new railway in 1886 - The Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company's line. A railway up the west coast had been a long-felt need of many early settlers. The only route to the Manawatu lay along the beach by coast or walking, till you reached Foxton and then struck inland or journeyed up the river. In 1876 a line had already been started on the other side of the ranges, stretching over the Rimutaka's to a point north of Masterton. Bat when the Government were approached to construct a similar line up the west coast, they replied that the results would not justify the cost, as the Manawatu land was considered to be of not enough value. However, after further discussions the Government decided to carry out a survey between Wellington and Foxton. This was carried out by the Minister of Public Works, Mr J. McAndrews, in 1878, who found there were no serious engineering difficulties along the proposed route. A start was made on the line and steady progress was made. But after £33,000 had been spent on formation work, there was a change of Government and all work on the line stopped. The new Government was repeatedly approached by the frustrated colonists but they pleaded that there was no money available to continue such a work. So the colonists realised that the only way they would get their much-needed railway, was to pay for it themselves - and they did. At a meeting held in Welling-ton on September 30th 1880, attended by some prominent business men, the proposal was put forward to form a private company to raise money for the line. Among the guests was a softooods retailer, Mr G.V. Shannon and his partner in business Mr J. Thompson. In 1881, the company, named the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company, was registered with a capital of £500,000. The Railways and Land act was passed which authorised the Company to proceed with the work and the Government also gave them a land grant of 215,000 acres in the Manawatu. In September 1882 the first contract for construction was signed and four years and two months later in November 1886, after 84 miles of line had been layed involving an outlay of over three quarters of a million pounds, the work was completed. The ceremony of driving the last spike, held at Otaihanga, near Waikanae, on November 3rd, 1886, although a formal and serious occasion, was not without its humour. The Governor of the Colony, Sir William Jervois performed the honour - but when he swung the mallet to strike the spike - he missed: He tried again - and missed again: Finally on the third attempt he managed the task, and the final link between the two centres of Wellington and Palmerston 'North were at last physically and symbolically, completed. The line opened for business on November 29th of that year, when the first train consisting of ten carriages, ran through to Palmerston North. It was an instant success. At first British engines were used but from 1888 onwards American engines and carriages were introduced, including the first dining car. And electricity provided by storage batteries was introduced in 1896, thirty years before the State railways. The engines were more powerful too and claimed a world speed record for a 3'6" gauge track of over 60 mph. With the completion of the main trunk line, the company sold the railway to the State in September 1908 for £993.000. Several of the small towns along the line were named after directors of the company, in recognition of their services. These included Linton, Shannon, Levin and Plimmerton. In 1885 a small party of railway officials visited the country over which the line was being constructed. Included in this party was Mr G.V. Shannon, director. Their journey was made by rail, stage coach, and horseback and took 23 hours - the fastest return journey from Wellington to Manawatu made up to that time. Many of the towns they passed through were only in the planning stage. Levin for instance was only a clearing in the bush. When they reached the Manawatu river they visited the ‘Shannon’ wharf. This was situated on the acute bend at the lower end of the present Buckley road, two miles west of Shannon. Small steamers brought their cargoes of railway supplies to this point for the advancing railway. A temporary line, a mile in length, joined the wharf with the main line. The first and largest steamer to travel up the river to as far as Shannon was the three roasted, two funnelled, 207 feet long, ‘Wonga Wonga’ on February 12th, 1860. When Mr Shannon was shown the site of the township named after him he was delighted and said it reminded him of his homeland in Ireland. The site covered 1200 acres - one square mile of forest having been cleared in readiness for settlement -and the suburban sections abutted upon the water. It was a very pretty spot. One of the party described it as "a sort of natural amphitheatre with a beautiful fringe of forest running round a basin formed by the water and bed of the river." Unfortunately they stayed for only 20 minutes before continuing their journey. Shannon, it was said, would become one of the most important towns along the railway's entire route. And who was this Mr George Vance Shannon? He was born in Ulster, Ireland, about three miles from the town of Antrim, on August 17th, 1842. He migrated to New Zealand with his wife, Emily, in 1865, and was in business in Nelson for 9 years. In 1874, he and Mr J.S.M. Thompson established a drapery business in Wellington with branches in Christchurch, Napier and Auckland. When he retired from this business in 1887, he moved with his family to the ‘Totara’s Estate’ at Waituna West, Rangitikei district. He always took an active part in public matters. He was Captain of the Wellington Rifles and was made a Major in the N.Z. Militia, commanding the First Battalion in 1887. He was a member of the Wellington Education Board; Commander of the Wellington Fire Salvage Board; and a customs expert. But perhaps his most important work was with the Wellington-Manawatu railway. He was a member of the first committee appointed to report on the practicability of the railway; and was vice-president of the London Board; and a director, during his seven years service to the company. He became one of the best known settlers in the Rangitikei district and died at his Totara's home on June 4th, 1920, leaving six daughters and two sons. When the track laying gangs were working in the Shannon area, the only sign of European settlement was a small farm owned by Mr G.N. Woods. He came down the river from Moutoa and purchased his land from the Maoris, and built a tiny cottage with a roof made of raupo reeds. Tracks had to be cut through the bush so that the timber and - furniture for the cottage could be carted to the site by bullock wagon. Mr Woods was Shannon's first J.P. and Maori interpreter. He also built the first woolshed and had the first four stand shearing plant and did most of the shearing for the farmers in the neighbourhood. Opposite Mr Wood's farm was the abandoned water driven flour mill built by Hartley and Cook, on the Mangaore stream, half a mile downstream from where the Shannon Woolscour factory now stands. Mr Clark Dunn of the railway construction contractors, Wilkie and Dunn, owned the only real house in Shannon, a wooden bungalow. A general store was run by the contractors for the men who lived in tents. They could buy fresh meat and bread and did all their own cooking. The first permanent building erected in Shannon was the railway signal box in 1886. A big land auction was held in 1887, selling blocks of land about Shannon for £1.5s and £2.15s per acre, the terms being 10 per cent deposit and the balance at five per cent over seven years. The settlers set to work to fell the timber and clear their land and early photos show the ground strewn with huge logs and dotted with jagged stumps rising from the raw earth. The first commercial development was the construction of a general store on Nathan Terrace, west of the railway line. The Store also served as the Post Office. This was followed by another commercial building (serving as auction room, Hairdresser, billiard room and boarding house) on the corner of Nathan Terrace and Sheehan Street. The Town’s first hotel (Albion) was erected on Plimmer Terrace, east of the railway in 1889. With the move in 1890 of the Post Office and the construction of a second hotel (Club) on Plimmer Terrace, the east side became the main commercial area, while the west side declined in importance. One of the largest stores in the district was established in Shannon in 1890. This was owned by - Mr W.H. Gunning, who settled in New Zealand after returning from the Yukon gold fields in America. This building is still being used today and the year the business was established although faded by time, can still be seen on the front of the building. Almost the only remunerative activity for the earliest settlers was that of bush clearing and sawmilling. The settlers were so active in this that by 1894 Shannon had become treeless. Two early sawmilling companys were the Campbell Land and Timber Co. and the Shannon Land and Sawmilling Co. which took over the land and interests of the Campbell company in July 1906. The timber area was about 4500 acres and covered the area which is now the site of the Mangahao Power scheme. The timber consisted of rimu, totara, birch and hinau. In 1907 the company erected the Tepaki mill, situated six miles from Shannon. The timber after leaving the mill was drawn up the side of the range on the Shannon side, a distance of about ⅓rd of a mile by a powerful steam hauler and was lowered down the other side and taken to Shannon on a tramway. The planing sheds were situated close to the railway station. The output of the mill was 10,000 ft of timber per day and the company employed 40 people. The start of the dairying industry in this district consisted of milking a few wild cows in a yard of shingleroof shed, and grazing the cows among the stumps and partly burned logs. The milk was set in large pans, skimmed, and the cream churned into butter for sale at the local store for 4d lb, or to be exchanged for a few stores. Later the herds of cows increased in size and all were milked by hand. The cow yards were unpaved and the milk was carted by horse and dray to the creameries. The first creameries were privately owned. In 1874 the N.Z. Farmers' Dairy Union erected a creamery in Shannon and adopted the brand of ‘Black Swan’ for their butter. McMillan and Frederick (later taken over by Dalgety and Co) commenced in 1900 (brand -Rangitira) and the Fresh Food and Ice Company started in 1903. Their Brand was ‘Defiance’. The prices paid for butterfat were in the vicinity of 6d lb and the dissatisfaction among farmers over this price, gave rise to the move to start a producers' co-operative company in the Shannon District, in 1908. The factory grew to become one of the largest producers of butter in the lower North Island. The small churns first used turned out 700-800 lbs of butter per churning but later ones in use made 2½ tons at time. The first yearly output of the factory was 158 tons; in 1939 it was 1600 tons; and in 1949 it reached 2500 tons. In 1910 a store for supplying shareholders with farm necessities was opened. The store is still operating today and is now open to the general public. The dairy factory closed in the mid 60's and today a wool scouring plant is operating on the premises. At one time flaxmilling was the most important industry in Shannon. When flax leaf was plentiful as many as 70 Mills operated along the banks of the Manawatu river. Drainage and reclamation of the swamps, however, greatly reduced the once prolific flax areas until today, no trace of the industry remains The main flax growing areas in the district were the Moutoa and the Makerua swamps. The Moutoa swamp lay some three miles from Shannon on the way to Foxton. The swamp covered nearly 5000 acres end at one time as much as 40 tons of flax was cut to the acre. The Makerua swamp was the largest commercial flax swamp in the country and extended from Shannon to Linton and followed the east bank of the Manawatu River. The area covered about 22,000 acres. Crops yielded about 70,000 tons of millable leaf yearly from which the mills dressed about 8500 tons of hemp and 1400 tons of tow. A large number of men were employed in the mills. Those that interested Shannon were C.H. Spiers’s two stripper mill on the Kara creek and the Miranui flaxmill, the largest ever built to produce N.Z. flax fibre, situated about three miles north of Shannon. There were seven stripping machines working in the main building and two more in a smaller building called the Welxa mill. The quantity of leaf cut per annum was on the average of 22,000 tons. To obtain this quantity over three acres of flax was cut every day and 11 chains of tramline were pulled up and relaid. The mill's output was about 2,500 tons of hemp and 400 tons of tow. It was owned by the A. & L. Seifert Flaxdressing Co., which employed over 300 men. Another mill further north was the Mukapai flaxmill with two strippers. And situated over the Manawatu river was the Whitanui mill with four strippersand the Poplar mill with two strippers. Both these mills drew their supplies of leaf from the Makerua swamp and conveyed the leaf across the river by aerial wire rope. For many years flaxmilling was a flourishing industry which provided around £250,000 worth of exports every year. But in 1914 a mysterious disease appeared in the flax and gradually spread over the whole area. This was the yellow-leaf disease; so called because it attacked the leaf causing it to turn yellow and die. This disease which resisted all efforts to stamp it out, made flaxmilling unprofitable and after extensive drainage and flood protection work had been carried out in the swamp, changing it into a fertile plain, flax owners converted their land to farming. Now the former flax land is one of the finest root crop growing areas in the North Island. The possibilities of providing electric power by utilising the water catchment aroma on the western side of the Tararua ranges behind Shannon, were first brought to the Government’s attention in 1911. But work could not begin on the scheme until after the first world war. In 1915 when surveys were made, the Government spoke confidently of completing the work in two to three years. But the task before the engineers was not an easy one. The Mangahao river lay some seven miles back from the Shannon Plain, but in between were two giant ridges of rock over 1500 ft. high. Their job was to build two dams holding 117 million cubic feet of water, drive tunnels through the hills and bring the stored water down to the power house. What makes Mangahao possible is not any great quantity of water, but the height of the fall from the dam levels to the power house. This artificial fall through the pipelines is nearly 900ft,, and water pressure at the bottom is 400 lbs per sq. in. or 30 tons per sq. ft. In 1919 the work on the two tunnels began and the construction of the two dams, the pipelines and the power house followed. One tunnel which was driven through the rock between Arapeti and the Mangahao river is 1250 ft. above sea level and is one mile long and 7ft. in diameter. Another tunnel through the range behind Shannon is 1½ miles long and is 8ft. in diameter. This tunnel was the scene of an accident on July 3rd 1922 when six men, who were working from the Arapeti end, lost their lives through gas poisoning. From the surge chamber built 1250 ft above sea level come the pipes which descend to the power house built on a bend of the stream on what used to be for the early settlers an attractive picnic spot. The building of the pipelines was an undertaking in itself, using 1600 tons of steel and over 2 million rivets. The line starts at the surge chamber with two six ft. diameter pipes; and then branches into four 46ins; and then into four three ft. diameter pipes lower down. The length of the pipeline is 3700 ft. In the power house the water from the pipe is controlled by nozzles and the pressure of water drives the paddle type wheels of the generators. A needle valve in the nozzle can be made to open or close according to the demand for power. The velocity of the water through the nozzle is no less than 200 ft per second or sufficient to hurl the column of water a full mile. On November 3rd 1924, the Prime Minister, Mr W.F. Massey, accompanied by Mr J.C. Coates, the Minister for Public Works, performed the opening ceremony. The function at the power house was followed by a banquet at Shannon. Later, when it was found that the storage capacity of the two dams already formed was insufficient, a larger dam was constructed further back in the ranges. This dam was filled in April 1928. Today, the station's output of 19.2 megawatts is about enough to supply Levin's power demand only, a very small amount by todays standards. The power scheme meant much to Shannon and during the four years of construction the town enjoyed a boom period. Such was the influx of population (over 500 working on the power scheme) that a second policeman was needed. The majority of workers were law-abiding and peaceful but in the wilder element - often fights broke out. Tent towns blossomed in the hills, the tents arranged in terraces one above the other or dug into the hillsides. Mangahao is their monument - and in November 1974 the power scheme celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Shannon school which was built at a cost of £50, was opened on Wednesday, July 17, 1889. It was a one room building with 16 dual desks, blackboards, easels and stationary. On the first day there were 17 pupils present, and the teacher was Mr. W. Voysey. From these small beginnings, in a building that was cold, wet and draughty, the Shannon people today can be justifiably proud of the school and the amenities it provides for their children. Shannon people have always been interested in sport and community activities. Early residents were justly proud of their recreation ground which still today is the venue of major sports and community gatherings. The land was donated by the Railway company and was stumped and cleared by an enthusiastic working bee; with a team of bullocks doing the harder work. The ground was then drained and leveled and a crop of oats grown and about 1906 it was seeded down as a permanent pasture. The recreation ground is the home of the Shannon Rugby club, but rugby was played in the town as early as 1893. The club itself dates from 1899 when it entered a junior team in the Horowhenua competition. In 1927 the Manawhenua team won the coveted Ranfurly Shield, with the local club providing five of the players. In 1890 a cricket club was formed and a field was cleared in Plimmer Terrace. This flat was covered with stumps and thistles through which a herd of cows daily passed. Practice games were played there until Mr.G.N. Woods gave permission to use property in front of his house. Later, the club secured a field further up Plimmer Terrace and played there until the domain was cleared. Other early sports bodies were: the Shannon Gun club, formed in 1912; the croquet club, formed in 1924; Miniature rifle club, in 1938; The Shannon Bowling club, in 1904; horse sports club, in 1933; Badminton club, 1936; tennis club, 1908; Girls marching team in 1946 - there were two teams one named the ‘Premiers’ and the other was ‘Broadway’. There were also two golf clubs, the Buckley and the Mangaore clubs, both with nine hole courses set in pleasant surroundings. Shannon also had a horse racing club in the early days, with its track situated on the Levin Road. Race day was always a popular event and the names of some of the horses were: Marionette, Toby Tutumiro, Wild Irishman, Picture, Teddy Kissmere and Lady Carrington. The Club closed in 1910. After a public meeting was held on August 2nd 1927 the Shannon Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed. The first fire fighting equipment to be purchased was a hose reel from the Palmerston Forth Fire Board at a cost of £7, and on August 10th the fire bell was obtained from the Wellington Fire Brigade for £8. The hand reel stayed in service until 1930, when a model ‘T’ Ford fire engine was purchased from the Feilding Fire Board for £35. This engine was sold in 1947 for the same price it was paid for. That same year the Public raised nearly £1,200 and purchased a new Ford V8 fire Engine. Today the Shannon Fire Brigade ranks amongst the finest ‘smaller’ brigades in the country. The first newspaper in Shannon was ‘The Manawatu Farmer’ published about 1884. Another early paper was the ‘Shannon News’ a twice weekly publication. This began in 1922 and continued until 1940 when the shortage of newsprint due to the war forced it to close. Shannon's first Mayor was Mr W. Murdock who held the office from 1917 to 1926. Other Mayors were: Messrs E.J. Butt; A.E. Hyde; R.E. Downes and D.A. Fitzgerald and P.K. Robinson. The first police station was situated in Nathan Terrace. The Bank of New Zealand building was built in 1913 but before that a bank operated near the Albion Hotel, and an even earlier one was situated in Ballance Street. The first public Hall was built in 1894. When the time came for Shannon to decide on what form the war memorial should take, after much discussion it was decided to build a, memorial hall and community centre. Some land was donated for this purpose opposite the school and the building was officially opened on August 28th 1954 by Major General Sir Howard Kippenburger, K.B.E., and the Rev. G.K. Norman dedicated the memorial plaque. The Methodist Church was the first church to be built in Shannon - in 1891 by their own parishoners. Early members of the Anglican Church however, held services in the school rooms. Their Church was built in 1898 and was resited next to the parish hall in Stout Street in 1949. The first Presbyterians held services in Fitchett's Hall, Stout Street, until the church was completed in 1904 in Nathan Terrace and in X953 a brick church was built in Stout Street. Early Roman Catholics held their Services in the School rooms. A church was built in 1908, and in 1963 a new church was opened. In 1956 they built St. Joseph's Convent School, catering for the needs of some 60. The first motion pictures to be screened locally were at the Druid's Hall. Later the ‘Maorilander’ theatre was opened and in 1921 under new Management it was renovated and renamed the ‘Renown’. The first ‘talkie’ picture was screened in 1930. A stable was situated next to the theatre and it was from here that visitors could hire a horse and gig on a ‘drive yourself’ system. Later, when the Mangahao scheme started there were three or four motor taxis running as well as several motor buses. The first aeroplane flown from Shannon was a home-made machine built by Mr Len Mangham. It took off from the race course, but when attempting to land, hit a cow, but fortunately the machine and the pioneer pilot escaped injury. Following the Second World War, there were many men who received resettlement farms in the Shannon District. This, along with the upgrading of the State Highway through Shannon, brought a new lease of life to the community. Business firms, realising the potential of this centrally situated town, started to buy up land and take over existing businesses. The United Empire Box (U.E.B.) group of ompanies situated here in 1949 and is now a multi million dollar industrial empire. A disastrous fire in 1957 destroyed their building but it was immediately rebuilt. In 1937 Mr W.R.Clough bought the local blacksmith and farrier's business. Since then the business has flourished and is now an expanding engineering company. The Holeproof Nylon Plant went into production in 1965. It was originally built by the Von Kohorn Nylon Company (brand-ENZLON) but was taken over by Holeproof in 1966. The plant and machinery - used for making nylon fibre - cost many thousands of dollars and the company provides work for many Shannon residents. Today, the railway is still the most prominent feature of the Shannon landscape. The business premises cluster beside the tracks and the streets (many named after Wellington-Manawatu Railway personalities) and houses radiate out from it. Perhaps Shannon didn't live up to its founders' reputation as being one of the most important centres between Wellington and Palmerston North, but there is a strong feeling of optimism about the town as if this goal is still in sight. - END – B I B L I O G R A P H Y Most of the books, booklets, papers etc. I have obtained information from, are listed below. Those listings marked with a star are obtainable from the Shannon Public Library [1977]. BOOKS:- *Old Manawatu - T.L. Buick Palmerston North - A Centenial History - G.C. Petersen *West of the Tararuas - D.Hoy *City of the Strait *Petticoat Pioneers (book 2) - M. Macgregor *Adventure in New Zealand - J. Wakefield Stirring Times of Te Rauparaha - W.T.L. Travers *Early Steamships of N.Z. - D. Wilkinson Reminiscences of Early Horowhenua - R. McDonald *Horowhenua - G.L. Adkin BOOKLETS and THESIS Transportation in Manawatu 1816-1846 – A.S.M. Hely Introducing Manawatu - B.G.R. Saunders Golden Jubilee of the Shannon Co-op Dairy Co. Shannon School Jubilee - 1949, 1959, 1964, 1974. Shannon Directory - 1972. PAPERS: *Copies bf Mr G.V. Sannon's own Press Cuttings. (In folder marked Wellington-Manawatu Railway). . :5:0:-36.867,174.767:

Jeanne Brown's obituary - Lady hairdresser good for business

2010-02-23T03:53:43.390Z

Cut-throat razor was a worry though, writes Lee Matthews.. Jean Dellow Brown (Jeanne). Hairdresser; born Shannon October 9, 1911; died Palmerston North July 26, 2008. If hairdressers are poor men's psychiatrists, Jeanne Brown did a lot of good for many people in her life. She was a hairdresser all her working life, and listened to, clients' stories and worries and joys all day long. Her niece, Sue Curran, said Aunty Jeanne had an abiding interest in people. "She was always interested in you, and what you were doing. It didn't mater who you were, whether you were related or not, she cared and she wanted to know." Miss Brown was born in Shannon. Her father was a railway ganger, helping build then upkeep the railway line that in 1908 linked Wellington and Auckland, passing through Shannon. She was one of six sisters, with an after-thought brother 15 years younger than herself. The family lived in a two-roomed railway cottage. Miss Brown went to Auckland to study ladies' hairdressing, gaining her diploma in 1934. She worked in Thames, then applied to work on a cruise liner. That dream failed because the company wouldn't accept applicants from New Zealand. Undaunted, she tried to enter via Australia - but then World War II broke out and put paid to pleasure cruising. She went to Wellington, and spent five years teaching hairdressing, earning E3 2s a week. Then she returned to Palmerston North, buying a house with her father, and taking up the position she would hold for the rest of her working life - hairdresser in one of the city's most gracious men's hairdressing shops of the day, Giorgi's. That shop was a landmark on Coleman Mall until it closed in 1976. Men's hairdressing was a different can of spray to women's - and the clients weren't used to women hairdressers. Mr Giorgi spent seven months teaching Miss Brown the fine art of cutting men's hair - the good old 1940s short back and sides - and learning to shave men with a cut-throat razor. When Miss Brown turned 90, she told The Tribune that she'd been scared stiff of that cut-throat razor at first. "My dad had told me never to touch his [razor]." The lady hairdresser was a great asset for Mr Giorgi. The customers were interested in her, and kept coming back. Mrs Curran said her aunt never married, in spite of having plenty of suitors. She suspected that she may have lost somebody special in World War II, as so many women did. She remembered her aunt as being beautifully groomed, with lovely hands and nails, as a person who disliked purple but wore a lot of teal, who was not a big reader, but loved sport, especially golf and tennis. "She'd have been glued to the Olympics." Miss Brown stayed active and healthy all her life, driving until fairly recently. She walked, and ran a highly productive vegetable garden - beans and tomatoes in summer, and special lacy-leafed lettuce in winter. After she retired, she was a founding member of the women’s club Probus and the World Overseas League. "She was just always busy and interested. She didn't sit round with her feet up." Sources: The Tribune newspaper and Miss Brown's niece Sue Curran.

94 Winchester Street, Levin

2010-02-23T03:53:37.621Z

This house is listed Category II with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Corrie Swanwick wrote an article on it: 94 Winchester StreetThe house on the northeast corner of Bath Street was built in 1908 or 1909 for Mr Frank Swanwick on three sections totaling approximately half an acre, subdivided from section 44 of the Levin Village Settlement.These were bought in 1907 from Mr W. G. Adkin who subdivided the block from Queen Street to Bath Street of 5 acres 2 roods. Part of the short end of Kent Street adjoining the block was surveyed out then.The house on then current costs would have been priced at about £400 ($800) with the sections cost being about £50 ($100). My cousin Arlette Reading (Scott) said when her family came to Levin in 1905 the sections were a forest of dead, burnt trees.My father came to Levin to work before he was married to work for his future brother-in-law, Mr Joseph Scott, a baker. He leased Mr F. O. Smith's bakehouse near the southeast corner if Bath Street and Winchester Street from 1905. This was sited west of the Maternity Hospital along Bath Street. A flat No 148, now occupies the site. .One of my earliest memories is of seeing the words F. 0. Smith in large letters right across the bakehouse roof, to my wonderment. The bakehouse was operated definitely from 1900 and probably well before. Mr Smith's house was the house to the south along Winchester Street, which is now No 88.My father boarded with his brother-in-law when he came to Levin at first. Often he found his tobacco pouch empty. One night he came through the gate quietly and saw a hand out of his room's window emptying his tobacco pouch. He was suspicious of his future nephew but did not catch the culprit.Some nights later he went to the bakery and found Joseph Jnr and Les (Boy) Smith tying the harness of the delivery cart in knots. A larruping with the harness strap was the reward of the boys for their pranks.I was born in the house in 1910 - born on the floor as I was in a hurry to get to Levin.The Kent St - Bath St pit was behind our house, now Jubilee Park opposite the Maternity Hospital. These old metal pits often had water in them. My elder brother Fred, remembers this story;Dad had some ducks and these were attracted to the water in the pit. They laid their eggs on low knolls in the pit. The water level rose one night and next morning Dad had to ride his horse into the water and then reach down under the water to gather the eggs. Some he could not reach. It has been recorded that the pit overflowed in 1947 into and down Kent Street.Between our section and the pit there was a paddock, now occupied by houses Nos. 157 - 161. This was in a rough state after stumping. Hollows were left where stumps had been, with a hump where the soil had fallen off the stumps. An earlier memory is of my brother, Fred, playing war with other children. The humps and hollows were the trenches (during 1914 -18 War).The fighting got too serious. My mother shouted out, "Stop the fighting, there is enough fighting in the world now.".,The "footpath" in the front of the section was of grass and bare soil. In the bare patches there were narrow holes. When playing with Tom Barnett or Ken Hook, we poked straws down the holes and often pulled up a grub clinging to the straw. We called them "butcher- boys".Our house was on the edge of town. There were no houses visible to the east except that the short end of Kent Street had some houses there and Queen Street was fairly well built up to the present Parker Avenue. There were only about five houses to the south in Winchester Street from Bath Street.Bath Street in a formed state ended at Winchester Street with a fenced road width in grass connecting with a road strip which is now Parker Avenue. Mrs Emma Teal said that this was known as the "tram" for a reason unknown to her. There was probably a sawmill tramway there once. Bath Street, east of Winchester Street, was not formed until after about 1945.In 1916 our property was sold to Thomas Nicholas and my family moved to Beach Road, (now Hokio Beach Road).The property was transferred to Christine Nicholas in 1919 and later transferred to her married name, Brown.In 1942 a section was surveyed off the rear of lots 21,22,23 making a section fronting making a section fronting Winchester Street and sold to Elizabeth May Capper. The original property, No 94, was sold to Mr William Mudge and transferred to Mrs Hettie Mudge in 1960. The house is of six rooms. A roomy lounge is at the south front with a bay window and fireplace with the usual carved supports for the mantelpiece. A living room is towards the back and this has been relined but has the original fireplace. There was once a pull up window from floor to ceiling which has been replaced by a French door leading onto the side verandah.There is a main bedroom at the north front with a fireplace now made into a small cupboard. There is a built in wardrobe in one wall which was very unusual for the time the house was built. This room originally had a French door leading onto the side verandah, now replaced by a window. There are two other bedrooms of good size. The front entrance is enhanced by a six-foot wide hall.Verandahs are around the front and side of the house. Except for the replacement of the verandah railing and fancy corner pieces on the exterior being removed, the house is not greatly changed. Since 1916 until 1950 the house had been let to tenants most of the time.In 1936 Mr Henry Playford bequeathed all his property to the Levin borough. This included most of the present Playford Park, the land where the motor camp and the site of a number of clubrooms is. The land where the properties in the south end of George Street are was included in the bequeathment, as was part of the original F. O. Smith's property, being the house on three sections. This was sold in 1944 by the Public Trustee on behalf of the borough for £ 685 ($1370). A voluntary contribution by Francis Corrison Swanwick, Horowhenua Historical Society.

Chapter 2 - Ernest Cecil Wright - Husband of Rose

2010-02-23T03:53:32.879Z

Bill Wright's father was Cecil - Ernest Cecil Wright.. Above: Cecil and Rose Wright with family 1938 From Left: Patricia - b. 1929 - d. 2000, Cecil - b. 1900 - d . 1972, Euan - b. 1920 - d. 2003, Bill - b. 1925 -, Rose - b. 1900 - d. 1992, Norma - b. 1923 - d. 2003 Cecil was born at Burnham and in 1911 moved to Willowbridge with his parents. From 1920 to 1952 he farmed at Waihao Downs (Pine Grove). In 1952 he moved to Table Hill near Elephant Hill. He was a prominent citizen in the Waimate and South Canterbury districts known for his many years of service to Young Farmers' Clubs, farming and many other local organisations Initially Cecil was an agricultural contractor, and then he acquired a chaff cutter which he worked in with Eddie Cromie, a neighbour's son. When that partnership ended he acquired a tin mill, a Stationary threshing machine, belt-driven off any tractor over 30 hp (the two-ton was only 18 hp but had good torque as it had over square cylinders which were round but with a bore of 5" and a stroke of 4". The threshing mills driven by the traction engine were of timber construction with a broad wooden elevator to disperse the threshed straw. The tin mill was steel framed with galvanized panels and had a steel tube for dispersing the blast assisted straw to be taken away from the mill. The uncut sheaves were fed into the tin mill where the peg drum soon pulled them apart, whereas the wooden mill had a man called the feeder that cut the string binding the sheaves and dribbled the grain-bearing straw into the bar loaded drum. If the straw was light as a result of the grain being knocked off by the notorious nor-westerlies that could cause massive losses as the grain dried. It was on one of these occasions that Keith Turner, who was feeding Jim Urquhart's mill was pushing the straw into the feed with his foot and he over-balanced and got drawn into the machine. He lost his leg and was very lucky not to loose both legs and, indeed, his life. - There was no OSH in those days. After 1957 there were no wooden or tin mills operating. All harvesting was done by header Harvesters or combines - in the United States jargon - There is an article in the Waimate Advertiser of 20 July 1957, noting the passing of the wooden threshing mills. Coincidentally this was printed beside an article reporting on Cecil's involvement with the young Farmers' Club and the newly formed Farm Safety Association. The statement that Cecil was the first farmer to drive a crawler tractor was not correct, but he was the first to own and drive a Caterpillar Crawler tractor on general farm work. The other Caterpillar two-ton went to Seifert's at Shannon in the North Island where it was used for pulling flax to the skatching machine at the Mirinui mill actually crossing under the North Island Main Trunk Railway line and what is now State Highway 57 the Levin to Palmerston North Road via Shannon. Photo at left: Ploughing match at Stewart Meyers Farm. Johnny Halls 22 Cat. HF plow (now in the Waimate museum). There were 57,000 acres of flax in that part of the Manawatu but subsequent drainage development and flood control caused the demise of the flax industry. Now there is some dairy farming but the largest area of the land is in potatoes on what is claimed to be the No.1 potato growing area in New Zealand. Dairy farms of 80 acres were set up for rehab soldiers after World War II, but these have been amalgamated and there are no small dairy farms left. Studholme -Willowbridge were also claimed to be a No.1 potato growing district but with the development of the new dairy factory at Studholme dairying has taken over. Even Waiherunga, that hilly country that Cecil ploughed in 1930 has been changed to dairying. In 1945, after being interviewed by Herbie Caselberg, Cecil was approved as a suitable employer of Rural Field Cadets. Cecil's son, Bill, was the first cadet, spending 15 months there, followed by Murray Findlater and then came Kerry Mayo, whose laid back attitude did not fit in with Cecil's work ethic. About that time five of Cecil's farmer clients bought themselves crawler tractors which became available after the war. Also daughter Patricia, a Karitane nurse returned from her O.E. and she mixed nursing and farming until in 1968 she married Ron Goodson and they took over the farm then Cecil wife Rose retired to Waimate. Cecil was largely responsible for the formation of the Arno Young Farmers' Club in 1946. He was elected senior advisory member, a position he held until 1972. In 1947 he was elected senior advisory member of the Waimate District Committee Young Farmers' Club, and an advisory member delegate to the Canterbury Council Young Farmers' Club. He was always very active in both these positions and held them until 1972. He took a very keen interest in the young farmers from Lincoln Agricultural College and was always willing to help and give advice whenever needed and always prepared to draw on his own depth of knowledge and experience. He was very involved in the Safety, Driving and Handling of Heavy Machinery, being National Farm Safety Officer for the Young Farmers' Club for many years from 1957. In 1965 Cecil was made a Life Member of the Waimate District Committee Young Farmers' Club, in recognition of the service he had rendered to the organisation and for the continued activity in the Young Farmers' Club movement. In 1968 he was elected Patron of the NZ Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs, a position he jointly held with the then Governor-General and the Dominion President of Federated Farmers. Cecil had a long association with ploughing competitions and he was a foundation committee member of the Waimate District Committee YFC Ploughing Match Association which was formed in 1947. He continued in this position until the Association withdrew from the NZ Ploughing Assoc. (Inc) in 1969 due to lack of support from the general public. This attitude was soon turned around with the introduction of the Atlantic Silver Plough Competition. In 1928 Cecil bought a two-ton Caterpillar tractor which replaced the Holt crawler was the first of its kind in the South Island. A second Caterpillar two ton came to Seiferts at Shannon, they had the Miranui mill next to 58,000 acres of flax on the Opiki, now the No.1 potato growing area in New Zealand. Being expert in ploughing and cultivation he gave many ploughing demonstrations. He taught his youngest son, Bill, to plough when Bill was 12 years of age. Bill entered the annual Morven Ploughing Competition in 1945 and won his first ploughing competition. He was to win this event four more times. Photo at left shows the Fargo truck used to transport the TD6 tractor - sideways - to and from jobs. Cecil became a ploughing contractor the two-ton being the motive power until 1935. The land around the Waihaorunga and Morven districts was hilly and undulating and Cecil would plough and cultivate the land for the local farmers. In 1954 son Bill had a property at Hunterville in the North Island and the tractor was sent there on the Scow. It stayed there for the next 30 years and in 1984 Bill donated it to the Waimate Agricultural Museum to be restored. The tractor is still at the museum together with the four-furrow plough. In May 1951 Cecil was appointed by the Government to the Canterbury Lands Settlement Committee. He was also a member of Federated Farmers for more than 25 years; President of the Waimate Branch in 1951-52; Member of the South Canterbury Federated Farmers' Executive for 15 years; Provincial President 1963-64; President of the Arno Miniature Rifle Club for 44 years; Member of the Waihao Downs Tennis Club since 1934; President of the Waihao Tennis Association from 1934 to 1948; a member of the Arno Soldiers' Memorial Hall Committee for 21 years; a member of the Waihao Downs School Committee for 10 years. Cecil was a sound, capable farmer who kept abreast of modern trends in arable farming, stock husbandry and general farm administration. His practical life-time experience combined with sound, mature judgment which he could express in lucid, fluent, self-effacing language inspired the Young Farmers' members to have respect for and confidence in all the advice and help Cecil gave them over so many years. In 1950 he imported the first purpose-built hillside combine. It had a 16ft. Cutter bar and could operate on slopes up to 45degrees whilst keeping the grain extraction paddles perfectly level. After his early experience with erosion and loss of top soil through continual ploughing, Cecil changed to using a grubber (or cultivator) thus avoiding the smooth plough sole which allowed the top soil to wash into the gullies and then the streams and thus be lost to farming. Ultimately he would cultivate and crop approximately 500 acres of hill country and the only land that was ploughed was after a cash crop (wheat or barley) when the residue straw was ploughed in to rot and provide humus for the next crop. All cultivation was on the contour to conserve moisture and reduce run-off. Cecil did an agricultural course at Waitaki Boys' High School and two of his farming "Bibles" as he called them, were "Ploughman's Folly" by Ed Faulkner and the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) account of how the TVA reduced soil loss and flooding in the Mississippi. In the 1950's Cecil regularly entered specially selected lambs for the Canterbury Fat Lamb competition. The lambs were killed and dressed and displayed on hooks. The Competition was held alternately at Smithfield near Timaru, (not London) and Pareora (south of Timaru) Cecil consistently received high places. He often gained First Place which then entailed the selected lambs being shipped as frozen carcasses to the Smithfield Market in England for final judging against lambs throughout New Zealand. I cannot remember how they were placed When I was in my early teens I realized that the 206 acres of Pinegrove would not support a family and I suggested to my father we could run a sheep stud. His reply was that it was a precarious source of revenue though he must have changed his mind 30 years later when he set up the Dorset Down stud. As time went on there was a resistance against the fat lambs from New Zealand because of the waste incurred removing fat from the lean meat either before cooking or after it had been cooked and dished up. I left the Waihao Downs in 1955 and purchased a mixed dairy and sheep farm at Hunterville, and I did not know which direction Dad's thinking had taken. Then in 1965 he asked me to accompany him to Victoria, Australia where he bought more than 30 Dorset ewes from Studs that were closing down. He brought the ewes back to NZ and put his top Southdown rams over them. The Australian ewes were very gaunt and leggy having suffered drought conditions all their lives. The progeny showed promise in getting away from the compact, over fat lambs. From this breeding programme "Table Hill South Dorset Down Stud" evolved. These were not the original Dorset Downs but from Dorset ewesAbout this time another farmer from North Canterbury had bought in Dorset ewes and he and Cecil were able to exchange cross bred rams to lift the new cross breed to new heights of popularity but this has been superseded by higher fertility (higher lambing percentages ). Stock, such as Finnish Landrace, Polwarth etc, have been imported but they require intensive shepherding because of the high lambing percentage, as high as 180% with a high percentage of triplets. For over 35 years Cecil exercised considerable influence over the agricultural, pastoral. Spiritual, sporting and social life of the Waimate District and in some fields beyond this district. His prominence in the YF movement from its early days was nationally known and his influence gave strength to the growth of the YFC organization. No individual did more or accomplished so much for the YFC's in the Waimate District. In recognition of his wonderful and devoted service he was awarded the Member of the British Empire medal in the Queen Elizabeth II New Years' Honours List of January 1st, 1972. This honour was bestowed in Wellington New Zealand. Tragically Cecil lost his life in a car accident at Glenavy in May 1972, aged 72 years, only two weeks after his investiture when a car driven by a local farmer and who had also been a member of the Arno Miniature Rifle Club for 44 years, collided with Cecil's car at a Give Way at Glenavy. How ironical being killed because he did not put on a safety belt, one of the simplest safety procedures. There was no broken glass in either car so it was not an horrendous crash.

Chapter 1 - How it all began

2010-02-23T03:53:31.751Z

Chapter 1 of Bill Wright's memoirs.. The Wrights came from Leicester, England and my grandfather was born at Earl Shilton. Photo at left: Home of W.R. Wright Castle Farm, Earl Shilton, Leicestershire I have never visited there but my brother did after WWII in the 1960's and tried to look up the family history. He did verify that Granfy, Richard William Wright, was born there but he did not come up with a family tree. When Granfy came to New Zealand in 1880, or thereabouts, he stayed with Wright relations on their farm, Elmsthorpe of 675 acres at Hunter which was about 10 miles north of Waimate on the foot hills of the Hunter Hills. He stayed with them for a number of years and farmed near Whangarei and Lake Omapere. Note: The Cyclopaedia of New Zealand 1903 has the following entry for Richard Wright: "Wright, Richard, Farmer, “Elmsthorpe,” Hunter. This estate comprises 675 acres of freehold, and is devoted to mixed farming. Mr. Wright was born at Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, England, in 1831, and brought up as a farmer. In 1852 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Samarang,” and was for some time farming at Lincoln Road, Christchurch. Afterwards he opened coalpits at the Malvern Hills, and worked them for about five years. He then returned to Lincoln Road, where he again engaged in farming, and was afterwards for a good many years at Lincoln. In 1882 Mr. Wright removed to the Hunter district, and purchased his present property. It was only partly improved, and had the boundary fence around it, but it is now many years since the property was brought into a high state of cultivation. Mr. Wright served on the Hunter school committee for many years, and was for a long time chairman of that body. He was also for a long time a member of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association. As a Freemason he joined the Order at Lincoln, but is at present unattached. Mr. Wright was married, in 1857, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Murray, of Christchurch, and has four sons and two daughters surviving." From: http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc03Cycl-t1-body1-d7-d18-d5.html The following photo shows Bill with the Wrights (descendants of Richard Wright) at Cannington in 2006: Photo at left: Silver Wedding Anniversary of Mr and Mrs WR Wright When the Wright cousins decided to move on from the farm at Hunter, Ken who had qualified as a doctor married May Middleton. Len and Frank moved to Dansey's Pass Station in North Otago, and Jack remained in the Waimate District and became a stock (sheep and cattle) trader. Granfy Wright (William Richard) set up on the farm at Claverton near Burnham and he had another property on the Weedon-Lincoln Road that abutted the Phillips' farm. My father's oldest sister married a Phillips from that area. She lived all her life on a small farm on the Main Road just south of Weedon but didn't have a lot to do with her husband. He was supposed to work for his parents on the home farm on the corner of the Main Highway and the Weedon-Lincoln Road. But I believe he was not very energetic and he certainly, in my time, never spent any time with Auntie Laura and did not live with her when I met him about 1930. Ken Wright set up a medical practice in Whangarei and practiced as a General Practitioner, and he and May had four children. The oldest Ken was accepted into the Rural Farm Cadets Scheme about 1946. He was an open air, high-country type of bloke, enjoying his stint on the sheep station in his first year. He was bonded to the Lands and Survey Department for five years for a bond of $1,000, which he tested, but, in the end he honoured. Ken managed the Ngaio Station at Kekeranga on the coast north of Kaikoura. He then moved to the McKenzie country. I met Ken in 1950 when the RFCs [Rural Field Cadets] were on a trip to Opiro, which was my mother's childhood home. The property was being farmed by my cousin Patrick, who unfortunately has recently died. Patrick was the son of Tom, who was the Member of Parliament for Waitaki from 1949 to 1962 and died in office. At the end of the business part of the visit, Ken and I took leave of the group as I wanted to introduce him to my parents who lived about 20 miles away. This journey took us via and into the Waihao Forks Hotel. After tea with my parents I delivered Ken to the Waitangi Station further on the north bank of Lake Waitaki above the power station of that name. Monty Cooke was in charge of the Lincoln group and Ken later told me that he was subsequently given all the menial chores for the remainder of the trip which went as far as Invercargill. Ken and his family retired to the Te Anau area but unfortunately he died in his sleep in 2008. Ken's cousin, Don Middleton, who defected from the RFC early in 1942, now lives at Wanaka where he has close business and family ties with Sir Tom Wallis and Warbirds over Wanaka. After he went to Burnham, Granfy married Joyce Barnett whose family farmed at Leeston. They had a property called Deep Springs and that had a big two-storied homestead on it. They sold that property to the Rich family. In later years I worked in the Lands and Survey Office in Christchurch with a girl Rich, but I never thought much about it or asked her anything about the history after the Barnett's left there. All my uncles and aunts were born while Granfy (or pater as my father called him) and Joyce lived at Claverton. There is nobody among the relations who can fill in any more detail until Granfy and Grandma (who I never met) moved to Willowbridge. In 1911 Granfy moved to Willowbridge which was on the north bank of the Waihao River. He had a 400 acre farm bounding State Highway 1. Willowbridge was the district and the district immediately to the north of it was Studholme and that is where my mother's people lived. The Hayman's lived and farmed on the banks of the Waihao River right near where the river discharges into the sea. The Willowbridge farm was flat and square. It had 400 acres with no waste ground and in my time there were no big plantation trees on it. It was very good soil and it was my father's hope that it would be kept in the family, But there were four boys in the family and it appeared inevitable that it would be sold and various members set up on their farms elsewhere. Lionel had drawn a ballot farm at Roxburgh. Dad was sent to Coventry (my assumption) at Waihao Downs. I have never seen any photographs of my parents' wedding. I assume the shot gun did not have a camera attachment. Clarence was struggling on a farm north of Waimate. Uncle Lionel who was the second oldest, was a returned soldier. He had a stiff leg as a result of his war service, which was caused through damaging his knee, probably through slipping on muddy duckboards in the trenches. Uncle Lionel was one of the last troops to leave Gallipoli. They devised a system using tins of water to keep pressure on the triggers of the guns to keep them firing. Uncle Ken and Auntie Mae were twins. They were born in 1909 and when Granfy wanted to retire in 1920 they were only 11 years old so they did not fit into the farming scene at all at that time. In 1923 Ken was 14 when Granfy bought the farm at Roxburgh bounded by the Teviot River. Uncle Lionel was selected and allocated a ballot farm consisting of 1,000 acres of hill country out on the Teviot Estate at Roxburgh. It was healthy land over-run with rabbits and was purely sheep country. Uncle Lionel had a stiff leg, but he had to ride a horse to get around the farm, I do not think that Lionel and his wife Cora had been married very long before they went to that farm and there were no children. It was late in 1923 when the dogs came home without Uncle Lionel and a search was made for him. When he was found it was discovered he had fallen from his horse. Because of his stiff leg his foot had caught up in the stirrup and as the horse carried on forward Uncle Lionel's head was hit against rocks. He suffered much head damage and died. Auntie Cora, stayed on the farm for many years, and as Uncle Ken grew up he took over the management of the farm. It was next door to Granfy's and is now farmed by Uncle Ken's two sons In 1923 Granfy had bought the farm next door to Uncle Lionel which nobody would take on because although it was sunny, north facing and overlooking Roxburgh town, it, too, was over-run with rabbits. His first exercise was to put a rabbit-proof fence around it and the locals said "Silly old Bill Wright is going to farm rabbits. He has put a rabbit -proof fence around his farm". But he knew what he was doing He claimed that he took 30,000 rabbits off the farm before he got them under control and he did say that the last rabbits cost him $5.00 a head to catch and kill and that would have been big money in the 1930's Granny died in 1917 and Granfy died about 1935. After Granfy died Uncle Ken took over the farm and his sister Doris was the housekeeper. Doris stayed in the house until she married Harry Tough, who had a garage in Roxburgh, so they built a house for themselves in the town. Uncle Ken went to WWII and he got as far as Canada for Air Force training, but he was grounded. He was sent back to NZ and took up the Air Training Corps position in Invercargill where he met his wife Mary Nicholl - she was the daughter of a businessman but her mother had died Uncle Clarence was put on a farm north of Waimate on the Main Road but I think circumstances, or the economic situation were against him, and he had to walk off that and he worked at various jobs - truck driving and what have you. He may have worked labouring in Timaru .because he married a Timaru girl. Then, later, that would be in 1928 when Dad was contracting and was under pressure to serve more farmers Uncle Clarence bought a tractor - a Caterpillar 20 - but it was not as versatile as the 2 ton that Dad had. In the end he disposed of it because it was not safe and Dad made the agent AS Patterson take it back. It was badly balanced and perhaps that explains why there are few Caterpillar 20's, in museums, but there are numerous 2 tons. Uncle Clarence could no longer work as a contractor and in the 1930's he used to drive the cream truck, a Dennis, picking up milk and cream for the Waimate Dairy Company in the district that was mainly Studholme and Willowbridge. It was a very big area with most of the farms milking a few cows, but some had herds of thirty to forty. The cream was taken to the Waimate factory and processed into butter. The skim milk was fed on the farm to pigs which were generally killed to produce bacon for home consumption. That area is now serviced by a major dairy factory based at Studholme Junction (opened 2007) financed by Russian interests The hot wash water from the Waimate factory was discharged into the Municipal Baths and we had tepid baths ahead of anybody else. I have a certificate for swimming 50 yards dog paddle in these baths which were superseded by the Norman Kirk Memorial Baths of 33 1/3 metres. Each year my father would go to his father's farm at Roxburgh. Dad always said that a change was as good as a holiday. He took two local shearers from Waimate with him. As a further example of Dad's strength on one occasion they were loading bales of wool out of the shed, tipping them off a stack two high, then rolling them across the floor and lifting them on to the top of bales already on the truck. Dad bet £5.0.0d that he could carry the bales on his back, which he did for five bales. The average weight was 350lbs. I cannot remember if the bet was ever paid. Uncle Ken had a SS100 Jaguar car and when he went overseas he left it with my father. One day I was sent home from the harvest field to get the Denis truck (ex Dairy Co). I had to back the Jaguar out first and then back the truck out. I had not backed the Jaguar out far enough and I backed the truck into it. The car had massive chrome fittings (head lights, radiator grill etc). My father did not give me a dressing down, he probably realized that he had sent a boy on a man's errand. I presume insurance paid for the repairs. It was wartime and spare parts would have been hard to come by as there were not many SS100's about. The car came on the market in 1938-39 in no great numbers. William Richard Wright and his wife Joyce are buried in the Waimate Cemetery as are Ernest Cecil and his wife Rose. Of the latter's children Euan Cecil is buried in Rome; Norma is buried in Waimate and Patricia's ashes are in the grounds of the Timaru crematorium near those of her husband Ronald Goodson.

Chapter 5 - From Head Office Public Service to the Wide Open Spaces of Santoft

2010-02-23T03:53:28.491Z

After graduating from Lincoln in 1948, In 1949 I was selected to join the Head Office of the Lands and Survey Department in Wellington. It was a new position and I was not following in anyone’s footsteps.. I was to set up a statistical record because someone in the Department had a bee in his bonnet over how to value property and it was believed that productive valuation was the way to go. It meant the valuers had to do a budget on each farm and the farm was to be considered to be managed by an average efficient farmer, whoever that might be. But there were so many different circumstances in assessing that person it was virtually impossible to get an even line over different farms under such different conditions. After the war and up until 1948, properties had been required to be valued for the Land Sales Act on a productive basis and this had not been a successful even-handed basis of valuing. While we were at Lincoln this was pointed out to us and we were told that the only true value had to be comparative sales. However, in my early days at Head Office I was sent around New Zealand gathering up prices of farm produce and farm equipment and putting this into statistical form, or, should I say, attempting to do it, because my heart was not in the work and I did not feel inclined to spend a lot of money in setting up a lot of stationery. I understand my successor, Ed (Hoot) Gibson, did so and gained some kudos for doing so. I was not being accepted into the thinking of the Department. There were three other men perhaps with some farming experience, and they spent their days drawing up contracts to be used by the Field Officers when dealing with the contractors who were working on the large-scale farm developments on the Central Plateau. I thought they were almost childish in their approach and I said they were wasting their time. The contracts could be abbreviated just saying that a workmanlike job, or a lamb-proof fence, or a cultivation up to acceptable standards had been done. But no, they had pages and pages of this stuff. I asked if they did not trust their field officers, The reply was that they did, so I said they should insist that good people were employed and that they should be given their heads. I had the philosophy that with a bad contractor one did not want an agreement and with a good one an agreement was not needed. They were not very impressed with me and I did see on an Inspector’s report that this man (meaning me) would not make a top public servant. Well, if one had any ambition there would be no desire to be a top public servant. My mind takes me back to when I first went to the Valuation Department. Jack Frost the Records Clerk told me that he thought I was pretty good office boy and he said that if I had been a Catholic he would help me get to the top. But, of course, I was not a Catholic and I could see at that point I did not want to be a public servant. The person who succeeded me as office boy was Wellington educated and when he went to collect the mail it was like a reunion on the steps of the GPO. I was often sent over to hurry him up. It was at this time I met Marie Snelling. She worked next door in an Office Equipment Head office. I could not make a lasting impression though we corresponded for years. Marie married Stan Painter, a top tennis player While working in the Head Office of Lands and Survey I learned that the Government had bought 10,000 acres from the Duncan family. A block called “Santoft”. It was on the coast out from Lake Alice or, for those not familiar with Lake Alice, it was out from Marton between the Rangitikei and Turakina Rivers. The people in the office were saying that it had the potential to have more farms than those being administered by the Wanganui Office or the Palmerston North office which were equi-distant from this new block. I pricked up my ears and said why not establish a separate sub-office there which I would be happy to run. It would need a sub-imprest bank account. I would have the cheque book; I could supervise the staff and plan the development. Eventually my idea was adopted. It was proposed that accommodation would be placed on the block but I would have to eat with the manager. It sounded very interesting to me. To provide me with transport I was allocated one of the first Land Rovers which were produced after the war for domestic use. I moved up to Santoft. An ex-army hut was brought on to the place for my sleeping accommodation and another one provided for my office. Photo above: The near Land Rover was the one I took to Santoft in August 1949. Peter Hammond was the manager and his son Maurice was the assistant manager. Peter Hammond had been married before, so had his present wife and between them they had twenty-one offspring. At one Christmas party his wife Millie, called Peter outside saying your kids and my kids are fighting our kids and I believe it was very willing. I also understand that Archie was getting stroppy and alcohol would affect him. Peter stood Archie on a fruit box under a tree and had him strung on the tree by a rope around his neck. Almost unbelievable, but I was told at the time that it was a fact. I soon discovered that all of the fourteen staff on the place was related to Peter, or to Millie. Millie was a Bostock when she first married I set myself up in the office and then got out on the station. It was 10,500 acres and carried 16,000 ewes, 2000 cattle, 1000 cows. The ewes were bought as five-year-old ewes from the Wairarapa. Generally at the rate of 7000 a year and they lasted two years there, with some of them lasting a third year. The cattle were all Hereford and the steer calves were sold off and the heifer calves were kept for replacements, until they were drafted up and the surplus sold as yearlings. We followed on from what the Duncan family had been doing and applied 1500 tons lime a year, 500 tons of superphosphate, and the powers that be said that I should be at the gate and sign for each truck load of fertilizer that came in. This was impractical as there were three road frontages and the trucks could come in anyone of them at any time depending on which way the wind was blowing or whether the land in that particular area could carry the trucks as some of it was quite swampy. There were sand dunes along the coast and behind them there were swampy areas and very shallow lakes and that kept the water table high. That actually reflected right back over the station and one of my first observations was that this land should not go into private ownership but remain as leasehold land so that the Government could control the water level. Because, if someone over drained a normally wet section, it could lower the water table of the surrounding land. As it turned out this is exactly what happened! There were 1000 acres both sides of Nottingly Creek that ran through the station, the land was dry and rabbit infested and when the Lands and Survey Department, in conjunction with the Forestry Department, planted that area in pine trees it was decided the area behind the sand dunes would be drained into the sand dunes and also planed with pines. One of the jobs we had to organize was the planting of Marram Grass along the moving sand and then over sowing it with wild lupin. When the sand stabilized pine trees were planted. The Forest Department wanted to plant more pine trees so the wet areas behind the dunes were drained and that has had a disastrous affect upon all the sand country right back to the town of Bulls. I found that whatever I suggested no-one would go along with it and the same applied to the stock policy. When we drafted the lambs off at the end of November we got 8,800 lambs in the first draft, whereas I believed we could have got 15,000 lambs. The first draft weighed 38lbs, and we could have gone down to 35 lbs. and got 15,000 lambs. When the lambs were taken away from the ewes, the next morning the ewes would gather round the gate looking for their lambs so we brought those ewes out, culled them for their mouths and, if necessary the culls were sold off to the Works. I said that we should then be able to replace those lambs with store lambs and get two drafts away. But, oh no, that was just too radical for anybody on the Lands and Survey farm and certainly Hammond, the manager, did not want to go along with it as it meant more work and also would deprive him of grass for his cattle going into the winter. When I went to Santoft the manager was earning £8.0.0d a week and I soon found out that he was dealing in cattle. I told him that in the government one cannot have two jobs; one must be a sole employee of Lands and Survey. Hammond said he could not live on the income so I got him an increase in wages to £13 0.0d per week and that was on a par with what Bill Chisholm was getting and he was the manager of Molesworth and was the top manager in the country. Besides his wage, Peter Hammond was also ‘found’ all the groceries and stores for the house and this included all the cigarettes which the store keeper sent out. I was told we had to accept that, because when it was said “found” everything was “found” for them except alcohol and clothes. Peter Hammond was virtually an alcoholic and he would spend three days on the booze with his step son, Albert Bostock, ferrying him from the Turakina Hotel, Whangahu Hotel, or a hotel in Marton. The next day he spent sobering up and then three days around the station with a certain number of the staff trotting along behind him acting on his bidding of moving stock and, as it turned out, moving his own stock. I soon became aware that there were black cattle on the station and the station only ran Hereford cattle. I acquired myself a horse and two dogs. One of the dogs was a descendant of the bitch pup that I bought when I went to Maringi in 1941. Neighbour, Don York, lent me a horse that had been broken in before but nobody could ride it. Sid Ashwell broke it in again and said that I could have it if I could ride it, which I did. I made a point of when I put the saddle on it I walked down the road before I tightened the girth. There was a little hill down the road and when I was in the hollow by the hill I then tightened the girth and then got on the horse and kicked it along. By the time it had got to the top it had settled down. I believe when I was away for the weekend the other shepherds on the station used to get it and try to ride it and I believe that it became quite a buck jumper. After I left Santoft they had to have the horse put down because no one else could ride it. That was a shame because to me it was really good horse. There is a lesson to be learned here. Sid Ashwell, the horse breaker, went up to a Taihape farm and one day he was leading a horse down a hill. Sid was wearing riding boots which do not have any cleats on them. He slipped on the dry grass and his feet went from under him. The horse kicked him in the head and killed him. It was a most unfortunate accident. There were no internal roads in the block but there were tracks. Tractors were the only vehicles and a Bren gun carrier that somebody had tried out for fun use. When I went there I was able to drive right through the station, but there were no metal roads. It was a pretty primitive access. The station did not own a tractor and the hay making was done by contract. There was another contractor who dug sand tussocks out of the swamp and laid them on the sand blows upon the ridges to stop the wind blowing the top cover away and that same contractor used to carry the marram grass out to be planted on the coastal dunes. So when I came with the Land Rover I was very mobile. As I was still into athletics I often took some of the staff to a Club night at Bulls or Marton but I never called into a hotel in spite of being vocally encouraged. Whenever I got my horse in to saddle it up apparently the telephone line was busy from the homestead down to the out station where the boss’s son, Maurice Hammond lived, and I soon became aware that there was a scatter of shepherds ahead of me and in the cold weather I could often see steam coming out of the patches of manuka which were in most paddocks. It turned out that ahead of me the shepherds were organized to chase the black cattle into the manuka and if the cattle had been given a bit of a hurry up they were quite happy to stay in the shade until I got out of the way. The government agreed to give Mrs. Hammond domestic assistance in the form of Margaret McConachie, a neighbour’s daughter, and Margaret kept me posted on what was going on. I became friendly with Norm Shelton and Stan Lawrenceson who were the staff at Hodder and Tolley’s. I had to keep in close contact with them because there were items such as gates and fencing material which had been booked up to them which did not come on to the station but went to Hammond’s relatives’ farms and town houses. Norm Shelton who was eventually to become the Member of Parliament for Rangitikei and the Minister of Commerce, told me I was too young to be mixed up in what was going on out on the station but I could not understand just what he meant One day Norm rang and asked where my staff was and I imagined they were all on the station, although I knew the 3-ton truck was off the station. He told me to go over to Bonnie Glen railway and have a look and sure enough they were unloading 100 black cattle. I had already been to Wellington to tell the Assistant Director of Land Development that Hammond was running cattle on his own account but they would not believe me. We had a stock supervisor who was in Palmerston North and he thought I was an upstart. He always addressed me as Wright, never Bill, or son, or Joe Bloggs. I suppose he thought he was autocratic but I thought he was just arrogant. Later that day the black cattle were driven down past my digs and on to the station, so I rang the manager of the Palmerston North Office and said Hammond had brought some black cattle onto the place. The next morning Beachman came out and tackled Hammond about this and told him that it had to stop. Hammond said he had the grazing rights of a property on Jurgen’s family farm and the cattle would not be coming on to the farm. He had to leave them here for a day or two because they were sore footed. Beachman did not tell me anything of this and he went back to town. I believe that Hammond emptied a bottle of whisky and then he came looking for that detective bastard. He stood in my office doorway and said that he had told me to keep my mouth shut and he would give me 100 quid any time I wanted it. I replied it would not matter if it was £1.0.0d or £1000.0.0d as far as I was concerned he was getting his money dishonestly and I did not want to be part of it. He said “I’ll hang you, you bastard”. He shouted out for the head shepherd, Tony, to get a rope and they would hang me. Tony just wasn’t about and Hammond went out to the stables and I went to my land rover and went into town to Hodder and Tolley’s and told them about this. As I went down the street from Hodder and Tolley’s, Hammond came out of the police station and shook his fist at me and said you f….g detective bastard. It appeared he was off to the hotel as usual, so I went back to the police station and said what was going on. I was told Hammond wanted me arrested for using a government vehicle for private purposes. That was because I was courting a Hunterville girl and at the weekends I used to take her up to Hunterville for the weekend there was no extra running involved because I was permitted to take the vehicle to Palmerston North or Wanganui as I had to work through those offices, but I sometimes went to Wanganui for the weekend early in my courting days. I used to eat with the staff in the big dining room. One morning Millie was putting chops into the pan when her son, Noel, came in. He complained to his mother that she was always bitching. Millie pulled the front of her dress, exposing her breast, and told him, that if he had eczema as badly as she had, and he was as sore, then he also would be bitchy. The chops still tasted alright and I didn’t get eczema. When 1500 tons of lime and 500 tons of super were delivered to the station I was supposed to receipt it immediately. This was impractical and I used to go into Wally Thompson, the carrier, each Friday and sign all the dockets. This was just a continuation of my philosophy that with a good carrier it is not necessary to police him, but have nothing to do with a bad bastard. Wally was a very genuine bloke. In those days it was not possible to buy a bottle of whiskey without also buying a dozen beer, so with Christmas coming I put my order in to be delivered to Wally’s depot. It was coming up to the end of November and a General Election was to be held. On election day it so happened that my sister Patricia, who was a Karitane nurse, was casing at the Vickers family who lived 5 kilometres north of Marton, I was 7 or 8 kilometres south of Marton . The Vickers invited me to visit with them on Election Night. My uncle, Tom Hayman, was standing for Parliament to represent Oamaru and he was up against Arnold Nordmeyer. It so happened that Norm Shelton, the Manager of Hodder and Tolley, was seeking election as the member for the district of Rangitikei. As the night wore on it appeared that Uncle Tom was going to unseat Nordmeyer and I said to my hosts that should Uncle Tom win I would supply a bottle of whisky and when it appeared positive that Uncle Tom would be elected I was told to go and find the bottle of whisky. So I went to Wally Thompson’s home and knocked on the door and the girl who boarded there answered. I asked if I could see Wally and she said he had gone to bed. I said what I wanted and he agreed to go down to the depot and I got the bottle of whiskey and he went back home. I went out to Vickers and, sure enough, Uncle Tom won it and we cleaned up the bottle of whisky no trouble. Next time I saw Wally he said to me that the girl who boarded with him wasn’t too happy at him being got out of bed although he didn’t mind. As she was quite new to the town and did not have a boy friend, it was suggested that I should invite her out and let her know I was not such a bad bloke after all. The young lady’s name was Heather Dalziell and I did invite her out. That was over the Christmas and we got to know each other better. Heather and I became engaged on the 4th of July 1950 and were married on the 11th November 1950. After 59 years we are still married and living together. It was in June 1950 when I had done a bit of riding around on my horse at the weekend probably when there had been a party in town and all the staff were nursing hangovers and I found quite a few black cattle, maybe 200 or 300 on the station. I reported it to Head Office of Lands and Survey and said that with these extra cattle coming on I thought it was time to call a halt because we were going into the winter and we should not be feeding someone else’s cattle and it was beginning to dawn on me that it was why Hammond didn’t want a second lot of lambs on the property because he was saving up feed in the autumn and winter for his cattle. After the episode with the police I rang Wellington. I said it was not good enough being abused, accused and threatened and asked that something be done about it. I was told that nothing could be done because if the Manager left they did not know what they could do. As no one is indispensable and there was nothing out of the ordinary about managing a farm like this I said I could do it myself. I was told that if I stayed Hammond had told the shepherds not to work for me so I was to be transferred. I refused to be transferred and I was going to clean the problem up before I left the district. I was told Hammond was indispensable, although his son was every bit as good as he was. In that case I said I would leave the Department, the fact that I was under bond would not stop me and so I left. Hammond was a great stockman, but he was an alcoholic, quite an elderly man and perhaps an overpowering sort of a man. Not of very big stature but very loud voice. I had telephoned Wellington from the Post Office in town. Afterwards I went around to the police station and was advised that I should not return to the Station considering the mood Hammond was in. I requested a police escort and we returned to the Station where I loaded up the land rover with all my belongings. I took the cheque book, office records and what have you. I could operate the cheque account, I could employ people but I could not sack anybody and I believe it was a loser’s situation typical of public servants. I delivered the cheque book back to the Palmerston office on the Monday morning and felt I was no longer a public servant, except there had to be a stock tally. Under the terms of the Rural Field Cadet’s course we were bonded to the State Advances Corporation for a term of seven years for a sum of £100.0.0d. I had been on the Course for 7 ½ years from January 1942 to July 1950, but the State Advances still claimed 100 pounds and under protest, Dad paid up. I had to go back to Santoft the following week because the cattle had to be mustered in and tallied, this I believe, was overdue. Also there were 500 steer calves which were to go to Rotorua and Ross Smith, who I had been to Lincoln with in 1946, was coming down to take delivery of them and he was going to accompany them on the train back to Rotorua. I met him off the Express and brought him out to Santoft. The cattle muster was done the day before and there were two field officers brought from Palmerston North and Wanganui to tally the stock. Ross and I went round the station in the land rover looking at the development work I had organized and the proposals for the roading. There was to be a road to go right through the station with two or three side roads. I had a preliminary scheme of sub-division giving 32 farms, 6 sheep farms on the drier sand hills near the homestead with 26 dairy farms of about 150 acres on the better ground. This development was carried out over the next three years. When we turned up at the yards one of the checking officers came up to us and said I had to go, if I stayed there Hammond would take all the staff away, they were not going to work with me. We went off and waited until the field officers came out and said that the tally was 100 per cent correct. I said what about those four black cows. The stock return shows that there were four cattle bought last year and I said they were Hereford bulls, but they said, the tally is 100 per cent correct. That’s unknown on a station this big and I said it has probably been always under counted, and those four black cows belong to Hammond. The ownership was not correct but I had finished with them so let it be. However, the RSA got to hear of this probably through Stan Lawrenceson and, I understand, Norm Shelton, who by this time was an MP. The RSA picked it up in the belief, and correctly so, that Returned soldiers were being done out of profit that could be used to reduce the price of the farms. They forced Hammond in to having a sale in late July early August and there were 800 head of cattle up for sale. He was stood down as Manager and his son Maurice became the temporary manager but then he went off to manage a big farm at Tangawai. The time coincided with the death of Mr. Willie Duncan. Mr. Duncan had no family so he was able to leave the individual farms that he owned to the managers. The one stipulation made was that the managers had to pay the relevant death duties for their properties. Before Hammond managed Santoft he lived on the Fordell Race Course which Duncan owned, and when he went to Santoft a son-in-law lived at Fordell. When Hammond left Santoft he returned to the Fordell property but had to sell the stock he had run at Santoft because of pressure from the Tax Department. The stock sale was held at Fordell at the end of the winter and cattle sold at a sale held two weeks later brought £10.00 a head more than he realized for his. Hammond had not been putting in an Income Tax Return. All his dealings had been through cash and when the cattle were advertised for sale at the Fordell Sale Yards the Income Tax Department looked this up and decided that they had to follow it up. It was in the name of Clayton Graham Hammond and the Department investigated Hammond’s trading over the years but could only make an estimate. Hammond was charged with £8,000.0.0d of unpaid tax and he was given eight years to pay it off at £1,000.0.0d per year. Had he been able to defer the sale of his cattle for another two weeks he would have made £10.0.0d a head more and this would have given him the £8,000.0.0d to pay the Tax Department. Over the years after I left Santoft I used to see Hammond a lot. I worked in the Wanganui district and often went to the Fordell sale and guessing that Hammond would be at the hotel I would go in after the sale to have a drink, not that I needed one, it was more of a tease. Hammond would be there and he would scream out that I was a f…ing detective bastard. It was all part of the fun as far as I was concerned. Over the years though they had their share of misfortune. One of the younger grandchildren was up a tree cutting off a limb for the Christmas tree and he fell out of the tree and hit his head on a piece of old coal range which was in the ground and suffered head injuries from which he died. I do not know if the Good Lord had anything to do with that. Archie Ellingham, who was a stock supervisor for the Lands and Survey, had a flat farm on Milson Line just out of Palmerston North. He was driving his little Ferguson tractor angle wise through a shallow ditch and it flipped backwards and he was killed. I do not know if there is a message there or not. There was a lot of dairy stock needed to stock Santoft two or three years after I left. When the sheds were built there were twenty-four dairy sheds and the stock was bought in the Waikato. I am given to understand that a chap Shannon who was a trader in the Manawatu used to bring a lot of dairy stock down and he drafted them up. The better ones he sold at Feilding and the rest were bought by Ellingham and they were distributed to the farmers on Santoft. Whenever Ellingham was questioned about this he said it is the same price as Shannon is getting for similar replacement stock at the sale in Feilding. I was never in a position to discuss this with Shannon as he was killed when his car hit a power pole on a bend on the Rangitikei Line near Newbury. It was really none of my business but it was something which upset me over the years the way innocent people were being ripped off by unscrupulous traders. I went down to the South Island to work for my father. He had my elder sister working for him until she left to be married in 1946 and he had two Rural Field Cadets working for him filling in their cropping year, they were Murray Findlater and Kerry Mayo who had been with me on Maringi. Kerry’s progress through the RFC scheme had been upset by war service.

Christiansen Court of Enquiry Commanding Officer

2010-02-23T03:53:20.621Z

I beg to say that No. 3937 Rfn H.D. Christiansen who had the ¬misfortune to accidently wound himself last night, Statement of Court of Inquiry attached is a very good soldier, he behaved very well indeed in the action at GOMMECOURT on July lst and his Company Commander speaks very well of him as a stout and good, soldier who has no fear of shell or bullet.I am satisfied that he is not a man who would ever intentionally wound himself, & further that in his case there was culpable negligence but pure bad luck & while he was in the execution ¬of his duty.The trench was so knocked about that he had to get out of it in order to get along to report to his Officer & in getting in again it was really in the endeavour to avoid jumping onto a man whom he did not at first see in the dark that the accent happened. I am satisfied he is in no way to blame.No disciplinary action has been taken, as I do not consider it necessary. The accident was in the execution of his duty. 16/7/16.(Sd) R. Shoolbred Lt Col Commanding 1/Queens Westminster Rifles.

Christiansen - Court of Enquiry PDF

2010-02-23T03:53:20.560Z

Herewith proceedings of Court of Enquiry. Herewith proceedings of Court of Enquiryheld on 16/7/16 to investigate the circumstances under which No. 3937 Rfn H.M. Christiansen, 16th Londons was wounded. Rfn. Christiansen was on his way with a message to his Company Headquarters in the trenches. To facilitate matters he walked along the parapet until ...

ANZACS Recalled

2010-02-23T03:52:57.302Z

With the approach of Anzac Day, it is appropriate to reproduce some of the letters from the original Anzacs, in particular Levin members of the NZ Forces fighting in the Dardanelles and in France. The letters are reproduced as they appear in the files of the Chronicle, approximately in the style of the day.. Notes from Hector McDonald to his Levin Friends - Sidelights on War From Hector McDonald, formerly of the literary staff of the Horowhenua Daily Chronicle, the following letter, addressed to a member of the Chronicle staff, came to hand yesterday: France, July 18, 1916. “Fear of the censor forbids me telling you my exact geographical position, and I am compelled to certify that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but family matters. However, as we boys who left home together look on ourselves as one family, perhaps the censor in a generous fit will let me relate to you how we held a front line trench for the first time. “We landed in France, and we were some weeks before we got to a town that is within a few miles of the trenches. We were billeted in this town about two weeks, and were just beginning to think that war wasn’t such a bad job after all, when we received notice to take over part of the line. My confidence, of which I possessed a good deal then, began to take wings, and I could hardly resist making a fresh will out. I noticed that the others, too, had developed a habit of tilting their hats and scratching thoughtfully. (We all scratch now; but its not through worrying over the military situation.) We didn’t get much time to worry over things, though, for we were given our final instructions (more of my confidence gone) and marched off. We passed through a shell swept village that cannot boast one whole building. Things were not so bad on the march, but just as I was beginning to feel like my warlike spirit returning we discovered that we were lost. Then Sid Smith came back to me and informed me that where we are standing was called Suicide Corner. I felt quite sure that we would be wiped out, but, a guide arrived, and in a few minutes we were in the communication trench. We eventually relieved the chaps who were holding the place and as there were not enough dug-outs to shelter the lot of us, Sid. Smith, Charlie Hook, young Glassford and I - accompanied by an officer - were sent down to the banks of the canal to rest. There we found a steel helmet with a couple of holes through it, also two spare rifles. That upset our plans, and rest for the remainder of that night for us was out of the question. When daylight came I was instructed to light the fire “boil the william,” but I didn’t understand coke, and I used so much wood to get the fire started that I soon had a fine column of smoke going up, and almost no time I had all the opposing forces firing at me and my smoke. There was no breakfast that morning. A new cook was put on after that, and when he wasn’t getting wounded he used to fry bacon and make tea (we lived well in the early days). We were shifted up afterwards, and given a bay in the trench to defend. “The first day passed quietly, and that night Sid Smith and I, along with a lot of other chaps, went out in No-Man’s land as a covering party to some chaps erecting barbed–wire entanglements. The trenches at this part were only seventy-five yards apart, and as the Huns were sending up star shells by the dozen, I felt the most conspicuous object on the landscape. Shortly after the wirers started work, one of them got hit, and some men were told off to take him in, while three of us went with them to cover their retreat. Photo at left shows a raid in progress across No Man's Land. Troops crossing their own wire with smoke from the barrage fire beyond. Of course we were obliged to crawl on, and with the wounded man groaning, the Germans were landing bullets all round us. Then a strange thing happened. I heard someone behind me, and on looking round I beheld three men crouching in the grass about ten yards away. So as one of them was sneaking up to me I pushed up the safety catch on my rifle and grabbed Charlie Hook’s foot just as he was going over a small ridge. He grabbed Sid Smith, and the two of them came back, and we three waited for the Huns to approach. We could see Fritz, Hans and Yaroah moving about, but they never appeared to get any closer; so after about half-an-hour’s wait we decided to investigate closer. With me in the rear we sneaked on the unsuspecting Huns, but to our amazement discovered that they consisted of two stumps and an empty rum jar. Then we were torn by conflicting emotions. We were pleased that it wasn’t the Germans, but we grieved over the emptiness of the rum jar. We soon got in then, and as it was nearly daylight didn’t go to bed that night. Next day we were told we could sleep; but the officer didn’t know me, for I couldn’t get to sleep no matter what I did. Then when night came I was put on sentry-go, and only the thought that I would be shot if I went to sleep enabled me to keep awake. Photo at left shows the Light Railway used for bringing the wounded: Two stretcher cases on a horse drawn truck. “The third day saw us again off duty, and we went into a dug-out to slumber, but alas and alack, just as we were passing into the land of dreams and nightmares I heard a huge gun fired. I sat up, and so did the others, and we listened horror-stricken as the mighty shell came at us.” We’re gone!”. I said; and one of the boys said, “Well, we’re all together!” The shell roared just above the dug out. And as we held our breath it burst in the Germans’ front trench. It was one of our own. Hundreds of times we had the same thing happen to us. You see, as soon as you get inside a dug out it becomes matter of impossibility to tell whose shell it is that’s coming. I think hardly any of the boys got any sleep at first, and everyone got quite nervy after a day or so. I remember one night a chap came to me and he took me with him and showed me a German lying on our parapet, I in turn showed a sergeant, and the sergeant shot him. As a consequence we had to put a new sandbag up next morning. Our officer too, one night, pumped about a dozen revolver shots into a stump, on the advice of Charlie Hook, who had just stuck an old hat on it! “After ten days had passed according to the calendar (I think there were more) we were relieved and went back to our billets in town. Once there, we were able to read in the Home papers of our wonderful work in the trenches and our indifference to danger. Well, Stewart, boy. I must knock off, as I’ve got to go on guard soon; but I will write soon again. Remember me to all. Hoping to kick Wilhelm in the wummle, as the Scotch say. I remain, yours shakily, Hector McDonald.” From the Horowhenua daily Chronicle, September 13, 1916. Letter from the front FROM A LEVIN SOLDIER The anxiety of the relatives of Private Geo. France who was reported wounded some weeks ago has been relieved by the receipt of the following letter from Malta: Imtarfa Hospital Malta, May 20th “I would have cabled from Alexandria, but I was told that in all probability my cable would be held up and also that authorities were publishing a fairly detailed account of our wounds. I hope you have not worried or thought it worse than it really is. I had been in the firing line for a fortnight when I got it; I was lucky as a lot of poor boys went right out in the first hour or so. We got it hot and strong right off the mark and poor old Jack Mills and six others out of No.3 were killed before we were properly into it. When we counted up that night we found that we had seven killed, six wounded and one missing. It was bitter for a first taste, wasn’t it? And you know all these chaps are like brothers after being constantly in their company for months. Lieut. Bryan was very badly wounded, but even this is a let-off for him as we all expected he would be killed in the first fight, he was so reckless. “After our second advance I was one of a party of five to carry ammunition and supplies to the firing line. We had to go about 800 yards under fire and had not gone far when shrapnel began to burst right on us, and although the boxes we were carrying and our rifles were splintered, my carrying mate was the only one hit. His name is West, he is in the ward here with me now. After binding up his arm we went on again and managed to reach the supports of the firing line and back again to the base. The next load of hot tea and biscuits was a bigger job as we had to go right to the firing line. We did not expect to reach there; the snipers soon got on us, and again my mate was shot, this time through the leg. This left only three and we had to drop some of the stuff. After another hundred yards I was hit in the shoulder. The other two were having a council of war when I started to crawl back. “P.S. - We have not seen a mail for over six weeks. (No. 3 mentioned in the letter is No. 3 platoon A Company, Wellington-West Coast Infantry to which platoon most of the Levin boys belong.) From the Horowhenua Daily Chronicle, July 2, 1915. Story published in The Chronicle, April 22, 1986

Patriotic Fundraising

2010-02-23T03:52:56.341Z

While New Zealand was engaged in two world wars the Levin District High School did its share of patriotic fundraising.. Photo at left shows Memorial Service for King Edward VII in 1910, with Levin School pupils taking part. Among them is Lena Pickering (nee Carlson), who will be attending the Levin School Centenary. During the 1914-1918 war the fir...

Manakau Memorial March 29, 1920

2010-02-23T03:52:49.911Z

MANAKAU SOLDIERS MEMORIAL There was a splendid attendance at a public meeting on Friday night last held for the purpose of further considering matters relating to the soldiers’ memorial to be erected at Manakau. Mr Les Atkins occupied the chair. It was decided, after discussion, to adopt Major Tatum’s suggestion that the base of the monument be enlarged, provided the necessary space could be secured. The matter was left in the hands of the executive to deal with. The main object of the meeting was to deal with the site for the memorial. The mover and seconder of the resolution passed at a previous meeting, fixing the site, agreed to their motion being rescinded, and this was unanimously agreed upon. This step was taken owing to the fact that it was generally thought that there was not sufficient space in the site first chosen – opposite the hall – which is so often congested with the public, being in such close proximity to the public hall and the railway station. After a full discussion the meting unanimously decided to erect the memorial in front of the post office and steps were taken to secure permission from the County Council and the Railway Department for this site being secured. It was thought no difficulty would be met in securing this site. The meeting resolved that only the names of those Manakau soldiers who had fall during the war be engraved on the cenotaph. It was decided to hold a gift auction in aid of the memorial fund, about the end of April, and Messrs C Duneum, W Bevan, T Clifford and W J Bryant were appointed a committee to carry out arrangements for same, the committee to report progress on April 15th. The meeting was most enthusiastic and unanimous, and there is every prospect of the memorial being a most worthy one. Otaki Mail Monday, March 29, 1929

Unveiling of Memorial

2010-02-23T03:52:48.101Z

FALLEN SOLDIERS MEMORIAL To be unveiled on Wednesday The programme has now been arranged for the unveiling of the Fallen soldiers’ Memorial in the Public Gardens on Wednesday afternoon by Sir Edward Chaytor. The hour fixed is 2 o’clock and an invitation to be present is extended through our columns to the next of kin (for whom seats will be provided), Returned Soldiers and Veterans, Cadets and Territorials, school-children of the Levin (three) Ohau, Ihakara and Koputaroa Schools, members of the Native Race and the general public. The order of service is as follows. 1. Introduction, the Mayor of Levin 2. Hymn, ‘O God Our Help in Ages Past’ 3. Scripture reading, Rev M Bawden Harris 4. Dedicatory Pray, Rev J C Davies 5. Recessional, ‘Lest We Forget 6. Unveiling the memorial and address by Major-General Sir E W C Chaytor, KCMG 7. Hymn, ‘Lead, Kindly Light.” 8. Benediction, Captain Hoare (Salvation Army). The National Anthem A combined choir and orchestra will lead the singing. A parade of returned soldiers and veterans is called for 1.30pm on Wednesday. The Chronicle, Monday March 12, 1923

Page 36: 50th jubilee commemoration supplement

2010-02-23T03:52:45.141Z

1) Fine golf links in Levin product of much solid work. 2) Levin Central second of town's bowling clubs. 3) The toss of a coin. 4) Women's bowling club owes good start to patroness. 5) Levin Bowling Club a company first. 6) R.S.A. Bowling Club began trough Digger's tourney.. 1) Fine golf links in Levin product of much solid work.Since its formation in 1912, the Levin Golf Club has had many changes of location, but today it is firmly established on fine golfing country on the western side of Lake Horowhenua.2) Levin Central second of town's bowling clubs.In the year 1937 a few enthusiastic bowlers decided to advance...

Page 19: 50th jubilee commemoration supplement

2010-02-23T03:52:43.741Z

1) Crate of fowls, canary and cats came too: pioneer's daughter recalls trek. 2) Woman with kindly heart who likes to aid others. 3) As little girls they saw farms emerging. 4) She set the type in early newspaper. 5) Miss H. E. Bowen epitomises philosophy of the pioneer women - deeds not words. 6) Big rumpus when woman put in charge of new P.O. 7) Will complete her 70th year of residence soon.. 1) Crate of fowls, canary and cats came too: pioneer's daughter recalls trek.Mrs. Goldsmith, daughter of the late Mr. Richard Prouse, who turned 70 last November, came to Levin as a child. She cannot claim to be a resident of long standing as she returned only a few years ago when her mother died, aged 91 years. She lives in the old Prouse home...

Unveiling ceremony of the Foxton War Memorial

2010-02-23T03:52:33.941Z

The Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial, erected by local citizens in the Triangle Reserve, was unveiled by the Mayor (Mr John Chrystall) in the presence of a large concourse of people, on Thursday afternoon.. FALLEN SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL. (Foxton) The proceedings opened with the hymn, “O God Our Help in Ages Past.” The Mayor then unveiled the memorial, and paid a tribute to the memory of the honoured dead. The Rev. Thomas Halliday offered up a dedication prayer. The hymn, “Rock of Ages,” was sung. The Rev. Mr Raine delivered a short and appropriate address. He said: “We have with us the spirits of those men who fought and died for us – ‘wherefore, seeing that we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,’ let us be worthy of their sacrifice. This column will stand as a perpetual memory of the glorious past. When your children pass this stone and ask what does this mean, we surely must reply: (1). That this stone stands as an ever reminder of Almighty God, because he gave us the victory. (2) Of the noble sacrifice made by young men of New Zealand for King, Empire and honour.” The hymn, “For All the Saints,” was then sung, after which the “Last Post” was played by Mr Beale. The Benediction and National Anthem concluded a very impressive ceremony. The Salvation Army Band accompanied the singing. Manawatu Herald Saturday 3 June 1920

Governor-General opens Memorial Gates at School

2010-02-23T03:52:32.461Z

“In memory of all those who fell and all those who served.” The memorial gates at the Tokomaru School were yesterday opened by the Governor-General, Sir Willoughby Norrie. The gates are of simple but impressive design and bear the words, “Pro Patria—1914-1918 1935-1945.” After the gates had been dedicated, Lady Norrie ...

NZLive.com

2010-02-23T03:52:25.091Z

The Ministry of Culture and Heritage site that keeps track of whats going on in NZ

http://www.rsa.org.nz

2010-02-23T03:52:19.901Z

Anzac Day information from the RSA website

26 Back in New Zealand

2010-02-23T03:52:18.711Z

Back in New Zealand, he recovered from the 'Curse of Egypt'. He was posted to Buckle Street, Wellington. Click on the (listen) button below to download the audio file ... then >>Click here to go to the next audio track of Charles Welby's reminiscences.

detour

2010-02-23T03:51:56.602Z

I feel better after that visit to dad. I had a thought, graveside (it was dad talking to me) He told me to visit his old Mates at the RSA. Its busy in here today! Dads old friends have lot's of good advice. Next

clue 12

2010-02-23T03:51:55.611Z

It's been a year now since I talked to dads old mates at the RSA, their advice helped me so much. I wanted to share with you my Wedding photo. I meet my Mrs Wonderful in a antique shop in Shannon. I'm so happy she is everything I ever wanted. And the big news is we are expecting twins in August. Don't you just love happy endings.....

Walton Hospital ward.

2010-02-23T03:51:34.752Z

Walton Hospital. This is one of the eleven wards in the hospital. Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Church Street, Walton.

2010-02-23T03:51:34.642Z

Church Street, Walton. Dad was in hospital here during WWI. Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Ypres. - Maisons Place Vandenpeereboom. avant et apres le Bombardement. Houses Vandenpeereboom Place before the Bombardment and after.

2010-02-23T03:51:34.102Z

(1) I met Mr. Hudson here yesterday, he is keeping very well but is full up of this sort of life. He has no stripes at all now, he is just a private. He has not been up this way very long. We are getting some pretty good weather here lately, the mud is drying up and the weather is much warmer. I received that cap you sent me, it was very good of the old lady to be so kind, you must thank her for me. Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

03 Belt from Chris Christiansen

2010-02-23T03:50:41.433Z

This is the belt that Chris Christiansen wore during WWI. On it he kept the badges given to him by the mates he fought alongside.

RSA Membership Card for James Devon

2010-02-23T03:50:41.023Z

James Devon's RSA card - expiry date 31st March, 1951.

Troops on the march WWI

2010-02-23T03:50:39.623Z

A copy of this postcard was provided by James Devon.

Violin in case from WWI

2010-02-23T03:50:39.376Z

This violin was brought back from WWI by James Devon. He mounted it in the display case.

Staff of Brockenhurst Hospital

2010-02-23T03:50:38.962Z

This photo is on Timeframes: http://digital.natlib.govt.nz/get/45921?profile=access It is described: Group portrait of staff, Balmer Lawn Section, No 1 NZ General Hospital, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, England, during World War I. Nurses in front row: Miss J Moore (Matron), Ingram, M Mitchell, F Wilson, and Ida Grace Willis. Photograph taken between 1914-1919 by an unidentified photographer.

Brockenhurst Hospital ward

2010-02-23T03:50:38.903Z

From Timeframes: http://digital.natlib.govt.nz/get/11002?profile=access Taken by Qualis Photo Company during World War I.

Entrance to Brockenhurst Hospital

2010-02-23T03:50:38.833Z

From Timeframes: http://digital.natlib.govt.nz/get/78541?profile=access

1918 End of War celebration

2010-02-23T03:50:38.633Z

Beryl Biss, sister, Mrs Ranold Aloysius MacDonald (nee Flora Campbell McDonald) and her daughter Mary Macdonald, 1918. End of War celebration." Two women and two children posed on fence, bicycle in foreground, pencil inscription on back "Beryl Biss, sister, Mrs R A MacDonald, Mary M Dorset.1918 End of War celebration." Same photo as 1977.047.0033 Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit "Horowhenua Historical Society Inc."

1st Division NZ Army 1914 - Photograph

2010-02-23T03:50:38.573Z

This scroll photograph was brought into the Levin Library by Jill Pettifer (daughter of Mrs Babs Leckie). Jil provided the following details: 'Here is what I can remember of this photo, which unfortunately is not much! It is of the first New Zealand division on their return from the war in France. They were stationed at Brockenhurst New Forest Hampshire, England. After being pulled out of France, they were rested here with the wounded until being sent home to New Zealand. My mother, 'Mrs Babs Leckie', nursed there as a VAD (Voluntary Auxiliary Division(, and got to know a lot of them very well - I remember her telling me that my grandfather, Mr P.D. Leckie used to send the car on Sundays so that she could take a few that could go for a drive through the new Forest and then enjoy afternoon tea at 'Buskets' my gradfather's Estate at 'Lyndhurst'. 'Buskets' has long since gone and I had always thought the First Division had been stationed at 'Lyndhurst', however, according to the photo they weren't. If anyone has any recollections of this photo - I would be most interested and very glad to hear from them.'

Levin Cenotaph

2010-02-23T03:50:37.433Z

The World War I Cenotaph in the Levin Public Gardens on a glorious spring day. Help us update our war memorial History is repeating as The Chronicle and the Adopt an Anzac group backed by Horowhenua District Council launch an appeal to raise money for a major town centre project to remember our war dead. It's almost 90 years since the cenotaph in the Levin Public Gardens was built after The Chronicle launched an appeal for funds. Now the newspaper is backing plans for an upgrade to the memorial that will cost up to $100,000 depending on how much free labour, machinery and materials are donated. The existing cenotaph in the gardens will remain as the focus for a revamp of the area which will feature a pave memorial plaze with boxes made of toughened glass with the images of poppies inside. Each one will be lit so the memorial will glow red at night and be a constant reminder to passers-by of its significance. The redevelopment will fit in with the rejuvenation of the rose gardens and integration of the historic courthouse on the opposite side of cambridge street. "We would love to hear from anyone who would like to make a donation in cash or kind," chairman Tom Hayes said. The Chronicle general manager David Hill is right behind adopt an anzac's plans. "The paper is proud to be associated with this appeal and we give it our full support," he said. Cash donations can be made at The Chronicle office, Bristol Street, Levin, or at the Westpac bank in Levin. They will be acknowledged in the Chronicle unless the donor wants to remain anonymous. The project is a major undertaking for Adopt an Anzac, a small group with just seven members. It is not included in the council's forward planning so it has no money available. However, the council is backing the plan and has provided officer support through parks assets manager Doug Tate who is working with the group and has arranged for plans to be drawn up. Adopt an Anzac is applying to charities and other organisations for funding as well as launching the public appeal. "The original cenotaph was built after public subscription and we hope the people of Levin and district will be keen to help us achieve our goal," Mr Hayes said. "There is a growing interest in remembering our soldiers - as shown on Anzac Day - and this project is another way they can show their gratitude for those who lost their lives. "The new panels around the cenotaph will not only remember those who have been left off the original cenotaph but will also be a memorial to all those who served in world conflicts and have since died... the servicemen and women who returned from war and made their home in our town." There are a number of ways people can help, mr hayes said. "Obviously with a cash donation but people can provide labour or businesses can provide tools, materials and machinery." Manpower and light vehicles to initially remove the rocks and boulders around the cenotaph and then build the new, sloped lawn is a major requirement. All kinds of building materials will be necessary including cement and building mix, framing for the curbing and base work for the walls. Bricks, blocks, stones, paving stones, electrical ducting and cabling and lots of topsoil are some of the things that will be needed. Electrical work is part of the overall project. Ducting and cabling for the poppy boxes in the new memorial plaza will have to be put in even if funding to complete them is not immediately available. "The poppy boxes are an appealing part of the plan and businesses or families may like to pay for one as their contribution to the project," Mr Hayes said. The cost of each box has been estimated at $1500. Mr Hayes said Adopt an Anzac is also pursuing other options for labour and services that might become available from outside our district. Levin RSA president Robin rRchardson said the project is a huge task but the town got behind the cenotaph when it was first built and it could again. "I hope that the community will do all they can to assist in the necessary fundraising efforts," he said. Courtesy of The Chronicle, Levin

World War II memorial

2010-02-23T03:50:36.603Z

The World War II memorial in the Levin RSA is to be replicated on one of the new curved walls. It was originally in the Levin Memorial Hall when it was built in 1953 but was shifted to the RSA clubrooms in the 1970s because RSA members were worried it was being desecrated. Levin is the only town in the Horowhenua where the casualties from both wars...

Cenotaph update plan

2010-02-23T03:50:36.294Z

Levin's public gardens are to get a fresh look with an updated war memorial and new landscaping. The plans have been unveiled by Adopt an Anzac with the support of the Horowhenua District Council. Adopt an Anzac has been the force behind the project after the discovery of more than 30 horowhenua men who fought in both world wars and for unknown reasons were not included on the district's war memorials. Adopt an Anzac chairman Tom Hayes said the group felt it was important that these men be publicly remembered and have worked had to ensure their dignity is honoured. The revamped memorial will include two curved walls featuring four tablets on which their names will be inscribed. One of the new tablets will replicate the World War II memorial at the Levin RSA. It was originally in the Levin War Memorial Hall and was shifted to the Levin RSA around 1970 after members were concerned partygoers at functions in the hall were desecrating it. The memorial is "on loan" to the RSA and Adopt an Anzac's first thought was that it should be removed to the public gardens but after consultation with funeral director and stonemason Denis Mark it was decided it should stay where it is and the names instead be replicated at the gardens. "We feel it is important that the casualties from both world wars are remembered in one place in levin as they are in other horowhenua towns," Mr Hayes said. It also means the rsa will be able to lay its two wreathes at the gardens each Anzac Day instead of having to hold a second ceremony at the RSA clubrooms during Dawn Parade. The other tablets will be inscribed with the names of two Boer War casualties, 14 from World War I and seven from World War II discovered during research. A Korean casualty included on the rsa memorial will be placed under a separate heading and there will be room on the tablets for further finds and any future casualties. Adopt an Anzac is excited about the project and hopes to have it completed by Anzac Day next year. Work is expected to begin after Armistice Day November 11 when a ceremony to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I will be held at the cenotaph. The project has been referred to the Historic Places Trust, the Internal Affairs Department and Veteran Affairs and already has the support of the Levin RSA. President RobinRichardson congratulated Adopt an Anzac on its outstanding efforts and dedication. "Of special significance is all the work that has gone into updating the names on the cenotaph, including tracing and ensuring that all the names are correctly spelt," he said. "The new plaques with the names of all known deceased personnel of the Horowhenua area from the Boer War, World War I and II, Korea and through to vietnam is of great importance as it is absolutely essential that all who died be remembered in one place. "Those who returned home and have since passed away must not be forgotten either, particularly on Anzac Day," he said. Council parks assets officer Doug Tate who has been working with the group is pleased with the progress made on the project. "It's great to see the community getting behind a project that is principally community driven to remember those who have fallen before us," he said. "The project will further complement work already undertaken at the rose gardens along with the relocated courthouse and the historic Thompson House and grounds to provide another great asset in the centre of Levin." Other names need to be added to memorials in Foxton, Shannon and Manakau but that can be done without major work and funding will be sought from each of these communities in further stages of Adopt an Anzac's overall project. A new look memorial • the existing cenotaph will remain in place but the ground around it will be sloped downwards to a new "poppy box" memorial in a paved plaza extending to Cambridge Street. •a new tiered path will connect the plaza to the base of the cenotaph with wheelchair ramps and handrails at each side for easier access. • a special feature of the plaza - designed to be a contemporary memorial to levin's war dead - is the 25 "poppy boxes" dispersed throughout it. •the boxes will be made of toughened glass with the images of poppies inside. each one will be lit so the memorial will glow red at night and be a constant reminder to passers-by of its significance. •each box will be topped with a steel plate inscribed with an occupation like teacher, farmer and grocer of the soldiers who died in the world wars. •the existing large totara, rimu and VE day memorial totara are to be incorporated into the plaza in circular gardens. •the battered rock that forms the platform for the cenotaph will be used to form two sloping walls behind it to hold the raised front lawn. Courtesy The Chronicle, Levin

WW1 Tokomaru District Roll of Honour Board

2010-02-23T03:43:49.008Z

Light Railway for Wounded

2010-02-23T03:43:45.507Z

Photo used by Corrie Swanwick in item about WWI - shows the Light Railway used for bringing the wounded: Two stretcher cases on a horse drawn truck.

No Man's Land

2010-02-23T03:43:45.447Z

Photo used by Corrie Swanwick in item about WWI - shows a raid in progress across No Man's Land. Troops crossing their own wire with smoke from the barrage fire beyond.

Mother's headstone

2010-02-23T03:43:25.908Z

For King and Country. In loving memory Sapper George Hogan NZF; A member of the NZ Expeditionary Forces European War died at Wellington on 4 April 1917 aged 41 years; also our beloved mother Susan died 29 February 1932 aged 77 years.

Levin RSA

2010-02-23T03:42:59.438Z

Levin Returned Servicemans club. Restaurant.

Mary Ann Ranson and daughter Hinemoa, 1891-93

2010-02-23T03:41:52.959Z

Embossed with gold leaf on mounting board below photo - Wrigglesworth & Binns Willis St. Wellington, N.Z. Written with ink pen on paper attached to back - Hinemoa Cornwall Ransom & her Mother. Later to become Mrs F Haste in 1914, & died one year later. Husband losing his life in the 1st Great War Written with ink pen on back - Mother & Hinemoa Written on album page with black ballpoint pen - Hinemoa Cornwall Ransom and her mother Became Mrs Fred Haste; died 1 year late at WWII 1914 Mary Ann Ranson and daughter Hinemoa, 1891-93 Hinemoa born on 15 August 1889. Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

War Memorial, Wellington

2010-02-23T03:41:34.679Z

Written on back with blue ballpoint pen – Wellington War Memorial War Memorial, Wellington 1 B&W photo print Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Shannon Memorial of men who went to WW1 part 2

2010-02-23T03:41:27.476Z

Shannon Memorial of men who went to WW1

2010-02-23T03:41:27.419Z

Men who made the supreme sacrifice in WW1

2010-02-23T03:41:27.169Z

Shannon Memorial

Weraroa Peace Gates

2010-02-23T03:41:26.580Z

Weraroa Memorial Gates These gates which are not now in existence were opened by the ` Right Hon. WF Massey PC., Premier of New Zealand on Wednesday 21 March at 11.30am. Unfortunately the marble tablets are also missing. Program – Part 1 Opening Hymn – “All people that on earth do dwell” – Choirs Speech – Mr Tho...