Anzac Day: War letters to home
This Sunday marks the 106-year anniversary of the first landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
For many of the 16000 soldiers, April 25, 1915 marked their first day of combat.
And by that night, 2000 had been killed or maimed.
We remember our Auckland veterans and fallen soldiers with their letters to friends and loved ones back home.
Captain Ernest Hugh Densem of the New Zealand Army Medical Corps 2nd New Zealand Expedition wrote this letter to daughter Mary McNair, who lives in New Lynn:
Medical Headquarters
Trentham
10.6.45
Dear Mary,
Daddy received your letter. You remember you told me about John going to Sunday School all by himself with Mr Hawkey.
I’m glad you liked the bonfire.
There was a very good drawing of it in one of your other letters that wasn’t there.
We had some funny bonfires here one night.
There were a lot of flowers and the soldiers shot flames out of their guns like this:
Mummy says you sleep in a different room now.
Where does Auntie Eva sleep?
Daddy.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.6% Yes
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22.1% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Chrstmas light show
Hi everyone.
I have put my Xmas lights up and am currently doing the final testing.
This is an animated show set to music, so drive by viewing is not the best.
There are speakers out so you will be able to hear the music that goes with the lights.
As last year, I will have my shows running from 1st of December until 31st of Dec inclusive.
As I have neighbours, Please respect them and their properties.
Show times will be,
Sunday to Thursday 9pm to 10pm.
Friday and Saturday 9pm to 10:30pm.
Last but not least the address.
28 Harrington Rd
Henderson.