After Armistice: dealing with the effects of war
As we commemorate the 101st Armistice Day, it's timely that we reflect on the aftermath of the First World War; not only the massive scale of loss, but also the ongoing suffering experienced by those who returned from the first industrialised war.
Arriving in back in Wellington, Colonel Evans pointedly reminded the soldiers of those left behind: “Remember,” he said, “When you go ashore you are not heroes. The heroes lie in France”. Having lost their comrades in the thousands, the soldiers hardly needed to be reminded of their 'luck' in making it through. Yet for those who survived, the physical and mental toll of the war was immense and for many unspeakable. Each service person confronted the psychological and emotional impact of a war unprecedented in its violence in their own personal way.
One soldier who suffered through his war service was Private Ivor Norman (Norm) Fleet 31249. A bushman who enlisted in Taumarunui, Fleet fought with the Wellington Infantry Regiment and received gunshot wounds to both legs during a clean-up operation at Bellevue Spur on 22 October 1917. His right leg was later amputated and he eventually returned to New Zealand where simply carried on with his life, marrying Elsie Petley in 1928, building his own house and forging a long and productive career. Norm rarely spoke of the war and relatives only recall seeing him in tears as his nephews left for the Second World War; a small clue to the pain that returned servicemen held inside. Like Norm, millions suffered silently in the aftermath. Today we honour their service and acknowledge the immeasurable suffering that came from it.
Lest we forget.
Find out more about Armistice Day and the Museum's collections here. www.aucklandmuseum.com...
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.2% No
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1.2% 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.
For Sale 4-bed ; 4-bath home in Rangitoto College Zone
This fabulous Freehold family home of approximately 340sqm on 635sqm of land is situated in a cul-de-sac in a well-established family-friendly neighbourhood.
Step inside this exceptional home to an abundance of space and comfort. Everything you could possibly need from multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas, to a designer kitchen, dining and family room with sea view, flowing seamlessly to the private fully fenced outdoor entertaining area which comes with a pizza oven. Perfect for relaxing, hosting family and friends and making memorable moments to cherish.
Four generous double bedrooms including two master bedrooms, two walk-in wardrobes, four bathrooms including two ensuites, a family bathroom/semi ensuite and a superbly located guest toilet.
Downstairs offers space and flexibility of use, ideal for extended family or guests and has its own entrance. Comprising a rumpus, used as a home office/playroom, a kitchen, dining, living area connecting seamlessly to private landscaped outdoor living adjacent to bush/reserve filled with bird song. The fourth bathroom is on this level as is a large separate laundry.
Seven heat pumps throughout this meticulously maintained family home ensure comfort. There is a central vac system and lots of storage space.
Plenty of parking available: a Double internal-access garage plus off-street parking for up to 5 cars - including a boat or campervan - also parking bays in the cul de sac.
A choice of excellent schools: Rangitoto College; Long Bay College; Northcross Intermediate, Sherwood Primary and Pinehill Primary Schools.
www.barfoot.co.nz......
Gabrielle Elborough
Real Estate Agent
021 257 5018
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