A good day to remember William Hardham, VC
It is 102 years since WWI ended and Armistice Day is a good time to remember William Hardham, VC.
Hardham received his Victoria Cross in the Boer War and was the first New Zealand-born soldier to get a VC.
Born in Wellington, he was a blacksmith by trade and a well known sportsman.
He played rugby for Petone and 53 games for Wellington.
Hardham volunteered to serve in the Boer War and held the rank of farrier sergeant major.
On 28 January 1901, Hardham was on a patrol in the Transvaal when it was ambushed by twenty Boers. Although the patrol was able to withdraw, one man was wounded and his horse was shot from under him. Hardham rode to his aid and pulled him to safety while under heavy gunfire.
Hardham was subsequently awarded the VC by the Prince of Wales.
He subsequently had a distinguished career in WW1. Wounded at Gallipoli he returned home before returning to New Zealand. He returned to Palestine and became seriously ill with malaria.
After the war, he suffered from ill health and had numerous jobs, including working for a newspaper.
William James Hardham VC died of stomach cancer in 1928 aged 51. His funeral was attended by Prime Minister Gordon Coates and he is buried in the Karori Cemetery.
The Hardham Cup is still played for by Wellington club rugby teams.
The Petone Rugby Club has a replica VC, his club cap, a citation by the then mayor of Petone and a photo.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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27.9% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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20.5% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.7% Keep it as is
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32.7% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.8% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
Solve This Riddle or Be Left Scratching Your Head!
With pointed fangs, I sit and wait;
with piercing force, I crunch out fate.
I grab victims, proclaiming might,
and physically join with a single bite.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Celebrating International Volunteer Managers Day
We had a wonderful morning celebrating Te Whanganui-a-Tara volunteer managers at our International Volunteer Managers Day breakfast event.
It was inspiring to bring together local change-makers to discuss this year's theme: 'what's our future normal?' We shared reflections and aspirations for how we can play a role in shaping a stronger and brighter future for the voluntary sector.
Thank you so much to our generous sponsors Lighthouse Cinema, t leaf T, The Candle Shop, Wonderland Chocolate, Zealandia and Oat Cafe.
Amazing catering provided by Blue Carrot
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