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1315 days ago

Anzac Day: War letters to home

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

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… View more
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 with their letters to friends and loved ones back home.

Corporal Owen Tudor Brewer (pictured in uniform with his family) wrote to his sister Elsie Brewer:

Zeitoun, June 5, 1915

Dear Elsie,

I received your letter of the 17th April yesterday, though I suppose you expected me to receive it on the boat.

I last sent a letter at Aden. We only stopped there a few hours and then left for Suez.

The Red Sea seems to be studded with islands and numbers of light houses on the same (I do not mean on each island).

We passed in very close to one, where a small supply boat had just landed kerosene or what they burn and a long line of coolies like small dots with flashing heads were moving up a steep almost precipitous slope carrying a tin each on their head which glittered in the sun.

Soon after we ran into thousands of drowned locusts floating in the water and now and again one or two fluttered aboard.

For a day and a half we steamed through them and as we were then cutting out 275 miles per day, you can imagine there must have been a fair number of them.

They were a bright yellow colour and about three inches long.

Eventually we arrived at Suez where we disembarked and one lot went through to Cairo that day and I was left behind with a fatigue party to clean up the stables.

We soon finished that and I went for a short stroll round the wharf and yarned to a few Gurka troops who had been in France and were recuperating in a more suitable climate.

One of them claimed to have accounted for 7 Germans and was eager to hang a few more scalps to his belt.

They had some very exciting experiences to relate and I reluctantly bid them Kia Ora, as the troop train which was to convey the remainder of us to Cairo was due.

We soon left Suez behind us, it being late in the evening a cool breeze, or at any rate a cooler breeze than we had had throughout the day when not a breath of air was stirring fanned through the open carriage window.

We had several stops at which the natives beseeched us to buy “orange, mulberries, lemonade.”

I invested 1 piastre in a basket of mulberries and after passing it around the carriage discovered the simple minded native had shoved a couple of handfuls of grass in the bottom and a dozen or so berries on the top as bait.

The joke was on me.

We arrived in Cairo next morning and learning the train, marched down to camp, finding on arrival everything ready for us to drop into our places.

That day and the next we sweltered in the heat.

Cairo was gasping and the maximum temperature reached 119 in the shade.

I consumed great quantities of cool lemonade and became acclimatised.

The heat now does not affect us any more than a midsummer New Zealand day.

It is a very dry heat and we do not oil our rifles at all, only using black lead on any friction parts.

I have been down to Cairo and Heliopolis twice and tomorrow have arranged with a guide for a trip to the Pyramids which will provide some news.

Cairo has very beautiful buildings built of solid stone and masonry work.

Some of them are surrounded by gardens which are a picture to look at and again by a high stone wall with a ponderous gate lot guarded by native porters and a few beggars whose children gather up the crusts we throw away when having lunch on route marches.

We have lots of fun with orange sellers and donkey hirers who charge exorbitant rates if you let them ring it out of you, but a touch up with the riding whip soon brings them around to a knowledge that they have not caught a bunch of mugs.

The troops here are all anxious to get to work and if we have any luck I expect to get away within 3 weeks time.

The flies are biting something unprintable so guess I will have to close.

I am going to have a look around at some postcards and will send them along under separate cover to ta ta, love to all at home,

Owen.

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1316 days ago

Subscribe and receive a free gift

Sunday Star Times

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the … View more
Looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the checkout to redeem.

T&C's apply.
Subscribe Now

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1316 days ago

Thinking of selling? Boulgaris is best!

Kev from

Hi Neighbours

Kevin and the team here from BIA Kitchens and Bathrooms.

Having seen the team in action recently at Boulgaris Realty, we were so impressed we thought we would we would give them a mention as we love to share a good thing.

With the crazy world of real estate right now, our kitchen… View more
Hi Neighbours

Kevin and the team here from BIA Kitchens and Bathrooms.

Having seen the team in action recently at Boulgaris Realty, we were so impressed we thought we would we would give them a mention as we love to share a good thing.

With the crazy world of real estate right now, our kitchen and bathroom renovations have meant that we are fully booked on all work for at least 3 months, which in our business is never a bad thing.

When designing a new kitchen we always ask "is this your forever home or an asset that you may want to sell in a few years?"

More recently it seems to be the latter and if this is you, then you will definitely want to talk to the team at Boulgaris Realty. Michael Boulgaris (Principle Officer and Sales Broker) is famous nationally for his many years of success with managing listings of New Zealand's top homes and now his team through his guidance are following in his footsteps. In particular, the rising star in the team, Kristos Tsitsiridakis.

Kristos's background in both the trades & interior enhancements industry and also extensive history in sales & marketing has given him the edge when it comes to maximising on the engagement and trust of his opulent prospective buyers and clients in the Auckland market. His portfolio of enthused clients in both the suburban and rural sectors makes him a pinnacle in performance, when it comes to getting you the very best for your future and your family.

So, if you have even though about your options around buying, selling or both, then you will want to reach out to Kristos for a consultation over a coffee and get the experts in your corner today!

Kristos Mobile: 021 179 7495
Kristos Email: kristos@boulgaris.com

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1317 days ago

Million-dollar dumps: Boating club struggles to maintain heritage clubhouse due to 1923 law

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

In its heyday, the Takapuna Boating Club’s (TBC) Bayswater clubhouse was used for all sorts of social gatherings, including regattas, dances, ratepayer polling, card game nights, school reunions, wrestling and boxing tournaments.

But since the TBC shifted to Hurstmere Rd inTakapuna around the … View more
In its heyday, the Takapuna Boating Club’s (TBC) Bayswater clubhouse was used for all sorts of social gatherings, including regattas, dances, ratepayer polling, card game nights, school reunions, wrestling and boxing tournaments.

But since the TBC shifted to Hurstmere Rd inTakapuna around the late 1960s, and again to its current clubhouse on The Strand around 1990, the three-storey Bayswater clubhouse has fallen out of use and become what the club’s vice commodore James Jordan described as “a bit of an eyesore”.

Despite its rugged appearance and the need for some repairs to the decking, the building is structurally sound, and the TBC has ambitious plans to restore the building to its former glory.

However, the Auckland Harbour Board and Takapuna Borough Council Empowering Act 1923 limits what the building can be used for.

It is hoped a change of wording in the Act would allow the rest of the building to be used by tenants offering other activities to help provide the club with a small income to help cover the building’s expenses and future maintenance, while improving the public‘s use of the area.

Click 'read more' for my full report.

1318 days ago

Every Signature Counts

The Team from Cancer Society Auckland

Reducing the number of shops able to sell tobacco is part of the Government’s world-leading draft Smokefree plan.

Show your support by signing our petition here.
Sign the petition

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1319 days ago

We Say/You Say: Anzac Day

The Team from Community News

Hi Auckland,

How are you commemorating Anzac Day? What stories have been passed down through your whānau?

April 25 marks the 106-year anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, one of the most costly campaigns for the Allied Forces during World War I.

Anzac dawn and commemorative services up … View more
Hi Auckland,

How are you commemorating Anzac Day? What stories have been passed down through your whānau?

April 25 marks the 106-year anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, one of the most costly campaigns for the Allied Forces during World War I.

Anzac dawn and commemorative services up and down the country are scheduled to get underway after widespread cancellations last year, due to the nation being under Alert Level 4 restrictions.

The NZDF have advised of a reduced presence of military personnel at Anzac services due to deployment at MIQ facilities.

You can check out where the Anzac day services are on this interactive map on the RSA website.

Feel free and share your stories below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments used your local community paper.

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1320 days ago

Ever noticed the empty buses ? What's the answer ?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, If buses are running near empty, maybe the traditional way of providing public transport needs a rethink. Read the story below on the empty buses of Hobsonville Point. What's the answer ?

1318 days ago

Window & door security - Exceed we fix windows & doors

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More & more customers taking their home security to the next level with the superior strength, versatility and architectural styling of Crimsafe security doors

Looking to secure your home?

Exceed's experts can assist you in determining the level of security your windows & doors may … View more
More & more customers taking their home security to the next level with the superior strength, versatility and architectural styling of Crimsafe security doors

Looking to secure your home?

Exceed's experts can assist you in determining the level of security your windows & doors may require and advise on what products will best suit your needs.

Call us on 0800 25 25 00 or visit: www.exceed.co.nz...

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1319 days ago

Local Anzac Day Parades and Services

The Team from Auckland Council

Remember our servicemen and servicewomen past and present this Anzac Day, Sunday 25 April.

Auckland Council, in partnership with the Auckland RSA and local communities, offers more than 80 parades and services across Tāmaki Makaurau. Attend one near you with friends and family.

Go to … View more
Remember our servicemen and servicewomen past and present this Anzac Day, Sunday 25 April.

Auckland Council, in partnership with the Auckland RSA and local communities, offers more than 80 parades and services across Tāmaki Makaurau. Attend one near you with friends and family.

Go to ourauckland.nz/anzacday for a full list of services, parking, road closures and ways to commemorate at home.

COVID-19 precautions: please remember to use the NZ COVID Tracer app, stay at home if you are unwell and wear a mask on public transport. Anzac Day services will only proceed at Alert Level 1.
Learn more

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1319 days ago

Car to rent

Mohamed from Hauraki

Hi neighbors
One of my friends who has recently moved from Christchurch to Auckland is looking for a car to rent for a few weeks until he buys one or get his car from Christchurch
If you have a car that you are willing to rent out, please pm me. Also if you have a good car that you want to sell, … View more
Hi neighbors
One of my friends who has recently moved from Christchurch to Auckland is looking for a car to rent for a few weeks until he buys one or get his car from Christchurch
If you have a car that you are willing to rent out, please pm me. Also if you have a good car that you want to sell, please let let me know too
Thank you
Kind regards,

1319 days ago

Mediterranean Lunch

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

One of our most popular projects for our Level 4 Advanced Cookery students is to design a three-course menu, costed to a budget and then prepared for a friend to savour.

The three-course menu includes a fish dish, involving the filleting of a fish, freshly made ribbon pasta and dessert - all with… View more
One of our most popular projects for our Level 4 Advanced Cookery students is to design a three-course menu, costed to a budget and then prepared for a friend to savour.

The three-course menu includes a fish dish, involving the filleting of a fish, freshly made ribbon pasta and dessert - all with a Mediterranean theme. Take a look at this week's impressive efforts enjoyed by the Advanced students. They then serve the meal for their own guest and also get to sit down and eat with them.

Here are some photos of the creative dishes prepared for the Mediterranean Luncheon.

1319 days ago

Major road layout change on Upper Harbour Hwy

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport agency is advising North Shore motorists of a significant change to Upper Harbour Hwy (SH18) next week.

From 5am on Tuesday April 27, motorists will exit SH18 via a new off-ramp at Paul Matthews Drive.

The new road layout will shift all eastbound traffic onto the … View more
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport agency is advising North Shore motorists of a significant change to Upper Harbour Hwy (SH18) next week.

From 5am on Tuesday April 27, motorists will exit SH18 via a new off-ramp at Paul Matthews Drive.

The new road layout will shift all eastbound traffic onto the off-ramp and through a new intersection, where motorists may turn left to go towards Rosedale, and right to either continue onto Constellation Drive or turn onto Unsworth Heights and the northern motorway (SH1) on-ramp.

The road layout change is required to create a new construction zone for new northbound connections as part of the Northern Corridor Improvements, national manager of infrastructure delivery Andrew Thackwray said.

“The nature of this work means it will cause some disruption to road users, but when finished the Northern Corridor Improvements will provide much better transport options on the North Shore for freight, cars, pedestrians and cyclists.”

He encouraged motorists to plan ahead and allow extra travel time, as major delays are expected during the morning and afternoon peaks, adding that those heading to the CBD should consider using the northwestern motorway (SH16) instead.

Traffic lights and queues at the intersection will be monitored and signal phases may be adjusted to improve traffic flow if required.

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1319 days ago
1320 days ago

Commemorating Anzac Day

The Team from Auckland Council

We are proud to partner with the Auckland RSA to deliver Auckland’s 2021 Anzac Day. Click on 'Read More' for are all the details you need to honour our veterans and armed forces this Sunday.

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1321 days ago

Ryman: Your new way of living

Your retirement should be stress-free and full of adventure. Life in a Ryman village can open the door to endless opportunities.

Moving to a village doesn’t mean giving up your treasures or your sense of style. Whether you choose independent living or a serviced apartment, you can make space … View more
Your retirement should be stress-free and full of adventure. Life in a Ryman village can open the door to endless opportunities.

Moving to a village doesn’t mean giving up your treasures or your sense of style. Whether you choose independent living or a serviced apartment, you can make space your own. You’ll benefit from a supportive community, as well as organised activities, outings and fabulous amenities to keep you entertained. If your needs change, our villages offer comprehensive care options.

Experience the Ryman difference—you’ll be surprised at how fun, easy and relaxed the lifestyle is.
Download the Guide

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