Purple poppy day today
Story by Graham McBride:
As well as the traditional commemorative red poppy, the National Army Museum remembers and honours our war animals each year on the 24 February with Purple Poppy Day. The purple poppy symbolises all animals who have died during conflict. It is estimated that more than 8 million animals sacrificed their lives in World War I alone.
Strictly in the Te Kowhai context, I once obtained this photo from Andrea (Limmer) Whittle, whose grandfather Bill Limmer (b.1895, d, 1981) is named on the Te Kowhai War Memorial Roll of Honour. Initially, in WWI, Bill undertook Compulsory Military Training, where he served locally in the 4th Waikato Mounted Rifles, then enlisted in the War in early 1918. He fought in Egypt for 1 year and 245 days, with the N.Z. Mounted Rifle Brigade, NZ Expeditionary Forces.
These (mostly) local farm ‘boys’ grew up with a very close affinity with horses – for work, travel and leisure. The bonds between soldier and ‘fighting’ horse during WWI must have been very personal, but when Bill and his fellow horsemen were about to embark for New Zealand at the end of the War, our government made the servicemen shoot their horses to avoid the cost of repatriating them.
This is Bill’s evocative image of the fate of his trusty mount! Maybe we also need some Purple Poppies on the wall at the Memorial Hall?
Story by Graham McBride
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.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
The frustration of seeing a detour sign partway through your journey on the main highways possibly the new way forward when it comes to roadworks.
One of the latest areas to have a section of the road blocked off is State Highway 1 between Putāruru to Tokoroa as part of a massive renewal project that extends down to Waiouru.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
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