Manawatū Journal of History
Last copies of the Manawatū Journal of History are still available, and can be purchased via details given below. They make excellent (and postable) Christmas presents for Palmerston North residents past and present, but particular articles may resonate with those who have an interest in the railway in Palmerston North, or with nursing history, or with the social history of Ashhurst. Did you know that 100 trains a day passed through the inner city in the 1920s making it a hazard for pedestrians and vehicles – not to mention the perils of the railway as a workplace? The memories of nurse-midwife Una Walker tell us about Palmerston North Hospital as a training place, and also the experiences of mothers and babies at various local maternity homes. Graves at Ashhurst cemetery illuminate the lives of the famous and obscure buried there, while other articles tell us about race relations in the Manawatū in the 1830s, about support systems for another generation of migrants in the 1970s, and about the early history of the old house at Te Manawa Museum.
The journal is a voluntary effort by local historians who would be very grateful for your support!
It can be ordered by emailing manawatujournalsales@inspire.net.nz giving your name and address, including post code.
Payment of $25 per copy should be made at time of order to ANZ 06 0729-0511593-00, with your name as reference.
(Photo below shows what happened when the New Plymouth express hit a lorry laiden with benzene on the West Street level crossing in 1928. From the article on 'Dirt, Danger and Deviation. A Railway Town in the 1920s'. Image originally from Auckland Weekly News.)
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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