2285 days ago

After Armistice: dealing with the effects of war

The Team from Auckland Museum

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...

More messages from your neighbours
10 hours ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 53.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
    53.8% Complete
  • 27.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
    27.7% Complete
  • 18.5% ... It is complicated
    18.5% Complete
130 votes
1 day ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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18 hours ago

Outdated 'Recent Notices in New Zealand'

Fiona from Henderson

Can anyone here or from Neighbourly.co.nz please explain to me why we have the so called ''Recent Notices in New Zealand' a.k.a. death notices tab here on Neighbourly when if fact, the most recent death notice is from 2023?
I don't know if anyone has used this tab recently, if ever, I only used when looking for a friend's recent death notice.
If this isn't going to be updated or in fact be what they say it is, 'Recent Notices in New Zealand', then please replace it with something we can all access with up to date information, maybe bring back the groups option - just a thought.
Any ideas people?