NZ Soldiers in the South African War 1899-1902

MEDIA RELEASE 22.10.99

For Queen & Empire
New Zealand Soldiers in the South African War 1899 - 1902

National Archives has launched a special exhibition in its foyer gallery on New Zealand’s participation in the South African War.

The exhibition draws on rare photographs, cartoons, sheet music, battle maps and art works from the National Archives? collection of government records.

Photographs depict both the patriotic fervour at home and the harsh realities of this war - the first one fought by New Zealanders on foreign shores. The cartoons - mostly attacking "King" Dick Seddon - clearly show that public support for the venture was rapidly waning toward the end of the war.

One of the art works is entitled New Zealand Contingent on the March. If its style is reminiscent of Peter McIntyre, New Zealand?s famous war artist of the Second World War, it is due to the fact that it was created by the latter?s father, also Peter McIntyre, who arrived in Dunedin from Scotland in 1879 and became one of the founders of Caxton Printing and Lithography Company.

Also on display is a collection of Boer War relics collected by New Zealander, Frank A Horneman, who served in the Imperial Light Horse. Included is a special tin of chocolates given by Queen Victoria to every soldier. Frank Horneman kept a diary during the years 1899-1900, a copy of which is available for reading in the exhibition and is full of interesting observations and events. This material is courtesy of Peter Horneman of Lower Hutt, a long-time supporter and friend of National Archives.

Pamela Fleming

Media Adviser, Department of Internal Affairs

DD 04 495 9436, Fax 04 495 7237, Email: pamela.fleming@dia.govt.nz, Website: www.dia.govt.nz

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