MAVtech's collection holds many cinema slides- but this is one of the most intriguing. Unlike almost every other slide it has no writing on it (including on the edges) and is striking arranged with lots of 'blank space'. 

What was it used for?

It is impossible to be certain- but it probably celebrated the victory of the British Empire after World War One. The slide was found in a box with many other First World War slides, including one celebrating the victory. Although New Zealand's flag was flown by ships since 1869 (and was 'official' since 1902) it wasn't formally flown in battle until the Second World War, so the presence of the Imperial Union Jack would have made a lot of sense on a local slide. 

(The New Zealand flag was flown during the Gallipoli campaign at Quinn's Post- however this was unofficial and not ordered by the military command).

Britannia, the human personification of Britain, sits at the bottom of the slide.

Typed below picture - Huia Flag paraded at civic Welcome Home to men from the Boer War – 1903.

Taken from the building next to the Post Office on Oxford Street looking towards the Levin Hotel on the Queen Street and Oxford Street intersection. The Ngati Huia flag Huia is across the intersection and a crowd stands in a block to take part in the service.

See also – Acc #2000.018.0210 identical photo (scene described as: Service of Commemoration for Edward VII, 1910)

See also 2000.516.0001, 2000.510.0001, 2000.510.0002 and 2000.510.0003

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Visit of William Ferguson Massey to Levin to open the War Memorial Gate.

Shows Massey (centre left) standing in a group of people outside the gate, as others walk under it.

Through the arch of the gate, a flag reading "HUIA" is visible.

From National Library. ID: 1/4-023427-G

The Weraroa Memorial Gates in Levin. These were opened by the Prime Minister William Massey on Wednesday 21 March, 1923 at 11.30am.

From: http://archivescentral.org.nz/exhibitions/topics/show/120926-ww1-councils-do-their-bit-remembering-the-dead

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