This was the slide that everyone wanted to see. It was made to celebrate the successful end of the First World War and was shown in cinemas of jubilant crowds.

But it didn't go to plan.

The returning troops brought with them strains of influenza which struck communities with a vengeance. Medical staff were ill equipped to deal with this new invisible enemy and the government was forced to close cinemas, along with many other public places.. A month later the cinemas opened again, but with an influenza which claimed 8,573 lives the slide would have been shown to a more muted audience 

Typed on damaged piece of paper sellotaped to back: “Perhaps 1918 Peace Procession. Miss M. McKegg was the successful Carnival Queen (Later Mrs Easton). Mr Vickers dressed as John Bull.”

Children lead the Armistice Day Peace Parade, along Oxford Street and west down Queen Street in 1918. The photograph is takenacross the Oxford Street and Queen Street intersection looking west towards the Levin Hotel. There are flags across the intersection and hanging from buildings.

1 B&W photo print, mounted (composite)

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

Written on backing board: “(with oak frame, see #s2001.019.0002) – Return to N. Clayton, Centennial Committee.”

Plimmer Terrace, Shannon. The street has been decorated with flags and bunting for opening of the Mangahao Power Station (Monday 3rd November 1924) by Prime Minister W.F. “Bill” Massey. The road is unpaved and there are several cars parked on both sides.

1 B&W photo print, mounted

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

Korps Mariner Collection