Homing pigeons

Date: 1939-1945

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

Reference: PA1-q-294

Description: Photographs of New Zealand military personnel serving in Greece, Crete, the Middle East and Egypt during World War 2, 1939-1945, taken by various photographers and compiled for official use. This album includes a number of official photographs taken for the British official records. Many of the personnel identified are listed above, but group portraits in which individuals are identified are not listed above. Many views show aspects of military training in the desert, including machine guns, rifles, manoeuvres, Bren guns, range practice, and anti-tank guns. New Zealand Divisional Cavalry. In England military training and preparation includes scenes of the New Zealand High Commissioner in London, William Joseph Jordan, watching New Zealand lumberjacks from the New Zealand Forestry Corps in a Gloucester forest felling trees for war purposes. Also related to England are scenes of the Duke of Gloucester inspecting troops, and King George VI at an investiture at Buckingham Palace investing Flight-Sergeant Williams with his Distinguished Flying Medal for gallantry in air operations. Long Range Desert patrols and expeditions into enemy territory showing the difficult terrain they had to negotiate. Views of a formation of five American-built Lockheed Hudson aircraft of the RAF Coastal Command carrying out an action patrol near Borkum, Heligoland and the Danish Coast. They are the first released photographs taken while under fire from German anti-aircraft ships, flying only 200 ft above the sea because of the weather (p 15-21). One image shows a wireless operator checking one of H.M. the King's homing pigeons, presented to the RAF to carry messages in case of a forced landing & breakdown of wireless. Arrival of NZ airmen & pilots for duty with the RAF in 1941. Gift of fruit and vegetables presented to NZ troops stationed in Fiji, transported 60 miles by boat from Kandavu, formally accepted by Brigadier Cunningham. (A number of images of Cunningham are dotted throughout the album). Views of the sinking of the Italian raider Ramb I, by HMS Leander in February 1941 (p 33-37). Scenes of a huge field bakery run by Egyptian bakers which can supply 3500 loaves each day. Also the "Waiwera Hotel - the 'ouse on the 'ill" cookhouse in the desert; and other scenes of food preparation. Relaxation organised by the YMCA, and the opening of the Lowry Hut run by the YMCA. Shipboard life on a transport ship, including games, relaxation and officers censoring mail. Floods after heavy rain in the Western Desert along the Mediterranean fringe (p 61-64). The Oranje leaving Amsterdam on her maiden voyage; used as hospital ship for Australian and New Zealand forces. Groups at the Royal Canadian Air Force Bombing and Gunnery School, all of whom are named (p 67-69). Prime Minister Peter Fraser's visit to the Middle East (p 69-72), his visit to Greece (p 93-105), and inspecting the hospital ship Maunganui (p110-111).) The No. 1 General Hospital in Greece. War damage to New Zealand House in London (p 105-106). Italian prisoners of war in a soccer match "NZ vs Italy" in Egypt (p 79-81); German parachute troops wounded and taken prisoner in Crete; captured swastikas used to hoodwink the enemy into dropping supplies. Fighting and evacuation of Crete. Evacuation of the Greek Royal party by a bodyguard of New Zealand soldiers, with views of a reception given by His Majesty the King of Greece, showing Lieutenant W H Ryan, Princess Marie, lady Palairet, Prince George, Prince Peter, and British military attache Colonel J S Blunt. Group portrait of New Zealanders in Britain training for the Fleet Air Arm (members named). Members of the New Zealand Bomber Squadron of the RAF who have been part of the raids on Germany, particularly on Berlin. (Several group portraits, some of which are named). Several photographs of unidentified men who escaped from Crete in barges. Arrangement: Images in album form single numerical sequence, 398-791 Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with faded blue cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22.0 cm

Date: 1906-1908

From: Collett, Michael, fl 1910 : Photographs

Reference: PA7-08-60

Description: Duplicate of PA7-08-25 Quantity: 1 b&w photo-mechanical print(s).

Date: 2000

By: Tremain, Garrick, 1941-

Reference: H-631-001/032

Description: Topics include George W. Bush's takeover from Bill Clinton as President of the United States, the race between Al Gore and George W. Bush for the United States Presidency, Bush's pro-capital punishment record, pay cuts for television newsreaders, Associate Minister of Maori Affairs Tariana Turia's controversial use of the word 'holocaust', health restructuring, lip service at the APEC trade talks, Prime Minister Helen Clark's new persona as a fashion icon, indigenous Maori responses to whale strandings, indigenous 'rights' to whaling, low funding of police and police recruitment, the government's 'Closing of the Gaps' policy and racial harmony, the Serious Frand Office, the aftermath of the Fiji coup and government policy on sporting contacts, the legalisation of euthanasia in the Netherlands, smoking restrictions, sex education, teaching of spelling, subdivision town planning dispute in Queenstown, the World Trade Organisation and United States lamb tariffs, Australian attitudes towards aborigines and kiwi immigrants, protest at Waitangi Day celebrations, tree conservation and Christmas trees, and Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton's wish to establish a 'Peoples' Bank'. Quantity: 32 photocopy/ies. Physical Description: A4 horizontal photocopies

Date: 1897-1904

From: Trevor, Charles Edward Hill-Trevor, 3rd Baron, 1863-1950 :Photographs of New Zealand and Cook Islands compiled during Vice-regal term of Lord Ranfurly

By: Boscawen, John Hugh, 1851-1937; Burton Brothers (Dunedin, N.Z.); Pulman (Firm); Shepherd, Cromwell, active 1903-1934

Reference: PA1-f-142

Description: Charles Hill-Trevor's personal album of the time he spent as personal secretary to Lord Ranfurly, Governor of New Zealand. It records the New Zealand contingents sent to the South African war and public events, personalities and patriotic entertainments associated with that enterprise. Visits to Government houses in Australia record other governors, officials and official residences. On one occasion in Melbourne a New Zealand versus Australia polo match was played. Hill-Trevor shows an interest in Māori, wildlife conservation (including the bird sanctuary on Resolution Island), and the sports of fishing, polo and horsemanship. There are photographs of members of the Ranfurly family and their principal servants as well as the Governor engaged in official functions such as opening the Kaiapoi council offices and laying the foundation stone of the Veterans Home, Mt Roskill, Auckland in 1903. Also photographs relating to the play 'The Geisha'. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s).

Date: 25 Dec 1993

From: Great Barrier Island Oral History Project

By: Cooper, Reginald Garth, 1923-2006

Reference: OHInt-0104-48

Description: Reginald Garth Cooper born Hoondale, Auckland 1923 - 18 months old when family moved to Great Barrier Island as father who worked for Kauri Timber Co. Waitakere, moved to work for KTC, Great Barrier Island, later going into farming. Describes farming on the island, milking cows being a major industry in the 1960s, 1970s. Refers to subsidies for fertiliser and aerial spray in the late 1950s. Recalls gradual move from dairy cattle to beef cattle and changes from horse and buggie to motor cars and metalled roads. Mentions subdivisions at southern end of island to resettle soldiers from `Maori' land wars. Other topics discussed include: cattle barge `Rahui' operated by Mr McKinnon and improvements on transport; bartering; walking to school at Port Fitzroy and later schooling through Correspondence School; family feuds; `Wairarapa' survivors who came ashore; pigeon post; mail orders from Farmers Trading Co; early radio and doctors and district nurses. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Helen Jordan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012415 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4258. Search dates: 1923 - 1993

Date: 29 May 1993

From: Great Barrier Island Oral History Project

By: Kilgour, Lewis James, 1934-

Reference: OHInt-0104-58

Description: Lewis James (Jim) Kilgour born Whakatane 1934. Talks about his collection of stamps and historical records of the Pigeon Postal service, set up in 1897 to link Great Barrier Island to mainland New Zealand. Notes it was the first postal service in the world which used carrier pigeons to deliver mail, using stamps. Explains how and why he started this collection and gives history of the service. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Helen Jordan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012431 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4230.

Date: 19 Feb 1994

From: Great Barrier Island Oral History Project

By: Newton, Diane, 1957-

Reference: OHInt-0104-28

Description: Diana Newton born Auckland 1957. Recalls moving to Great Barrier Island in 1983 and learning basic skills - baking in a camp oven, cooking on an open fire, building a basic shelter and carrying water. Describes get-togethers around camp fire under the Puriri trees, quilting group, Okiwi School community and transport of school children, husband's work as a wrangler and pigeons for pigeongram service, with reference to use of pigeons for centenerary of wrecking of the Wairarapa later in the year. Mentions work as teacher aide in local school. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Helen Jordan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012389A Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s) (side one). 1 printed abstract(s). 30 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4238.

Date: 9 Aug 1994 - 09 Aug 1994

From: Great Barrier Island Oral History Project

By: Dixon, Violet Florence, 1923-2012

Reference: OHInt-0104-34

Description: Violet Florence Dixon (nee Flinn) born Auckland 1923, moving to Great Barrier Island when 10 days old. Recalls education through Correspondence School. Mentions Wellington teacher, Mr Le Petit. Talks about father's duties as Inspector of Fisheries on the Island. Mentions use of herbs for medicinal purposes. Refers to uncle, Harry Bush, who was killed at the Battle of the Somme. Other topics mentioned include: Army on Island during World War II; sinking of Niagara off Mokohinaus; father's attitude to girls mustering sheep etc; pigeon post; story about ghost and social life on the island. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Helen Jordan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012395-012396 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4214. Search dates: 1923 - 1994

Date: 6 May 1944

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

By: Bull, George Robert, 1910-1996

Reference: DA-05681-F

Description: A carrier pigeon unit for use by World War II front line troops and run by English personnel loading pigeons from the loft into a crate for a practice run. Photograph taken in Casale, Italy, on 6 May 1944 by George Robert Bull. Other - Names on file print Quantity: 1 b&w copy negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosive film negative

Date: 6 May 1944

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

By: Bull, George Robert, 1910-1996

Reference: DA-05683-F

Description: Carrier pigeons settling in the loft after a training flight. There are approximately 60 birds to a loft. The Carrier Pigeon Unit is made up largely of English pigeon enthusiasts. Photograph taken in Casale, Italy, on 6 May 1944 by George Robert Bull. Quantity: 1 b&w copy negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosive film negative

Date: 5 May 1944

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

By: Bull, George Robert, 1910-1996

Reference: DA-05684-F

Description: R Semple (Bothwell Haugh, Scotland) counting the birds in the loft at the end of a flight. Photograph taken in Casale, Italy, on 5 May 1944 by George Robert Bull. Quantity: 1 b&w copy negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosive film negative

Date: [ca 1905]

From: Original photographic prints and postcards from file print collection, Box 10

Reference: PAColl-6208-48

Description: Mr Phipps and an unidentified woman by the pigeon aviary alongside the Mountain House, Mount Taranaki. Photograph taken 1905 by an unidentified photographer. Inscriptions: Verso - This is a photograph of the Pigeon aviary alongside the Mountain House on Mt Egmont (Inglewood side). A "Pigeon-gram" system was in operation between the Mountain House and the home of a Mr Phipps (photo) who was a butcher in New Plymouth. I sent a "Pigeon-gram" message (Xmas 1905 - date of this photograph) to Wellington: cost 1/- (6d to New Plymouth for pigeon & 6d for the telegram to Wellington). H P Mourant. Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin print

Date: 1906-1908

From: Collett, Michael, fl 1910 : Photographs

Reference: PA7-08-25

Description: Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 5 May 1944

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

By: Bull, George Robert, 1910-1996

Reference: DA-05682-F

Description: H Sweet (Newcastle on Tyne) and R Semple (Bothwell Haugh Scotland) loading carrier pigeons for a training flight close to the front line in Italy, during World War II. Photograph taken in Casale on 5 May 1944 by George Robert Bull. Quantity: 1 b&w copy negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosive film negative

Date: 2013

From: Fletcher, David, 1952- :Digital cartoons

Reference: DCDL-0024475

Description: The Politician orders all email to be shut down until the source of the leak is found. His aide asks if that was a carrier pigeon that just flew past his window. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Date: 2012

From: Nisbet, Alastair, 1958- :Digital cartoons

By: Press (Christchurch, N.Z.)

Reference: DCDL-0023190

Description: Shows a carrier pigeon representing broadband, and a carrier pigeon wearing an aviation helmet, red spandex pants, and a jet pack on his back, representing ultra-fast broadband. Context: The government has put in place two initiatives to improve broadband services - the Ultra-Fast Broadband Initiative and the Rural Broadband Initiative. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).