PA2010_177.jpg Vase. Collection of Puke Ariki (PA2010.177).

This elegant vase stands as a lasting reminder of the role of volunteers in combating the devastating 1918 Influenza pandemic. The pandemic, which killed almost 8,600 New Zealanders in a matter of months, caused widespread grief and disruption at a time when the country was also dealing with the effects of World War One. It stretched health services and especially in smaller towns it was volunteers who assumed many duties, including serving on health committees, nursing the ill or transporting food and medicine to those in need.

This silver vase was presented to James and Muriel Groom “… in appreciation of their sterling qualities during their many years residence in Rahotu & as a momento of the valuable services rendered by them to the community during the epidemic of 1918.” The vase was later gifted to the Groom’s niece Winifred Derby who used it regularly to display flowers. It was later passed on to her daughter Margaret before it was gifted to Puke Ariki. Further research is needed to discover just what the Grooms did during the outbreak but they obviously earned the gratitude of the local district. 

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