The Auckland Weekly News brought rumblings in Europe about a conflict, but that was over the other side of the world. Still, concerns were on the brow of some as the heart-break from the African War was still on the minds of parents whose young men took part in the conflict. The memories were still there.
Twelve years earlier the first overseas war to involve New Zealand was fought between the British Empire and South Africa, known as the Boer War.
The New Zealand government was ardent in displaying commitment to Britain and offered to send troops even before conflict broke out. Several from the little, quiet valley put their names forward and fought in the campaign.
By the time peace was concluded, two-and-a-half years later, over 6500 men plus 8000 horses had sailed for Africa. Also doctors, nurses and veterinary surgeons.
Seventy-one New Zealanders were killed in action or died of wounds, and a further 159 had perished in some other way.
Midway through 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and his wife Sophie were assassinated in Sarajevo.
The fall-out from this faraway event eventually started World War I.
Once again the New Zealand government was calling for volunteers to fight for King and Country.
Young men from the valley enlisted and signed up, excited about the forthcoming overseas adventure back to the country that their parents had left many years earlier.
All were required to see Dr Lunn in Kaitaia for a medical. When their letter of acceptance was received, the valley arranged their farewell, where dancing continued 'til the sun rose over the high mountain range. Then goodbyes and cries of good luck were said.
Over the following months, one by one, men made their way to the steamer 'Clansman' in Mangonui to be transported to Auckland and train onto Featherston and Trentham Military Camp.
Eventually final leave arrived. Some family members were fortunate enough to wave goodbye to their loved ones in Wellington; others were left at home to reflect on what could lie ahead.
High in the hills overlooking this small valley in the Far North lived a particular family, one of thousands like it around New Zealand.
The father, Herb, had left England as a boy, and mother Lizzie had been born in the little valley.
There was no road, in fact there never was, and no telephone to their home.
The nearest Switzer and Wallace neighbours were half a mile away. Once a week the family received mail and the Auckland Weekly News from Mangonui.
They had a family of eight children. A son died at an early age and was buried on the property. The two older boys, Sid and Walter, were old enough for overseas service, and wasted no time in enlisting.
The younger children, Pearl, Ruby, Mavis and five-year-old Gordon walked over the hills to school. On the way home they called into the Post Office to pick-up any messages.
The flower and vegetable gardens were kept up and fruit trees were laden with fruit. Cows needed to be milked each day, and an eye had to be kept on the sheep. Man of the house, Herb, was away working on the line with Henry Switzer. Life carried on as normal, but hearts were heavy.
All of a sudden there was much activity in the district. Men were heading off to the front, and the little country Post Office became very important, being the only telephone link to the outside world.
Sid served his time in the Home Services and Walter was called for overseas duty after he had celebrated his 18th birthday.
After his arrival in England, letters came describing exciting times: 'Having a wonderful time in Codford Camp. Had four days' leave. Went to London saw Westminister Abbey, St Paul's - visited the Tower of London. By jove it's a grim old place - saw all the weapons, cells and chapels, also the axe and chopping block. By the looks of things it has been used a good many times ... we were received by the King, it was great. We expect to leave for France soon.'
Meanwhile life went on for the family on the hill. Parcels were packaged up and posted to England. They contained Melrose and papers, cakes, biscuits, butter and cocoa. Douglas, the 17-year-old left at home, much to his distaste, was at everyone's beck and call.
Lizzie wrote: 'I will send more tobacco tomorrow. Douglas is on military parade at the valley and will bring it back when he comes home. Douglas is going to Buckinghams' in a few days to help Wilfred milk for a fortnight or until Mrs Ernie comes back home after seeing Ernie off after final leave. Mrs Switzer is going this week to see Claud before he leaves for overseas service. Mrs Wallace was only in time to see Gordon off, as he left a week earlier then expected. Had farewell to Douglas Kitchen.'
Ten-year-old Mavis became a patient in the Mangonui Hospital, after an accident at school.
It was a mammoth task for family to arrange to visit because of commitments at home. There was great excitement for patients and staff at the hospital when Mavis received an embroidered greeting card from Walter in France: 'To my sister, hope it won't be long until I'm home again, by jove then I will tell you some good stories.'
Mavis remained in hospital on and off for months on end and was told that if her leg didn't improve she may have to have it off.
Neighbours and friends made their way to the house on the hill, and the district all supported each other.
Then a telegram came to the valley Post Office bearing sad news. Walter had been wounded at Passchendaele, in France.
It was only by chance that he was found in the mud, alive. It was the mud that stemmed the blood flow, saving his life. Walter was sent back to No.2 NZ General Hospital in Weybridge, England, for treatment. He had shrapnel throughout his body, and eventually his leg was amputated.
Walter received letters and post cards from back home. Mr Wallace wrote: 'We were all sorry to hear that you were wounded. My word you got it old man, but it was for King and Country and freedom, and you did your duty gallantly and well and we are all proud of you and hope it won't be long before you are able to knock round again and come home we will give you a hearty welcome.'
Mavis wrote to her brother: 'If I have my leg off I'll be like you. We'll have one leg each.'
Ella sent a letter to her soldier friend: 'There was a farewell in the valley on Wednesday night for Joe Clark. I was there, but it wasn't up to much of course we can't expect nothing else as there is no one much to dance with. Wait until all you fellows come back the dances will be different but I don't suppose you will be able to dance with your leg taken off.'
After recuperation in England, Walter returned home. He was accorded a rousing reception and welcome home in the hall that held his farewell two years earlier.
The function took the form of a social and dance, with people arriving from Fairburn, Kaitaia and Takahue. It was good to be back home, he said.
School friends and nearest neighbours, brothers Sergeant Leslie Wallace (1916) and Private Gordon Wallace (1918) were killed in France. Claud and Wesley Switzer returned home, but Wesley died at an early age as a result of war injuries.
Six months after Walter's return, Mavis was sent to a private hospital in Auckland to have her leg amputated. She died on the operating table. She was 13-years-old.
World War I claimed the lives of 18,500 New Zealanders and wounded more than 40,000.
In all, 120,000 New Zealanders enlisted, of whom 103,000 served overseas. This included over 2500 Maori and Pacific Islanders. The war was ranked by many as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.
On November 11, 1918, a ceasefire was observed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. During that historic moment, millions around the world fell silent while they reflected upon the war's terrible cost - the cost of life and suffering. It was hoped that the Great War, as it was called, would truly be the war that would end all wars.
