With the Premier's Compliments (1899)

With the Premier's Compliments (1899)

The outbreak of the Boer War in South Africa dominated political proceedings in 1899. Premier Richard Seddon was eager to display New Zealand's commitment to the British Empire and offered to send troops even before the conflict broke out.

Many New Zealand men volunteered to serve as troops and those accepted were despatched to Wellington where a training camp was established in Karori. By the time of its departure the contingent comprised 204 men, led by Major Alf Robin. By the time of peace, two and a half years later, 6500 New Zealand men (and 8000 horses) had sailed for South Africa.

The photos on this Christmas card show New Zealand troops preparing in Karori before departing to Africa.