| Brief Description |
The Wanganui Amazon Carbineers were originally called the Girls and Ladies Khaki Corps. Organised throughout New Zealand during 1900 to support and raise money for New Zealand’s involvement in the South African War, members of the Corps were mostly young women from well-to-do families who dressed in military style uniforms which they had to provide themselves for a cost of 17s 6d. This image was taken on Drews Avenue, outside the site of the old Wanganui Public Museum, now the Savage Club.
The Khaki Corps used a full range of military titles such as Colour-Sergeant. Their lieutenant was a Miss M Simpson who also acted as their secretary and treasurer. They conducted drill practises, physical drill, and manual and bayonet exercises. In 1900 in Whanganui a fund raising carnival was organised by the members of the Wanganui Highland Rifles. Assistance in the running of this carnival came from members of the Ladies Khaki Contingent.
The carnival was held in the last week of September at the Drill Hall. Appearing at the carnival was Signor Borzano from Dunedin and his specular display of “The Birth of the Empire”. He used local performers to dress up in national costumes representing England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Africa, America, India, Australia and New Zealand. They performed dances from each country. Altogether there were about 150 performers.
Forty ladies of the Khaki Contingent gave performances at the carnival of physical drill and sang special patriotic songs. At the end of each evening performance they gave their weird war-cry.
After the carnival the members of the Ladies Khaki Contingent decided to be known as the “Wanganui Amazon Carbineers”. They offered their services to the Band Contest Committee to entertain visiting bandsman at an upcoming big band contest by holding afternoon teas and garden parties.
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