In 20th-century democracies, modern armies and navies could not be created, deployed and reinforced without support (or at least passive acceptance) from the majority of citizens.
That is why The Home Front: North Otago 1914-18 is such a welcome arrival. This profusely illustrated 184-page paperback is a model for other communities to follow.
Oamaru book designer turned historian Graeme Leather follows the war as it was seen and experienced by the people of North Otago. The four sections concentrate on a year apiece. They are subdivided into single-page, double-page or occasionally longer spreads that examine more specific subjects such as farewelling or welcoming the men, fundraising, school patriotism and rising prices.
Through photographs from the North Otago Museum, the Otago Witness and other sources, we can see our ancestors farewelling men at the railway stations, parading in the streets or at the Oamaru Showgrounds, rolling bandages in halls, putting on gymnastics displays, dressing up and, finally, unveiling war memorials at places such as Hakataramea, Maheno and Oamaru.
Most images are well produced (although I think the double spread on pages 2 and 3 was taken later than suggested).
Period advertisements show how manufacturers inserted a topically martial theme into their adverts and how they explained away price increases and shortages.
The text, illuminated by extracts from newspapers of the day, shows how attitudes changed. Early fundraising appeals brought generous responses but, as the war dragged on, the amounts raised sometimes fell short of organisers' expectations.
The local economy also came under strain. By 1916, some commodities would be in short supply. More aspects of life would come under government regulation and the increasing loss of young workers to the army would see the remaining men working longer hours, older men staying on in their jobs or coming back to their old trades and, at harvest time, older schoolboys being released from school for farming duties.
The demands imposed by conscription exacerbated local tensions as men sought exemption from military service. Otepopo undertaker John Stringer got off after claiming his absence would force locals to pay more by going to ''distant'' Oamaru. Many local farmers found their appeals dismissed. The Home Front also shows that everyday events still went on. The staff and families of the Oamaru Woollen Mills found time to have a picnic at Kakanui. Oamaru Borough Council held elections during the war and voted to go ahead with an ambitious electrification scheme.
Gavin McLean is a Wellington historian.
