A Soldier's Thoughts Of New Zealand

Pathetic interest attaches to the following lines written by Private Eugene Charles Nelley in Egypt, on August 26, 1941, for his mother received news recently that he had been reported presumed killed in action during the campaign in Libya last year. He was one of four brothers who enlisted for service overseas. One was killed in action, another is a prisoner of war in Italy, and the remaining brother was recalled home by the Army authorities to manage the farm at Poroti. the father having died since his sons' departure. The poem was received in a letter from her son by Mrs Nelley, of Poroti, shortly before news of his presumed death came to hand.

Back from the noisy firing line, With little to do, but fill in time while awaiting orders, we oft times find our thoughts fly to New Zealand.

For though we enlisted, and left our all In answer to our country’s call, If we live we live, if we fall we fall. Who would not die for New Zealand?

Land of hills and plains and trees, Rivers, lakes and rolling seas. Sunshine and flowers, birds and bees Our homeland - our New Zealand

Land of glaciers and thermal springs, Deep ravines where echo rings, Where all day long the bellbird sings: Land of our birth - New Zealand. We think of you in this far off land. With the scorching sun and shifting sand. Of your winding streams and forest grand: Maoriland - New Zealand.

We will welcome the day when our task is done. When victory is ours, the Allies have won. When the world is rid of the Nazi Hun, And we’re free to return to New Zealand.

With glee we will sing, and shout aloud. When we sight above your misty shroud The snow-capped peaks of the “Long White Cloud:” Ao-te-aroa —New Zealand. 

By E. C. Nelley. Aug. 26th, 1941.

[Northern Advocate, 11 July 1942, Page 4]