Story: Alcohol

Soldier with a pipe, book and drink (3rd of 4)

Soldier with a pipe, book and drink

This drawing by an officer who served in the New Zealand wars shows a soldier in south Taranaki or Whanganui relaxing in his hut. He is enjoying a pipe and a book, and on the table in front of him is a bottle of alcohol, probably beer. Alcohol was important as a lubricant for social gatherings in colonial society, and some who relaxed alone also partook.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: A-277-030

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'Alcohol - Colonial drinking, 1800–1880', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/40664/soldier-with-a-pipe-book-and-drink (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips, published 5 Sep 2013, updated 1 Apr 2016