Mary Wick

Mary Wick surrounded by the vegetables she sold in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund, circa June 1915. One of Auckland's most 'enthusiastic and practical supporters' of war work, her fundraising efforts for Belgium saw her nominated for the Queen Elisabeth Medal in December 1917.

Custom Street,
Auckland
19^th December 1917

Dear Mrs Wick,

Some considerable time ago the Government of Belgium instituted a new Order called the Queen Elizabeth [sic] Order, which was to be given to ladies throughout the world who had distinguished themselves in working for the Belgians. I was asked to submit a few names of those whom I considered worthy of the honour, and yours was among the first that came to my mind. I have therefore sent your name to the consul in Sydney to be transmitted to the Belgian Authorities recommending that you should be awarded this high distinction. Up to the present I have received no reply from Headquarters, but I have a note from the Consul in which he says that you have been specially suggested for this decoration, and that when he hears the result he will communicate with me again. I imagine that there is little doubt that you will be the proud recipient of this honour although the giving of it may be delayed some time owing to the circumstances of the war. Let me, therefore, congratulate you very heartily.

I am sorry to hear from Miss Sharland that you have not been at all well lately. I trust sincerely that with the warm weather your health will be greatly improved.

I am

Yours sincerely,

Alexander Ferguson, Consul for Belgium

Letter from Belgian consul to Mary Wick, Anzac Jack website

Sadly, she did not live to receive this honour, dying on 18 January 1918 at the age of 62.