A pictorial map of New Zealand after the Second World War

A propaganda map of New Zealand, showing how the industry and agriculture of the country was helping the war effort. Little vignettes mark the cattle, sheep, grain and wood regions, and icons note the various types of mining, with a key on the left. The map is decorated with a coat of arms and a large compass rose. For this post-war edition the text box has been altered to remove references to munitions and defence. It now reads: 'The demands of war caused New Zealand to expand her industries and develop new ones. Their conversion to peaceful purposes and the continued production of vital foodstuffs will be used by New Zealand for two purposes - to maintain her own high standard of living and social security and also to contribute to the well-being of the world at large". A text box reads: 'In War and Peace. When war broke out New Zealand industries were unprepared for munitions production. To-day New Zealand is not only manufacturing many kinds of munitions for her own defence but is making a valuable contribution to the defence of other areas in the Pacfic. When the war is over, New Zealand will convert her new industries for peace-time development.' Leslie MacDonald Gill (1884-1947), younger brother of Eric Gill, specialised in graphic design in the Arts and Crafts style. His most important commission was from the Imperial War Graves Commission, designing the script used on Commission headstones and war memorials, including the 'Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme'. He produced a number of maps, two of which appeared in the British Museum exhibition 'Magnificent Maps in 2010: 'The Wonderground Map of London' (1914) & 'Tea Revives the World' (1940). This was one of a series of wartime maps of the Commonwealth countries, including Australia and Canada.