New Zealand Maid: Esther James and Her Campaigning New Zealand and Australian Walks During the Great Depression

New Zealand Maid tells the story of Esther James’s unprecedented walk the length of New Zealand in 1931-2, wearing only New Zealand-made clothes and eating only New Zealand-produced food, to promote local products during the Great Depression; and from Melbourne to Brisbane in 1932-3 to publicise New Zealand tourist attractions.

Every stage of her progress in New Zealand was followed by newspapers and fledgling radio stations, and devoured by the public. Bands played her into cities and towns, which feted her with official welcomes, civic receptions, dances and socials. Reporters bombarded her with questions. Autograph hunters thrust pens and paper at her. Poets waxed lyrical about her. She fast became a celebrity.

It was part distraction, part inspiration, and part symbol of people’s aspiring progress out of the economic and social gloom. As well as being of general interest, it will appeal to local readers, with detailed coverage of her time in Auckland before and during her walk.