war, Hardham was discharged from the NZEF but sought a role in the New Zealand Military Forces as a professional soldier. His application was declined on account of his health. Unable to return to his work as a blacksmith because of his poor physical condition, he found employment at The Dominion, a Wellington-based newspaper, and later with the Public Works Department. He was involved in veterans' affairs, being a club manager at the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association and organising Anzac Day parades. Hardham was still involved with rugby administration, serving again on the committee of the Wellington Rugby Football Union from 1921 to 1925. He was eventually made a life member. As a schoolboy, the future rugby commentator Winston McCarthy met Hardham, later describing him as "a very silent, simple man" who gave him a historic book on rugby. Suffering from stomach cancer, Hardham died at his home in the suburb of Ngaio on 13 April 1928, at the age of 51. He received a military funeral, and among the attendees was the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Gordon Coates. Buried at Karori Cemetery in Wellington, Hardham was survived by his wife. The couple had no children. His VC is displayed at the National Army Museum at Waiouru. The Hardham Cup, a competition trophy in Wellington club rugby, is named in his honour and he is also remembered by a plaque in Queen's Garden in Dunedin. Notes References Second Boer War recipients of the Victoria Cross New Zealand recipients of the Victoria Cross New Zealand military personnel of the Second Boer War 1876 births 1928 deaths New Zealand people of English descent People from Wellington City New Zealand rugby union players Deaths from influenza New Zealand military personnel of World War I Burials at Karori Cemetery Wellington rugby union players