The Hawera Brewery Company began producing its range of V.C. Stout and Ale to commemorate Hawera's two Victoria Cross recipients, John Gildroy Grant and Henry John Laurent. The ale and stout were marketed heavily in local newspapers, particularly the Hawera and Normanby Star, and suggested that the beverages would be a restorative tonic for those suffering the effects of influenza! In 1921 the use of the Victoria Cross lettering and image was brought to the attention of Parliament and Prime Minister William Massey by Mr. McCombs from Lyttleton, who felt that the brewery's use of the military term was similar to using Anzac in advertising, which was illegal. Unfortunately for Mr. McComb, and fortunately for the Hawera Brewery Company, Prime Minister Massey decided to not pursue the matter, allowing the use of 'V.C' to continue.