Souvenir goblet

This glass goblet was sold as a souvenir at the New Zealand International Exhibition held in Christchurch, 1906-07.

Souvenirs provided visitors with mementoes to take home. International exhibitions were a highlight in people's lives, and many would go more than once. Some souvenirs were made for practical use such as tableware, and were inscribed with the buyer's name, the date they went to the exhibition, or were inscribed as gifts for family members and friends. This goblet is inscribed with the initials 'L.L.'

Premier Richard John Seddon was the prime mover behind the Christchurch exhibition in 1906-07. The kaupapa of the exhibition was to demonstrate that New Zealand was a great country. Tourism was encouraged via a large fernery, a miniature ‘geyserland’, walls displaying mounted stuffed game, photographs and paintings of New Zealand. A Māori pā was constructed which featured Māori wearing customary dress. There was also an amusement park, an art gallery, and a concert chamber.

The government was represented by 13 departments, and the exhibition showed New Zealand’s progress with displays of wheat, corn, and kauri gum. Almost two million people visited the exhibition during its six months – this was twice the national population at the time.