These boots may have been made as a sample as they are a very small size and do not appear to have been worn. They come from the New Zealand International Exhibition held at Hagley Park, Christchurch from November 1906 to April 1907. This exhibition was the brainchild of the New Zealand Prime Minister, Richard Seddon who died before the exhibition opened. Nearly 2 million people visited the exhibition at a time when the population of New Zealand was less than one million. The exhibition was thus rated a success even though there was a financial loss. No information has been found on the bootmakers, H. Perry & Co. In the 19th and early 20th centuries boots were an essential item for women who often had to walk through unmade streets and muddy paddocks. This item is of interest as it is a memento of an important New Zealand Exhibition early in the 20th century. This is a pair of a lady’s light brown leather boots. The boots have long leather tongues with 16 eyelets either side to lace up the front instep. The laces are missing. The wooden heels are slightly raised. H. Perry & Co. New Zealand International Exhibition Christchurch 1906-7 vintage footwear, christchurch new zealand exhibition, 1906-7