"The Last of the Waikare" Inlaid Jewel Box

A fine native timbers jewel box, by Alexander Leith (b.1880), Dunedin, winner of 1st Award, Court of Education, Home Industries Section, New Zealand & South Seas International Exhibition, Dunedin 1925-26. The front of the box with panel inscribed 'The Last of the Waikare' above an illustrative inlay of the same. The steamer Waikare ran aground in Dusky Sound in 1910, all passengers and crew were landed before she sank the following day. The sides and back similarly inlaid with scenes entitled 'Wet Jacket Arm', 'Facile Harbour' and 'Wrecked Jan 4, 1910'. The hinged lid with a scene of sail and rowboats on the sound. Opening to reveal a plaque inside the lid with inlaid monogram 'BWC' for Betty Watt Leith (nee Cormack), wife of Alexander Clark Leith. Reputedly some of the inlaid timbers came from the wreck. Contents include some authenticating papers, exhibition correspondence, album, exhibitor's card, etc. 33 x 24.5 x 21 cm