Christmas Picnic

Wellington 1908

The caption on the back of the photo reads ‘Xmas Picnic 1908, Wellington’. This group of eight adults (including the photographer) and child have not been identified.

The group are sitting on the verandah of a fashionable Edwardian house having just finished their Christmas meal. Through the window behind the blind appears to be the outline of a hill.

‘A Happy Christmas’ decoration has been hung over the window.

The plum pudding has been fairly well eaten and the custard jug stands next to it. A box of cigars has been placed on the table next to the pudding and two of the men are smoking. There is a bottle of wine, spirits and a crystal decanter at the far end of the table.

The Evening Post reported on 26th December 1908 that the temperature in Wellington on Christmas Day was 61F (16C) maximum and 48F (8C) minimum. The wind had an average velocity of 12 miles per hour. The sun rose at 4:16am and set at 7:26pm.

If you recognise anyone in the photo, or the house, please get in touch so that we can have the caption updated by the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Christmas picnic, Wellington. Making New Zealand :Negatives and prints from the Making New Zealand Centennial collection. Ref: MNZ-0344-1/4-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22887784