Story: Women’s networks and clubs

Calling card and case

Calling card and case

This mother-of-pearl card case and unusual wooden-veneer calling card belonged to Mrs George Hendry of Port Chalmers. The ritual of formal calls was common amongst the upper class in 19th-century New Zealand. A first-time visitor would be received at the door by a servant and would present her card. This would be taken to the lady of the house who, after examining it, would come to meet the visitor in person. If she was not in, she would later send her card to the visitor as a sign that she wished to meet. If she returned the visitor's card by post it was a sign that she did not want to extend her acquaintance.

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: PC000569/1 (top); PC000569/2 (bottom)

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Women’s networks and clubs - Social and friendship networks', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/30995/calling-card-and-case (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 15 Jul 2018