The class basis of 19th-century manners is well illustrated in this cartoon from an 1879 issue of New Zealand Punch. Clara and Amelia, pausing for a rest while out for a walk in the New Zealand countryside, debate whether they should talk to Miss Smith, who is approaching. They decide against it because she is wearing a plain 'stuff' (woollen) dress and therefore cannot be a 'lady'.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference:
H-692-003
Cartoon by Arthur L. Palethorpe
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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