History of gown here in New Zealand. The blue gown has been in my family for more than 100 years and it was a present to my grandfather William John Brinsden. The gown was a grateful present from a Chinese father. Grandfather was a taxi driver (horse & seats) at the bottom of Queen Street and one afternoon as a Chinese boat entered the harbour a young man fell from the ship. Grandfather jumped into the water and helped the young man toi shore. The young man quickly ran up the road and disappeared. Some months later a Chinese gentleman came to Grandfather's home with a large parcel and indicated that the parcel was a 'thank you' gift from the young man's family. Grandfather was very delighted and when grandfather died my father Sydney Brinsden was equally delighted to care for this very beautiful gown. Before Father died my father entrusted the gown to my care and after these many years I feel "gown" should go home to its own people who will look after it.

It has been a delight and a pleasure to have guardianship of so lovely a piece of handwork, and I know you will see that the gown & hat will find a fitting resting place among those who love it as I have."