Watch List notes:

New Zealand Exhibition, 1865, Honorary, struck in silver (64.5mm), no maker (M.1865/1). Deep grey toning, virtually as struck, very rare in silver, with remnants of original fitted case.

Ex Status International Sale 239, Sydney, 17-18 May 2007 (lot 9265). The New Zealand Exhibition opened in Dunedin on 13 January 1865. Exhibitors representing Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands displayed a variety of goods. When the exhibition closed on 6th May 1865 some 29,831 visitors had attended the exibition, this being a significant figure given the population of New Zealand at the time of 187,661. A significant commemorative medal, considered to be the first and best of its kind, widely referred to as 'Morel No.1'. This example was said to have been presented to R.L.Holmes F.M.S. He was awarded a silver medal 'for his zealous services as Secretary and Agent for the Canterbury local committee'. With research.