A 19th century travelling medicine chest. Mahogany with hinged lid, revealing various sized bottles containing drugs, powders and accessories. Once the property of Scot George McRae, who emigrated to Canada, returned to Scotland and then through Wakefield’s ‘New Zealand Company’ in the second wave of immigrant ships to New Zealand, landed at Nelson in 1842 on the Mary Ann. Reputedly McRae acted as ship’s doctor during the voyage. On one of the Mary Ann’s companion ships, medical care was so poor that 65 children died on the voyage. McRae went on to farm at Blairick Station in the Awatere Valley, Marlborough. His daughter Marjory (May) married Alexander Mowat of nearby Altimarlock Station and the set passed to them by direct descent to the current owner and vendor. Further genealogical and historical details are available. 29 cm x 16.5 cm x 14 cm