This fine table is so-named for its use in the card game ‘Loo’, which was England's most popular card game in the early 19th century. It was played on a round or oval table and the top was usually hinged to be tilted upright and the table stood against the wall when space was required. This example was brought to Otago by the Cargill family aboard the John Wickliffe in 1847/48. Captain William Cargill was the leader of the 1848 Otago settlement scheme in Dunedin and as such was entitled to the ‘chief cabin’ accommodation for his family on the voyage. The chief cabin area on immigrant vessels was unfurnished allowing the passengers to bring as much of their own furniture with them as possible.