THE SAURIAN MONSTER.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 257, 1 November 1887, Page 5

THE SAURIAN MONSTER.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ANIMAL CAJfTUBEt) AT RAGLAN.

HOW IT WAS KILLED.

(BY TEI.r.GRArH— OWS CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day. Two photographers passed through Hamilton from Cambridge yesterday afternoon, en route for Pwaglan, with a view to taking photos of the so-called " Saurian Monster. , - It appears that a native, whilst fishing in his canoe just off the South Spit of the Raglan Harbour on Friday, observed, on looking towards the shore, a large animal, apparently slumbering on the beach. He immediately gai-e thealarm,,and the natives assembled in numbers on the beach with guns. The monster, on being approached, opened its mouth grunting, barking and snapping its ugly jawe. Rawini fired at its head and hit him, the bullet taking no effect Another native then tired and wounded him it) the side. Upon approachit, the animal put its arms, wmge or Dappers in* front of its head as a mode of defence, but being severely wounded could oiler no resistance. A rope was then fastened round its neck. About a dozen Maoris took'it in tow to the Raglan Wharf,, .on to which it was landed by means of a crane. After being killed it was found to be 11 feet in length, and six feet in circumference. It >as two large arms or flappers, Its tail consisted of two large propellers opening out like the web-foot of a duck. It was covered with a'fine fur, and had no ears, bub openings in its skin. It had 16 teeth in each jaw, four of them being- ; like tusks. Ihe head has been preserved. It is supposed to be a sea elephant. The skin is also preserved. It weighs between 6 and 7 ewfe.