MAORI TREASURES.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 76, 29 March 1924, Page 13

MAORI TREASURES.

LOST TO THE NATION.

MUSEUM AGENT NEEDED. TO SECURE RARE RELICS.

Ancient Maori treasures are hem** found in considerable quantities in North Auckland at the present time, and many of the settlers, as'well as (lie natives themselves, are in possession of some very race specimens of Maori handiwork. Not all those who are fortunate enough to have these articles place any very high value, cither historical or financial, upon them, a circumstance which probably enabled .1

party of Australians recently to make extensive purchases. The fait that some of these old Maori articles are gradually drifting into private collections indicates that the authorities are neglecting a splendid opportunity to acquire the rarities for the nation.

The danger of such treasures being lost for ever to the public was emphasised by a well-known authority on Maori relics during an interview with a "Star" representative. In a tour of the Hokianga district during the past few weeks this expert was somewhat alarmed to find a brisk business being done in historical articles. Among other items "on the market" he saw a splendid private collection worth £3000 or £4000.being offered for £1000, and, as one possessing nearly forty years' experience among the Maoris, he could confidently advise any museum authority to secure the collection. Treasures Should be Bought. "The Auckland Museum authorities are going to miss a great opportunity," he declared, "if they do not appoint a fully-qualified agent to go North and collect a lot of these Maori treasures before they get into private collections." He added that a buyer who knew his business could probably serare an exceedingly valuable selection for a matter of £500. In the hands of several of the Hokianga settlers were letters from the late Mr. Cheeseman beggi: - g the loan of articles, unobtainable elsewhere, so that plaster casts might be made of them for the Auckland Museum. These have recently been purchased by the outsiders mentioned and are probably lost "to the Dominion. Some of these items were greenstone serpents of ancient origin. Quite a number of tikis and meres worth anything from £5 up to £50 had been picked up during the past few years, and some of them were worthy of a place in any museum.

The prospects of further finds in Hokianga district were described as good, it being pointed out that the sites of some very ancient pas had been located there. Search ■ would reveal coffin boxes similar to those recently discovered at Wairnamaku and now deposited by the Maoris in the Auckland Museum, greenstone ornaments of great historical value, and all sorts of other interesting relics. In a Collector's Hands. An examination of a private collection of Maori curios was made by the "Star" representative, the result being to corroborate the view expressed by the expert that many precious finds are in the hands of private individuals. In one corner stood a piece of carving upon one of the ancient canoes used in one | =of Hongi's raids on Gisborne about the year 1821. There was also a grotesquely carved wooden treasure box at least 100 years old. The box was found by a settler when clearing his property. An old stone lamp, used in by-gone days, had come into the collector's possession as a. gift from an old Maori chief, who declared that it had been used by his forbears for many generations. The Collector's Gem. One of the finest items in the collection was a triangular YVhakapapa or ceremonial stone, standing 2ft Gin high and weighing about 50 or COlb. The stone is elaborately carved, and is considered a unique find. Experts who have, seen it are unable to state its exact use in ceremonies, and it is possible the wiseacres will have a discussion over it before long. The stone Vas only recently discovered, and when it was being carried off the Maoris insisted upon it being covered, so that strangers should not gaze upon it. .. A Precious Kumera God. Another of the treasures in the collection' is a beautifully carved Kumera god, standing about 18 inches, and weighing 20 or 301b. This is a facsimile to the one presented 'to the Auckland Museum by Sir George Grey, who got it on Mokoia Island. The features are unusually grotesque, and are finely cut. It is believed to be the work of the artist who carved the one in the Museum. Still another historical object is the beautifully carved taiaha belonging to Tamati Waaka Nene, who lived in Russell, and fought for the British during Heke's war. Gift to Museum. A receptacle for ammunition used by the Pakehas, and no doubt stolen by the Maoris during the war, also held a place in the collection. The contents contained the actual powder and bullets made by the Maoris themselves. So scarce are such examples that the Auckland Museum accepted a gift of two of the cartridges from this catouche box. Close at band was one of the old flintlocks used in the Maori wars. Canoes a Hundred Years Old. On the walls were two model Maori canoes about 100 years old, and a good number of paddles. Ancient stone sinkers ranging from a few ounces up to 10 or 121b also had a place in the collection, as well as some very fine examples of stone and wooden pounders of very ancient origin. Among the spears was one used in the fight at Orakau. \ host of other interesting articles are also in the possession of this collector, many of them having heen secured within the last three years. The raoidity with which the collection has Sown' recently illustrates the point made by the cx P ert that now 1S the time for the authorities to step in and save some of these valuable historical articles.