THE NOTOENIS MANTELLI.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10131, 2 September 1898, Page 2

THE NOTOENIS MANTELLI.

[By Thlegraph.J [From Our Special Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, September 1. A matter of much interest to scientists, and, indeed, to the colony generally, engaged the attention, of Parliament to-day. Mr McNab asked whether the Government would introduce legislation to prevent the continuous removal from this colony of rare and valuable specimens of native art or workmanship, or unique objects of scientific interest peculiar to this colony, the result of which removal is to leave the colony unprovided or not adequately provided with specimens. Mr McNab stilted that the matter had been forced on his attention by the recent discovery of that rare bird the notoriiis mantelli (Takahe). No sooner were such discoveries of more than passing interest made than the specimens were secured for other places—the British Museum, the Dresden Museum, or by some wealthy person on a visit lo the colony. It was a question whether the Government should not stop such valuable things being sent out of the country, or, at all events, purchase the more rare and valuable of them. Mr Seddon said he might reply at once that he sympathised very much indeed with the hon. gentleman, and he deplored the loss the colony had in the past suffered by allowing rare and valuable specimens of native art and workmanship to be purchased and taken out of the colony; but there was a very important question involved, viz., as to whether they should prevent the natives from disposing of what belonged to them. (Mr Crowther—"Hear, hear.") If he applied that principle to Europeans, there would be a general outcry, and he would be termed a despot and an autocrat, and he did not know what. " Mr .Monk—"llh.e Government could get the first offer." ' " ":'.' ■; Mr Seddon said he thought Vould be wise for Parliament to give the Government power to purchase, and provide ways and means whereby they could make purchases, leaving the responsibility with the Government to acquire such things as wefe of scientific interest and rare value to tile colony. The necessity for this was brought to his mind during his recent visit to Lord Onflow's place in England, where he saw the Maori whare taken from Tarawera. As years went on the value of such things would be largely increased, and it would no doubt be a good thing to nave them secured in some central place in the colony, where the people for all time might have an opi crtunity of inspecting and admiring them. As to the rare bird referred to by Mr McNab, he would ask the owner to fix a value on it, and give the first offer of it to the Government. He might say he would not agree to an exorbitant price. Mr McNab—Give him a hundred guineas. Mr Seddon—No doubt the owner would prefer to sell the bird to the Government, as no doubt it is the general wish of members I would endeavour to secure it. I hopej therefore, the member in whose district the owner is will get the first offer for the sale of the bird made to the Government.