Search For Treasure Ends In Maori’s Death

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27488, 23 October 1954, Page 6

Search For Treasure Ends In Maori’s Death

(New Zealand Press Association)

GISBORNE, October 22. The story of an aged Maori’s annual. lone 37-mile trek, on horseback and foot, accompanied by his dog, into the Urewera Country in search of the supposed buried treasure of the prophet Rua. was related at an inquest today in Gisborne. The man was Mana Tapahu. His body, and that of his dog, have not been found. The Coroner (Mr E. L. Walton) returned a finding that Tapahu died about the end of January, 1954, in the Anini bush. ‘ ‘from exposure and probably starvation.” His age was given as "between 70 and 80 years.” Because his body was not found, approval of the AttorneyGeneral, under the provisions of the Coroners Act, had to be obtained before the inquest could be held. Fred Wilson Kemp, of Tahunga station. said Tapahu made periodic journeys to Maungawhatu Pa because he believed that treasure had been hidden there by the Maori prophet Rua. Tapahu saddled his horse for the last time during the last week of January, and with provisions packed on his horse, and his cocker spaniel running beside him, went into the bush. On February 19 Kemp, a shepherd, and Rupert James, of Marewa made a search. Twenty-seven miles along the track they found Tapahu's horse unsaddled. They found tea, meat, and sugar, which had been hid-’ den, apparently, for the return journey. The old Maori had been in the habit of leaving his horse at the clearing and continuing on foot. James told the Coroner that he made a 10-day search of the Anini river area

in April. The missing man did not return to his camp. Constable D. Rowe, of Te Whalti with five experienced men. searched for five days from March 13, without finding the man or his dog. However they found a rough camp about three IP. 1 /®? , so pth of the track on the Te whaiti side of the river. This indicated that Tapahu had left his customary route.

Members of the party considered tha* Tapahu had lost the track, and had neaaed south into a swampy area south of the camp is a vast area of rugged country, intersected by creek? which made a thorough search impossible.