Riddle Of Paved Water Pit In Pelorus Sound

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27874, 24 January 1956, Page 14

Riddle Of Paved Water Pit In Pelorus Sound

"The Press” Special Service

WELLINGTON, January 23. A paved water pit that suggests early habitation by people other than Maoris has recently been discovered near the entrance to Pelorus Sound and has given rise to some speculation as to its origin. At the western entrance to Pelorus Sound is Harding Point, better known to settlers in the Sounds as Clay Point. It is* a peninsula with a flat top and sheer cliffs above the sea. There are no beaches at the base of the cliffs. At one time Harding Point was a Maori pa and some years ago a terrace on the cliff face, a few feet above sea level, was discovered. It was thought that this may once have been part of a trench system used by the Maoris as a means of communication with the pa. The area is now part of the sheep station owned by Mr J. Shand, of Port Li gar. Recently Mr L. MeManaway, of Okaramio. was mustering on Mr Shand’s station when he had to rescue a sheep that had become trapped on a precarious part of the cliff. It was while doing so that he discovered the disused water pit.

The water pit is completely lined with flat stones, and can hold hundreds of gallons of water. Mr Mfr Manaway is certain that it is not o! Maori origin, as the Maoris did hot have the tools for such a job. and it was not their custom to line their pits. Also, there are no Maori tools, pipi shells. and other tell-tale evidence that is usually expected near old Maori habitations.

It is thought that the pit could have been made by Spaniards, as the pavinr appears to conform to their style. / large cave going in from the sea inti the side of the cliff has not so far beer fully penetrated, and the suggestion has been put forward that it may ala be harbouring secrets that have » I bearing on the origin of the pit. ) Two known attempts have beet made to penetrate the cave and find out how far in it goes, and where i! leads to. The first was about 40 yean ago. when the master of a ship into it in a boat, and there has been a more recent attempt But it both cases these explorers have bee driven out after only a short distance.