Plea For Treasures

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31725, 8 July 1968, Page 20

Plea For Treasures

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 7. The Minister of Maori Affairs (Mr Hanan) today launched an appeal for the return of traditional Maori treasures to their Maori owners or to places of safe-keeping, such as museums. “1 shudder when 1 read or hear about the number of traditional pieces—especially

greenstone being sold through our auction houses today,” he said at the opening of the new Maori court of the Wanganui Museum. “I appeal to members of the public, and particularly to the descendants of the pioneers, to return traditional Maori treasures,” said Mr Hanan. The sale of Maori treasures was naturally the concern of the owners, he said. “But if 1 can disturb the consciences of some of the present owners —and especially of the descendants of the early pioneers—then I will be happy.” Mr Hanan said he hoped that rather than sell the treasures, the present owners would record their history and return them to a recognised Maori family, tribal leaders, tribal trust board, museum, or to some other accepted place of guardianship, such as the meeting house at Ngaruawahia. Referring to the return of a historic tiki to Queen Te Ata and the people of the Waikato and King Country by the American Ambassador on behalf of an American admiral, he said: “This was a great thing—and the Maori people and nation were thrilled to hear about it.” It was Macri custom that special occasions or the paying of respect to important visitors were marked by the giving of tribal or family heirlooms.

“They were usually given to a person who became the guardian of that treasure. It was his duty to guard, treasure and respect the gifts—and at an appropriate time to ensure that they were passed on to a member of the family of the original giver.” Mr Hanan also referred to derelict Maori meeting houses.

“I would strongly suggest that these houses be dis-

mantled and the carvings stored in a safe place until the day when a new house is wanted,” he said. “Throughout New Zealand, and particularly up the Wanganui River, are old carved meeting houses which are empty.” He was worried about vandalism at the isolated meeting houses. “I do hope that steps will be taken to safeguard them,” he said.