Passing Maori Memories

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7105, 14 March 1933, Page 6

Passing Maori Memories

ETHICS OF COLLECTORS [Recorded by “ J.H.S.” for the Times. ] Yet another of those delightful old stories by Dr Iloeken confirms the mutual distrust that every ardent collector has for his fellow collector. My friend Hamilton, of the Dominion Museum, Wellington was not the least of three enthusiastic collectors of Maori art, though one must admit that his objective, the National Museum, was more that of an altruist than Dr Blank or myself. Hamilton and I were life-long friends, each becoming a member of the other’s home circle when exchanging visits hetweon Wellington and Dunedin. During a week’s stay with Hamilton, ho told me that he had seen a splendid little collection owned by Mrs Carlyon of Napier which he hoped some day to acquire by gift or purchase for the museum. A few months later I decided that my health required me to make a short visit to Napier. I stayed a night with Hamilton en route, to whom I explained that a winter visit to Napier’s genial clime was the very thing a Southerner required. Of course I soon found and paid a casual visit to Mrs Carlyon’s home. The collection was duly admired and a plea for its purchase submitted. The owner firmly declined every offer, and on being reasoned with said she had promised it to a Mr Hamilton. Claiming my friendship, I said ho would be delighted if I got it—then she reluctantly produced a telegram "Hocken, en route Napier. Remember your promise to me, Hamilton.” Both being collectors, each fully understood the other.