"THE LOST TRIBE"

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 June 1927, Page 4

"THE LOST TRIBE"

"STRANGE PEOPLE OF THE MARUIA''

A PROFESSOR'S INQUIRIES

(By Telegraph-Special to "The Mail.")

CHRISTCHURCH. This Dav

While on his botanic expedition to the West. Coast and Nelson, an account of whi.-li In; gave: to members of the Philosophical Institute last evening, Professor A. Wall interested himself in the reputed existence in the Maruia country of a. strange people- known through fixed but unaccountable tradition as "the lost tribe." Professor Wall confessed that in common with many who have investigated reports about these people he ha 1 been unable to locate them or secure anv accurate account of their history. "Much had been said about them, ami what we have beard would lead to* the belief that these people must have been hard cases" remarked the professor. He was told that a good many years ago a certain number of families went to the district and became isolated.. "The theories of the cause of this isolation vary," said the professor. "One is that roads leading to their habitation became blocked, and all communication with the outside world was cut off. Another is that the families did not, bother to break their isolation. Many queer tales are told, and they are net fit for publication. The professor said the subject was one of historical interest and worth investigation. He had obtained the addresses of people who were supposed to be acquainted with the subject and historical students of Canterbury College were going to enquire.