SKELETON OF MAORI WOMAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 30 May 1938, Page 6

SKELETON OF MAORI WOMAN

FOUND NEAR SCENE OK WAIRAU MASSACRE POSSIBLY THAT OF PRINCESS TE RONGA lUnited Press Association! BLENHEIM. 26th May A discovery which appears to be of historical importance was made near the scene of tne Wairau Massacre, at Tuamarina yesterday afternoon when Main Highways Board workmen engaged in widening a corner below Massacre Mill unearthed the skeleton of a Maori woman, believed to be that of Princess Te Ronga, whose death precipitated the massacre. It is considered that the skeleton is between 90 and 100 years old and the skull bears a buffet hole which gives rise to the theory that the remains are those of Princess Te Ronga. daughter of Te Rauparaha and wife of Te Rangihaetea. Te Rauparaha's lieutenant. According to the history of the massacre. Te Ronga was killed by a chance buffet fired by one of the white party, and in the ensuing fight and massacre 22 Europeans lost their lives. This morning the remains were examined by Dr. W. E. Redman and Mr W. J. Elvy. both students of Maori history. Dr. Redman positively identified the skeleton as that of a female between 25 and 30 years of age. Around the neck was a greenstone tiki pendant of unusual design, a crude representation of a head. Significantly enough, an ancient buffet found at Tuamarina some years ago. which was produced this morning, fitted the buffet hole in the skull. Appearances indicate that the burial was carried out hurriedly. The skeleton was found about two feet below the surface, lying on its left side and facing east. It was trussed in the usual way, with the knees and hands drawn up toward the chin.