HERR REISCHEK AND THE MAORIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9185, 27 April 1893, Page 5

HERR REISCHEK AND THE MAORIS.

Most of our readers will no doubt remember the Austrian naturalist and enthusiastic ornithologist Herr Reischek, who spent some years in Now Zealand in pursuit of his all-absorbing studies of birds and birdlife, and in making a beautiful collection of native birds. In his travels throughout the length and breadth of the colony,he received valuable aid from natives in accomplishing the object of hit searches, and was often the recipient of their hospitality. He has not forgotten these kindnesses, as the following letter received by Whitiora (a chief of some rank, and a relative of Tawhiao's), of Lower Waikato, by the last English mail, will prove— Linz, January 31st, 18*3. To the Chief Whitiora,—Kind regards to you from afar. I am over the great water, and at last after many storms, accompanied by your good wishes, in my own Vaterland, by my trip from which I have been away nearly thirteen years. I was kindly received on my return, and several honours conferred on me. It is a long way that we are apart, but I have not forgotten and never will forget my kind friends in New Zealand. .Next May an Austrian man-of-war will be in Auckland. 00 this vessel is a friend of mine, Sir Dr. Turinz, from the Imperial Museum in Vienna. I have sent by him a few boxes for my Maori friends, which he will give to them. One is for you as a memento from me. The vessel stays only a few days in New Zealand, and then returns to Austria. I am looking forward to hearing from my Maori friends, and trust they are well and happy. I often think of your" beautiful islands, and would like to see them again. I am now married, and have tine healthy boy, who, I hope will see New Zealand some day. I am manager of the Museum in Linz, the capital city in Upper Austria, where I was born. With my best wishes and very kindest regards from myself and family to Chief Whitiora and all Maori friends. —A. Rkiscukk, Naturalist.