THE HAHUNGA CAVES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13482, 5 July 1907, Page 6

THE HAHUNGA CAVES.

STR JOHN CAMPBELL'S ACTION

Several matters in connection with tho Hahunga Caves at One-tree, Hill were discussed at a meeting of the One-tree Hill Domain Board on Wednesday. Sir John Logan Campbell wrote, thanking the Board for granting him permission to obtain a report, by an expert. He had received a report from Mr. C. Arnold, which ho enclosed to the. Board. Mr. Arnold's communication was to the effect that ho had I made a preliminary inspection of the cm* with Mr. C. Bagle-y.. The interior consisted of a chamber extending ?.6ft north-west, anil 15ft south, the section being roughly tattleshaped. Tho steam in escaping from the. plastic lava appears to have formed two rough floors. Mr. Arnold's report continued: "'ln conversation with you, I gathered that. you are under the impression that there is a cave of large dimensions, which will be a great show place and attraction to the Domain, whereas the fact is a chamber not more than 15ft high and. in places only 7ft exists, ft certainly is divided vertically into three storeys, and possesses interest as a Maori sepulchre. It is an example of what may exist, in plastic lava, and perhaps excavation may reveal something." » The following resolution wns moved on behalf of Sir John Logan Campbell, and passed by th>« Board:" That the Auckland Institute be requested to take- into its safe custody, for exhibition, the Maori relics now being- found at Maungakiekio (Onetree Hill), on the understanding that the Board bo entitled to obtain repossession hereafter, as a more appropriate repository may be found on Maungakiekie itself." The curator of the Auckland Museum (Mr. T. Y. Choeseman) wrote, stating that, with Professor Thomas, he would shortly visit, the caves, and report on them. It was decided to ask these gentlemen to confer with Sir John Logan Campbell as to the best wav of rendering the interior of the caves available for the public. The Works Committee of the Domain Board was instructed to repair and protect the mouth of the caves.