GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15236, 25 February 1913, Page 9

GIFTS TO THE MUSEUM.

|% SOME VALUABLE "CURIOS.

*"A nt3iher of valuable additions have been ''made to the curios and. to the library of the Auckland Museum during the past two weeks. Mr. Henry Shaw, who is already very well known 'for his donations of early-printed and other rare books, has presented to the library of the Auckland Institute, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. F. Shaw, about 170 volumes, relating .to geographical and natural science. Many of these are tar© and expensive works. \

Some, very interesting- additions .have been made to the collection of Maori curios, which is fast attaining considerable dimensions. Among the latest additions is a superb carved coffin of great antiquity, which is probably one of the finest specimens known. The acquisition also includes a remarkably carved skullbox, evidently intended to hold the skull of a chief of great rank, and to be placed in a burial cave of his tribe. Then there are quite a number of ancient greenstone "nrios in _ the collection, among them a fine manaia, which is probably the rarest of all greenstone ornament*, although fairly common in other stones and wood. A very peculiar type of greenstone pecapeca has also been obtained, which, irt greenstone, is also rare. The collection includes a greenstone fishhook and several remarkably fine ear-pendants, carved from tbe same substance.

Through the kindness of the Rev. p. W. Clarke, of Te Awamutu, Mr. Berry, of Upper Waipa, has presented the figurehead a.nd sternpest of the celebrated warcanoe Te Ataireahia, which was owned by the "first Maori king. Potatou, and was used by him while he was residing at Ncaruawahia lon£ before the Waikato war This canoe is naturally of treat, historical interest, and is a very valuable addition to the mus-eum. A number of smaller .articles, all of very great interest, are; also included in the new collection, which is well worth seeing.