OLD MAORI RELIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23191, 10 November 1938, Page 15

OLD MAORI RELIC

GIFT TO EDINBURGH DISCOVERY 50 YEARS AGO CONTRIBUTION TO ANATOMY Illustrating the strength of the jaw of the old Maori, a valuable bone specimen discovered by Mr. T. Charter, of in a cave at Penrose in 1886 now occupies a prominent place in the anatomical museum at the University of Edinburgh. The jaw-bone, with several teeth attached, was in an excellent state of preservation when found in what was obviously an old native burial ground and, when.it was forwarded to Edinburgh 50 years ago, it was immediately recognised by the authorities as being an important contribution to anatomical study.

Several months ago Mr. Charter wrote to the University of Edinburgh to inquire if the specimen was proving of value and whether it would be put to better use if it were lodged in a New Zealand museum. He has since received advice from Professor J. C. Brash, of the department of anatomy and curator of the anatomical museum .at Edinburgh, assuring him that the Maori jaw was regarded as a most valuable specimen and it had certainly not been put awav in a corner and overlooked.

"We are at present engaged in reorganising the museum and it has been given an honoured place among specimens illustrating the use of the teeth," Professor Brash stated. He also asked if the university authorities could retain the letter written by the late Sir William Turner in 1886 acknowledging Mr. Charter's gift. It was hoped to place the letter with the specimen, to which it would give additional interest. Professor Brash said he had been making a collection of old letters relating to the museum and he would greatly appreciate the opportunity of obtaining Sir William's letter. It was mentioned that Sir William held the chair of anatomy for many years. Later he was knighted and in 1903 he became principal of the university, a post which he held until his death in 1916.

As requested by Professor Brash, Mr. Charter has forwarded the letter which Sir William sent to him and has also agreed that the specimen should remain in Edinburgh. In return he has received a series of photographs of the jawbone.