THE GIFT OF “WAITANGI"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21650, 21 May 1932, Page 14

THE GIFT OF “WAITANGI"

TO THE EDITOR Sib, —In reference to Lord and Lady Bledisloe’s gift to the nation of the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed and in reference also to Kawau Island, mentioned by a correspondent in a recent issue, it may interest your readers to know that in the Mansion House, Kawau Island, Sir George Grey’s former home, there is a table that is, reputed to be the original one on which the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. It is now used> as a general writing table for the use of the guests assembled there. Should it be proved to be the original piece of furniture, it seems nothing short of sacrilege that it should now be put to such use and not have been years ago safeguarded and preserved in one of the Dominion’s museums, where it would have provided interest to all those who know enough of the history of New Zealand to value the part it played in it. One can only hope that arrangements will eventually be made .to have it returned to its rightful place in the old British Residency at Waitangi, together with any other pieces of the former furniture which may still be scattered throughout the Dominion and which would go far to preserve the old-time atmosphere of this historic spot.—l am, etc.. Roslyn, May 19. Kawau.