IMPORTANT DISCOVERY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23511, 27 May 1938, Page 6

IMPORTANT DISCOVERY

SKELETON OF MAORI WOMAN BELIEVED TO BE PRINCESS TE RONGA WAIRAU MASSACRE RECALLED (Per United Press Association) BLENHEIM, May 28. A discovery which appears to be of historical importance was made near the scene of the Wairau massacre at Tuamarin yesterday afternoon when Main Highways Board workmen engaged in widening a corner below Massacre Hill unearthed the skeleton of a Maori woman believed to be that of the native princess, Te Eonga, whose death precipitated the massacre. It is considered that the skeleton is between 90 and 100 years old and the skull bears a bullet hole which gives the theory that the remains are those of Te Eonga, a daughter of Te Eauparaha and the wife of Te Eangihaetea, Te Eauparaha’s lieutenant.

According to the history of tjic massacre Te Eonga was killed by a chance bullet fired by one of a white party, and in the ensuing fight and massacre 22 Europeans lost their lives.

This morning the remains were examined by Dr W. E. Redman and Dr W. J. Elvy, both students of Maori history. Dr Redman positively identified the skeletop as that of a female between 25 and 30 years of age. Around the neck was a greenstone tiki pendant of unusual design, comprising a crude representation of a head. A bullet found at Tuamanna some years ago, wTiich was produced this morning, fitted the bullet hole in the skull. The appearance* indicate that the burial was carried out hurriedly. The skeleton was found about two feet below the surface, lying on its left side facing the east. It was trussed in the usual way with the knees and hands drawn up towards the chin.