Extracts from the Catalogue of the Auckland Museum,

Observer, Volume XXVII, Issue 40, 22 June 1907, Page 18

Extracts from the Catalogue of the Auckland Museum,

(A.D. 2007).

(By Our Calathumpian Cataloguing vist),

EXHIBIT No. 47— Tooth fromg, belonged to William Richard- <| upper jaw, supposed to have son. Jb'rom appearances, it is evident that this tooth has been forced . out of the jaw by some concussion. Authorities are divided in opinion as- to whether this was caused . through the explosive nature of the owner's language, or whether it was through a collision with the fist of James Began, the well-known Sheakespearian author oi the 20th century. No. 53 — Remnants of capital i key of typewriter, 'hich originally belonged to P. A. Vaile, the 20tn century Sophocles. Visitors desirous of seeing this exhibit may procure microscopes on application to the door-keeptr. Visitors are requested not to breathe too hard in the vicinity of this exhibit, as, through strenuous wear, the remains are of an ethereal nature. People who have been eating onions are warned to keep at a sate distance. No. 57 A — Mshing line and hook, believed to have belonged to S. JD. Hanna, J.P. Visitors should inspect this exhibit in connection with tne next. No. 57B — Autobiography of S. D. Hanna, J.P^, containing over 150 new and highly .original lish stories, profusely illustrated by Father Patterson. This is the only known copy of this work now in existence, as tne entire edition was suppressed by the Government almost as soon as it appeared. This is a pity, as quite four of the" stories were vouched as correct by Charles Bailey, a rival fisherman. If allowance is made for professional jealousy, it may be assumed that quite 6 out of the 150 fish stories are fairly true. No. 57 C— Commentary on "The Autobiography of S. D. Hanna, J.P." This commentary, although anonymous, is understood to be the work of George Main, the 20th century critic. The style of the work is full of vigour, and some of the expressions are very forcible, and show great powers of censorship. According to the " best authorities, Hanne himself was ao overpowered by the warm terms used in this critique that he fell on Main's neck and caressed him with all the enthusiasm which he could infuse into half a brick. This was, in most cases, the 20th century method of showing endearment. No. 73 — Pair of boots, once the property of Arthur Rosser, the great philanthropist. Observe the damaged condition of the soles, denoting the strenuous nature of the life led by the owner. Rosser is believed to have been a member of the Brotherhood of Walking Delegates, and the condition of his boots would seem to bear out this theory. Smelling salts may be obtained on application to the 'door-keeper. In one fallon jars only, smaller quantities eing of no benefit whatsoever. No. 82rr-Halfpenny given to a blind organ-grinder by J. H. Hannan during a fit of absent-minded-ness. This exhibit is, the- only one of its kind in the world, and is consequently of very great value. It is recorded that the organ-grinder was so overcome at receiving this stupendous sum from such a source that he dropped dead. This is only one of the many benefits which Hannan conferred upon humanity. No. 91 — Pen, supposed to have belonged to Paul Hansen, the premier man of letters of the 20th century. Note the damaged condition^ of the nib. Authorities . unanimously agree that the well-known book, "Letters of Paul. Hansen to Henry . W. Wilson," is one of the master-.

f pieces of New Zealand 20th century literature. Authorities also unanimously agree that Henry W. Wilson appeared to be singularly unappreciative of the value of these letters. No. 95 — Broken broomstick, excavated from the ruins of a jeweller's shop in Symonds-street after the great cyclone which took place, according to antiquarians, in or about May, J. 907. Tiiis cyclone was very destructive, as can be seen from the appearance of the broomstick. No. 104 — Wax match, said to have been borrowed from Frank Lawry, the great match-collector, by Pierce Lanigan. There is some doubt as to wnether this is correct. Lawry, in the course of the 20th century, attained considerable fame as a match-collector, his collection being perfect of its kind. It is hardly probable, "therefore, that he would mar its perfection by giving away any of his specimens. Match-col-lecting was raised to the level of high art in the 20th century, and it is agreed that Lawry stood unequalled as a collector, although F. H. Templar also achieved considerable success in this line. No. 105 — This is an extremely interesting group of exhibits, each item of which is said to have once been in the possession of W. J. Napier, the lawyer-warrior-author-critic - traveller - general - authority-upon-everything. The first item is the sword which was used by Napier in his capacity of Commander-in-Ohief of Devonport. This, it must be noted, is a sword and not a saw. The notched condition of the edge was probably caused through the General's retainers using their chief's sword to open jam tins with. Item No. 2 is an assortment of bell-top-pers worn by the General during a visit to London, including the one whic was sat upon at a banquet by the Duke of Devonshire. Item No. 3 is Napier's charming love story entitled " Ferro - Concrete," or ''Wooed, Won and Wasted." This is not only a love story, but it was also a labour of love, the talented author having steadfastly refused to receive any emolument for his work. No. 115— -Artificial pair of calves. Ownership unknown, competent authorities not being able to decide whether, they belonged to George George or John Payne. Such things, however, having been much in use among the aristocracy of the 20th century: it is almost certain that they belonged to John Payne. No. 122— -Waistcoat originally in the possession of John Fuller. Note the ample circumference, which seems to denote that thef e were giants in those days. Note also the rich variety of colour, fr<sm which it may be deduced that Fuller was of a cheerful disposition, from which it may further be deduced that business was brisk. ~ No; 130— Only existing copy of a . book of travel, written by the intrepid explorer, Lieut. Col. Holgate, and entitled : "Through Darkest Freeman's Bay." This is an interesting record of the gallant officer's daring journey from Parnell to Three Lamps by way of the practically unknown district of Freeman's Bay. No. 137— Copy of the " New Zealand Herald," containing Sholto Douglas's famous leader denouncing the action of the newspapers in publishing disgusting details of "the Thaw trial. lj • No. 138— Copy of the "Hqrald" Supplement, containing a full report of the Thaw trial. Visitors are requested not to grin. ,-. v . -