THE MOA EXTINCT?

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 143, 20 June 1939, Page 8

THE MOA EXTINCT?

MYSTERIOUS FOOTPRINTS IMPRESSIONS IN SNOW DISCOVERY AT HEADWATERS OF RANGITIKEI (Own Correspondent). TAIHAPE, June 19. Strange footprints in the snow in the Taoroa district, near Makai, about 20 miles from Taihape, were discovered by Mr. J. Missen and a friend while out shooting near the boundary between the Fullerton-Smith and Hopkins estates. The footprints were found on and near the road in several inches of

snow and completely mystified Mr. Missen, who has hunted in the district for 20 years. The marks were over a foot Jong, with a toe about three inches long projecting on one side from the base. Another toe, about five or six inches long, projected from the same side, the two toes being about three inches apart. Though many footprints were seen only a few were clear as the snow was melting at the time of the discovery.

The possibilities of the tracks being made by any known animal in the district were discussed and eliminated. Those who had not seen the spoor suggested deer, but study of the marks eliminated that idea. It was considered that if the marks were made by any known animal, that animal must have been possessed of an extraordinary abnormality.

The Mokai district is at the headwaters of the Rangitikei River. Much of it is extremely precipitous country that has sever been thoroughly explored.