THE COHANA SKULL.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16818, 9 June 1926, Page 7

THE COHANA SKULL.

EARLIEST FORM OF MAN. AMERICAN EXPERT'S VIEWS. NOT IMPOSSIBLE BUT IMPROBABLE Received June 9. 12 noon. NEW YORK, June S. Doctor Franz Boas, Professor of Anthropology at the Colombia University, commenting on the Cohana skull said: "Dr. Mackenzie's claims arc not impossible, but while it is likely the type of mammal fauna found in Australia is exceedingly ancient, vet none of the forms to which man is more closely related seems to be there. We should therefore hardly anticipate finding llic carliesl forms of man in Australia. Asia still seems the more likely Held." Doctor William Gregory, curator of comparative and human anatomy in the American Museum id' Natural History, who is particularly familiar with Australian conditions as a result of study there, said primitive characteristics of the skull were not necessary to indicate great age. The depth and the fad that the skull was found in close proximity to lwo modern aboriginal skulls lias no great bearing on the matter. He added: " i note that although it is impossible lo accept the claim of logical antiquity, the Cohana skull has a strong resemblance to the Talgai relic. Australian scientists, including Dr. Mackenzie, arc more than competent, however, to seitle the. question of antiquity. Then; are few countries able lo present so brilliant a group of scientific men as Australia. The evidence, is there, ami they will most certainly find it."