OLD HUMAN BONES FOUND AT WHAKATANE
The remains of two skeletons recently unearthed in the backyard of Mr T. McCormick, Victoria Avenue, Whakatane, are believed to be much older than Maori bones and it is considered that they may be the last remains of some early inhabitants of New Zealand. Discovered about two feet down the bones appear to be very old and the remaining undamaged skull appears to be unlike that of a Maor or European. The forehead receeds sharply and gives the impression that the original owner must have had something liker negroid features.
The bones when discovered were mixed together and although most have been identified as human some are still puzzling those who have examined them. It is not known whether they are human, animal or whether they ' belonged to some bird.
According to legends of the district years before the Maori arrived in the Bay of Plenty a black race had already landed in the district and it is possible that these bones may be the final remains of this people. They are certainly very old anyway and begin to crumble when touched.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BPB19500308.2.25
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 7, 8 March 1950, Page 5
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188OLD HUMAN BONES FOUND AT WHAKATANE Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 7, 8 March 1950, Page 5
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