Dwindling Heritage In Archaeology

Press, Issue 31095, 25 June 1966, Page 22

Dwindling Heritage In Archaeology

The urgent need for more effective legislation to protect New Zealand’s “dwindling heritage of undisturbed archaeological sites” and for an increase in professional archaeological appointments in museum and Government employment, was becoming increasingly apparent, the Director (Dr. R. S. Duff) told the Canterbury Museum Trust Board. Tbe Canterbury Museum had given a lead by appointing Mr M. M. Trotter archaeological field officer —the first such post in New Zealand. Maori archaeological sites were being disturbed at “the most alarming rate in New Zealand’s history,” Dr. Duff said. The causes ■ were curio hunters, Government works

and reading development housing subdivision (particularly at holiday resorts), and routine farming operations. The Ministry of Works had been co-operative in helping archaeological survey and rescue excavations on the Benmore project from 1957 to 1965 and for the Tongariro scheme but the New Zealand Archaeological Association recently urged that it appoint an archaeological officer to co-ordinate these salvage activities. The National Historic Places Trust planned such an appointment.

Dr. Duff said the Maori people abhorred the pillaging of curio hunters, but would consider applications to conduct research by museums and universities.