Mystery Of Skeletons Found Near Raglan

Chronicle (Levin), 6 February 1948, Page 4

Mystery Of Skeletons Found Near Raglan

Press Association J

(Per

WELLINGTON, Feb. 5. There was no thing in the di.scovery as far as he could gather, inconsistent witli an old Alaori burial ground of pakeha times, said the Director of the Domiuiou Museum, Dr. R.. A. Falla, today, wlien commenting on a. published report of skeletons found near Raglan. f>v. Falla said iMv. V, Fisher, Auckland Museum ethnotogist, was now on his way to Raglan and following his visit more information would probabiy be available. However, it was essential that the skeletons be carefully" examinetl by experts as it was a common fault for untrained * persons to overestimate their size (a previous report said the skeletons were of unusual length). Dr.. Falla -said he dicl not think the skeletons were those of nonMaoris. The suggestion _ of light coloured h.air was not convincing evidence that Furopeans had bCen buried on the site. The darkest Polynesian hair when exposed . to soil or atmosphere under certain coiuli tions,. became reddish or tawny in coiour. Giay pipes and Other artieles found in the rudeiy made coffiiis, all indieated Maori burlals after Furopean settlement began, possiblv in the twenties or thirties of last century. Such artieles were buried with the dead until even a later period, It was well known that a ship had been wrecked in the neiglibourhood and the story was revived periodically but nQ scientilic examination of the wreek had been made, . ^