SKELETONS FOUND

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 91, 15 October 1934, Page 10

SKELETONS FOUND

WIIANGAROA CAVERN

REDDISH HAIR ON SKULLS

The interesting discovery of a largo and hitherto unknown cavern, obviously used as a human habitation in past

ages, has been recently made at AVhangaroa, just uutside the harbour entrance, states the AYliangarci correspondent of the "Auckland Star."

The iind was made by two AVhangaroa residents, Messrs. G. Fleming and L. Frcar, who stumbled upon the entrance —an extremely small crevice in a rock wall, hidden behind a large pohutukawa trunk —during their search along the coast for tho body of Mr. Frear's son, who lost his life in a boating fatality in August.

They took careful note of their bearings, and decided to return later and explore the place thoroughly. They took advantage of the fine weather during tho weekend and again visited tho locality, having no difficulty in rediscovering the entrance. From there they advanced through a rapidly enlarging passage into the main cavern, which is described by Mr. Fleming as being as large, or larger, thaa the average country danco hall.

Hero they found the floor covered to some depth with the dust of ages and the remains of past inhabitants.

Mr. Fleming states that it is not a regular burial place, although there are numerous skeletons, both male and female. Some of the latter have reddish, curly hair still adhering to the skulls. The skeletons are in an excellent state of preservation. Mr. Fleming was amazed at tho dimensions of one incomplete skeleton, which he estimates to bo of a male some seven feet tall. This skeleton lies on a ledge above the floor of the cavern.

The cooking and sleeping places are fairly intact, and everywhere are signs of feasting. There- arc- bones of fis.h, birds, and humans mingled with what arc perhaps moa bones. So far Messrs. Fleming and Frear are not anxious to discuss the discovery of any curios, but they mention at least one find —a number of wooden fishhooks with shell-tipped barbs. These are excellently preserved.

Mr. Fleming is a little doubtful as to whether the remains are those of Maoris, on account of the extraordinary colour and texture of the hair found on some of the skulls.