A VALUABLE FIND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 415, 14 May 1902, Page 3

A VALUABLE FIND.

ANCIENT CARVING DISCOVERED

IN A CAVE,

.TO BE ADDED TO AUCKLAND MUSEUM.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. A week or two ago a valuable find of ancient carving was made in a cave in the Hokianga district. This cave had been used in the old times as a place of sepulchre. The find includes ancient coffins made of totara wood, but fashioned and carved as the Maoris have not been accustomed to carve for at all events a century past. When the Maoris in the neighborhood became acquainted with the discovery they put in a claim for the possession. They have, however, no right to the relics, as they are not even descendants of men who executed these carvings, The tribe who formerly 00-i • pied the district are now all swept away. The articles are now. in the custody of Mr Menzies, who represents the Lands Departriient. Immediately on hearing of the find, Mr Cheeseman, Curator of the Auckland Museum, wired to Sir Joseph Ward asking that these antiquities should be handed over to the Auckland Museum. Sir J. Ward replied that he recognised Auckland's superior claim, and that he had given directions that the articles should be handed over to the Curator of the Museum.