ANCIENT MAORI RELIC

Hokitika Guardian, 29 February 1932, Page 3

ANCIENT MAORI RELIC

FOUND ON MOTUHOA ISLAND. BIDOIS FAMILY’S POSSESSIONS. TAURAXGA, February 25. l-Vlr P. Bidois, of Motuhoa' a small island in Tnuranga Harbour between Matakana Island and Te Puna, came across a very interesting carved stone, which it is believed was used by the old-time Maoris as a sinker for fishing. The stone is about 12in. long and 3in. in diameter and is cylindrical in form. The carving represents human features. Motuhoa is a fertile little island which has been cult.vated hv the Maoris for many generations. Four fortifica/iious, dating hack to the old days of tribal warfare, are still to be seen, ami an ancient pa. now used as a burial ground. Mr Filter Bidois, whose home is on Mbtuhoa, is a son of the late Mi •Charles Bidois, who died last month at the age of 76 years. Mr Louis Bidois, grandfather of the present generation of the family, came out to Akaroa in a whaler early in last century and found his way to Tauranga soon after.

In the possession of the family is allother valuable relic, which was recovered from a To Puna swamp alter lying there perhaps for centuries. Ibis is a carved figurehead 'from a war canoe and is highly prized by the owners, through whose eoiinfcsy if is to he exhibited in Tauranga during "jubilee week" of March.