A FIGUREHEAD OF A LARGE VESSEL FOUND ON THIS BEACH AT PAIKAKARIKI.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 78, 25 May 1880, Page 2

A FIGUREHEAD OF A LARGE VESSEL FOUND ON THIS BEACH AT PAIKAKARIKI.

We aro informed that on Friday last, two boys picked up on the heach at Paikakariki a large figurehead, quite perfect, with the exception of the loss of the right arm. The figure is ahout sft Gin high.and on the hend is carved what appears to be a turban with several folds round the head, and terminating 1 in a fall down the back. The figure holds in its left hand, above the hip, a perfect representation in wood of some sea animal — like a seal. The upper part of the figure is painted white, the lower part of a dark color, and on the left arm are painted in red two bands. Mr Pugsley, the well-known coach driver, who has kindly supplied the above information, states that the figurehead has only a few barnacles on it, and has the appearance of having been painted recently, the paint still adhering to the wood. These facts lead to the inference that the figurehead has not long been in the water. This idea is strengthened by the appearance of the wood where the arm is broken off, which looks quitu new. The figurehead has evidently belonged to a vessel of large tonnage, probably nn Eastern trader, judging from its appearance. As no other wreckage has been found, it is possible that the figurehead may have been improperly secured, and washed adrift durihg the recent heavy weather. Slill, the discovery may throw light on tho fate of some missing vessel, and we nave therefore published tho fullest particulars obtainable.