The Maori Image.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 98, 3 April 1883, Page 2

The Maori Image.

I. Considerable excitement existed at ' Ohinemutu on Friday, the 16th of March, amongst the natives on the arrival from Mokoia of the ancient stone" image, Matuatonga. They say that this stone was brought from Hawaiki,.ir» the; :Arawa canoe, some three generations ago, and was buried on the island of Mokoia, where it has since lain concealed as a presiding deity and 'a protector of their kumam. During all? this time's/no man has ever had the : privilege of seeing it'«eceijfc Sir George : Grey, on his first visit here, and sub* ; sequently'Mv Robert Graham, who has ~ now become the fortunate possessor of the ancient relic, the Arawas having made a Jormal presentation pi It to him. The appearance of the stone is . disappointing, it being nothing but a ... huge sand-stone boulder, about a half>ton .weight, with im perfect traces of arms and legs/ much weathor-worn . It is now safe under lock and: key in s Lake House Garden, The proprietor will doubtless arrange to allow, visitors an opportunity qt viewing the sacred object. The ancient A rawa deity was ruthlessly -seized on March 19, under a warrant from the Ngatisenukukopakq, issued by Mr C, P . Whitcombe. It . was, amidst, ex« citement from Lat^ House, guarded to the police station, where it awaits its trial.