Collection Record

letter, 08/06/1935, W. Maurice Brown to H D Skinner, When wrote to inquiring about prospects of securing one of the poles from the look out at Okarea Pa, Brown had anticipated not much trouble in doing so and hoped to secure more. After making several arrangements to enter Urewera, Brown was doomed to disappointment. A friend was unable to accompany him on one attempt, then three other times were unsuccessful, he decided to wait it out. Brown was surprised to read in the half column of the Auckland Herald about his discovery headed 'Valuable Carvings Discovery in Urewera, Dedicated Craftsmanship, Collectors Treasure Trove' of which went on to focus on two carvings a young school master had found. The carvings were lying in the bush upon the ground, belonging to no specific person, left to rot and decay in their native place. They were surrounded by the native tapu. To not offended Maori tradition or to desecrate their sacred laws of Tapu, Brown removed the discoveries as secretly as possible at various different times and modes. Mr Willi Fels enthusiasm for the works lapsed his better judgement as he related to the public the manner of the discovery and this has informed the Urewera Maori of the discovery of the carvings and their removal by a school teacher. Since the publication Brown has received tips from three sources saying he should give Urewera a 'wide birth' to cause no further upset. Brown states he has great admiration and respect for the elderly maori and their traditions, and he feels forced not to attempt any revisit to Te Whaiti in the immediate future, he looks forward to the time this unfortunate occurrence has blown over and in the position to follow up his exploration among the Pa of Urewera and assist the Otago Museum in every manner possible. Brown will have to leave his prospective trip to Urewera until an indefinite date. Brown was however extremely gratified in the same herald clipping that the carvings were highly valued and appreciated and restored to somewhat of their original state.