THE “MOA” FOOTPRINTS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3535, 28 May 1912, Page 2

THE “MOA” FOOTPRINTS

(To tlie Editor.)

Sir, —Your correspondent “G.J.8.” may be under the impression that the | moa footprints recently found on the bank of the Waikanae are real moa footprints. Well, -such mav possibly be tlio case, but I do not think it very probable. G.J.B. says: “It would be an utter impossibility for any one to have put a deposit -of about a foot of volcanic matter on top of them as was the case with these footprints-” Well, I differ from my friend .G.J.8., as there arc very few things impossible —certainly there, may be things impossible. For instance', you cannot make two bills without a valley between them—but I may inform G.J.B. I have seen a quantity, of sand placed on top of the artificial moa footprints' so as to allow the water to wash and polish the ■ footprints, which would make them more natural-looking. Your correspondent omits giving his name, hut acknowledges old Charlie making moa footprints, and says, “From wliat I can learn it was the discovery -of some genuine footprints years ago that induced Charlie to imitate them.” Evidently your correspondent is writing from hearsay only, which can hardly be taken as infallible truth. I am writing from ocular knowledge; besides, I am not aware of any sandstone or volcanic matter or formation on the banks of tlib Waikanae in the vicinity of the olcl flagstaff.—l am, etc., - E- P. JOYCE.