5

H.—33

of the arts unci industries of an interesting race, the members of which an; rapidly losing all knowledge of the customs and pursuits of their ancestors. Yet a little while and the traditionless Maori may quote one of our English pouts. And front their scholars let us learn Our own forgotten lore. The scheme of monographs on Maori technology has been outlined as follows :■ A. Canoes ; navigation. B. Houses. C. Implements. D. Clothing and ornaments. E. Amusements ; exercises ; games ; music. F. Forest and sea craft; hunting ; fishing. G. Fortifications. In some cases subdivision is necessary, as in B, C, D, and F. Under this classification a rn.onogra.ph (Bulletin No. 4) on stone implements has been published, to be supplemented by another on other forms as yet undescribed. Under B a monograph (Bulletin No. 5) on Maori storehouses has been prepared, and is now passing through the press. Under G another (Bulletin No. 6) on Native forts has been completed, but is not yet printed- The printing of these bulletins occupies about two years, hence the Work lags. Bulletin No. 7, a monograph on Maori canoes—their manufacture and management —is now in course of preparation; and a large amount of material has been collected for its successor (games, music, &c). When commencing work on these bulletins I found that no material was to hand. This meant that two sources of supply had to be relied upon. la order to make each monograph as complete as possible it Was necessary to collate all information on the subject contained in a great number of works on New Zealand and the Maori race. As information on these subjects contained in those works is somewhat meagre, it became imperative that additional data should be obtained from the older generation of Natives still living. Both these sources of supply are being drawn upon. While this work was proceeding, access was obtained to a mass of manuscript matter obtained, by the Government from the late Mr. John White. Of this matter but a small portion is available, for the purposes of the Museum bulletins, as the greater part of it consists of historical traditions, dealing principally with intertribal wars. It contains the manuscripts of three unpublished volumes of " The Ancient History of the Maori." In addition to the above bulletins on technological subjects, a scheme has been outlined whereby a series of monographs may be compiled on other ethnographical subjects, such as Maori sociology, mythology, anthropogeny, and religion. Detailed information under these headings specially appeals to anthropologists. When Dr. W. H. Rivers, of St. John's College, Cambridge, visited Wellington some months ago he drew our attention to the great value of such studies in connection with all branches of the Polynesian race. He also remarked how welcome are the results to such institutions as the Royal Anthropological, of which he is one of the leading members. Another subject discussed by Professor Rivers was that of collecting ethnographical data from the isles of Polynesia connected politically with New Zealand, which might be published here in some such form as that of the Museum bulletins. So far as the collection and collation of matter pertaining to the ethnography of the Maori of New Zealand is concerned, it is clear that future students must depend largely on the work done by this Department within the next few years. The men of knowledge of the Native race are few, and these few of advanced age. We not only need new data from them, but also information to amplify and explain matter already collectedAs an illustration of how necessary is field-work in some cases, and, of the advantage of having access to elderly Natives who have preserved knowledge of racial customs and industries, reference may be made to a two-months trip made by myself in 1914, when some four hundred pages of manuscript notes were collected- These comprised a considerable amount of hitherto unknown matter connected with Maori ritual and arts, all of which it is intended shall be prepared for publication. Also a large number of old Native hill forts were examined and described, with illustrations consisting of plans, sections, and photographs, the result of which it is hoped will be an Interesting record of the great skill displayed by the Maori of former times in.the art of fortification. Advantage was also taken of this opportunity to examine the Maori collections in the museums at Napier, Wanganui, New Plymouth, and Auckland, in order to obtain notes on all specimens of peculiar interest, to be utilized in our bulletin-work. A remarkably pleasant feature of this trip was the assistance and hospitality met with in all places visitedBesides the work done for the Museum bulletin series, I have written the following papers during the year:— " Polynesian Voyagers " (ten articles). Canterbury Times. " Porirua and its Settlement." Canterbury Times. " Maori Beliefs concerning Human Organs of Generation " : Man. " Ceremonial pertaining to Birth, as practised by the Maori." Journ. Roy. Anthrop. Inst. " Genealogical Records of the Maori." Sent to the Genealogical Society of California by request. " Maori System of Measurement." Unpublished. " Maori Myths and Folk-lore." Unpublished.