ConrNso,— Notes on the ancient Dog of the New Zealanders. . 185 
Art. X.—Notes, chiefly. historical, on the ancient Dog of the New 
Zealanders. By W. Corzwso, F.L.S. 
[Read before the Hawke Bay Philosophical Institute, 8th October, 1877.) 
For several years I have been aware of much error being commonly 
entertained concerning the original New Zealand dog, and I have been 
desirous of combatting it, as far as I could, by putting together what little 
I have learned respecting it, and the valuable testimonies yet extant of 
those of our earliest voyagers in these seas who frequently saw the animal. 
And this, I cannot help thinking, is the more needed just now; for, in the 
last volume of the ** Transactions," there is a paper by Dr. Hector ** On the 
remains of a dog found near White Cliffs, Taranaki," in which there are some 
statements and remarks concerning the New Zealand dog, which, I think, 
will be found incorrect—e.g., where Dr. Hector says :—‘‘ A few dogs of this 
primitive breed were known within the last twenty years," that ‘it is 
improbable that the same dogs were both highly-prized domestie pets and 
also used for food;’’ and “a bitch and full-grown pup were known for 
several years in the densely-wooded country between Waikawa and the 
. Mataura plains, and did great damage among the flocks of sheep, etc., they 
were (at last) shot and presented to the Colonial Museum. Of the smaller 
specimen both skin and skeleton were taken to the British Museum by Sir 
G. Grey, and the skin of the mother was preserved here, and has been 
recognised by many old Maoris as a genuine kuri or ancient Maori dog. 
x * * Jt is a large-bodied dog with slender limbs, large ears, etc.”’* 
From an early period (in our modern times) I travelled pretty much in 
this North Island of New Zealand (particularly from 1834 to 1854), and 
that always on foot, zig-zagging about and visiting the Maori pas and 
villages in the interior and on the coast from Cook Straits to Cape Maria 
Van Diemen, and often crossing the island from sea to sea. I mention this, 
because I failed to see a single specimen of the true Maori dog, although I 
made every exertion to obtain one, offering, too, a high price. But they 
had become wholly extinct, or very nearly so, at least fifty years ago. 
Notwithstanding, I have seen and possessed its hair ; for, about the year 
1835, I obtained an ancient, large, and handsome chief's staff and weapon of 
defence,] which was richly ornamented with carving, red feathers from 
under the wings of the parrot (Nestor meridionalis, ) and the flowing hair of 
the old Maori dog. This hair was long, fine, and white, beautifully and 
securely done up in little queues having their ends firmly bound round with 
the finest spun flax where secured to the weapon, neatly covered with the 
* ** Trans. N.Z. Inst.,” IX., 243, 244. 
+ Hani, Taiaha or Maipi, of the natives, 
