Cave research highlights need for ‘evidence’

CONGRATULATIONS to Toitu Otago Settlers Museum curator Sean Brosnahan for researching the story of Taranaki Maori prisoners being held captive in a cave in Shore St between 1869 and 1881 (ODT, 6.11.18).

He found nothing to support the cave story and instead some evidence suggested the structure was not even built until the early 20th century.

Local historian Ian Church also came to the same conclusion with his research (ODT, 20.1.12).

‘‘Mr Church said his studies showed the stories of the cave’s use by prisoners lacked one thing — evidence.’’

It shows the inherent danger of accepting oral history without conclusive evidence, and brings doubt to the validity of many similar claims.

The phrase ‘‘once upon a time’’ would probably precede many of these claims, if the rights were not already held by Disney Productions.

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, there are still some who clearly do not want the truth to get in the way of a good grievance.

I suspect that given sufficient financial inducement, and with the aid of the Waitangi Tribunal, there are people out there who would have us believe they are also Father

Christmas and the Easter Bunny.

Mark Munro Port Chalmers