Sumner Cave - Alexander McKay

This was a belated entry to the dispute between McKay and Haast. It was written well after the event and never published in his lifetime. This is taken from Bishop, G. 2008. The Real McKay The remarkable life of Alexcander McKay, geologist. Otago University Press, Dunedin.

Sumner Cave

Was it a paleolithic man Or was it but a maori

Or was it some unfortunate

Not long since gone to glory

The body found in Sumncr Cave And now in the Museum

It had broken arm: and teeth

That much did want renewing

The world of Science does not seem To be agreed about it One says 'twas there before the Flood Another says I doubt it

Now this looks grave and throws a doubt On some ones observation Which being so it is I confess A serious accusation

I've read the subject carefully And think I understand The true position of the case And what it does demand

The matter I might not decide But if my vote were taken I'de give it on the winning side If I were not mistaken

To arbitrate so great a case And settle it for ever I am ambitious I confess My judgement to deliver

On one great point all are agreed The same admits of proving It had a broken arm: and teeth That much did want renewing

Tis also clear 'twas found inside The famous Sumner Cave On the sou- west side close to the wall May yet be seen the Grave

But whether it Six or Sixty inch Beneath the Surface lay Is not so clear you are asked to believe It might be either way

Did the ancient Neolithic man Disturb the Sleepers rest Or Shoot his kitchen rubbish there In piles upon his breast

Could this be: and, the wakeful ghost The act leave unavenged I trow not else the Spirits leave Their tactics lately changed

Meanwhile it seems to be quite clear The Body might have been No longer in its restingplace And from that State 'twould seem

When Logic shows that Sixty inch May just as well means Six I'll then consider I've found my way Out of an awkward fix

While fifty or five hundred years Would suit the case as well But frankly where the proofs are scant How long no one can tell