Clinton splashes out at museum

By John Andrews

President Bill Clinton was so fascinated by Maori artefacts he spotted in the Auckland Museum yesterday that he wanted to buy some.

Before joining Apec leaders for lunch in the nearby Domain Wintergarden, the American leader took a stroll around the museum's Maori and Western Pacific courts.

He is reported to have then asked Prime Minister Jenny Shipley if she would arrange for the shop to open for business because he wanted "to buy it out."

With shop staff off duty for the gathering, museum director Dr Rodney Wilson obliged.

After the Apec leaders' declaration was announced, President Clinton and the United States National Security Adviser, Sandy Berger, are reputed to have spent "a lot of money" during their 25-minute unscheduled shopping spree.

Apec organisers had to shuffle the leaders' motorcade arrangements. The President was the last to leave.

He was sporting one of his purchases - a circular greenstone pendant - around his neck when he emerged from his impromptu session.

As one Apec organiser noted, the sun came out as President Clinton walked from the museum entrance to his limousine.