Page:Old Westland (1939).pdf/27

Rh a neolithic race that polished its weapons and had spread so far west and south to the long uninhabited sounds.”

It is of great interest to note that apart from the discovery of this chert adze and its sandstone sharpener, it has now been established that greenstone was known to the moa-hunters, the first inhabitants, and also to the Morioris, who it would seem were the predecessors of the Maoris. Of the former very little is known—they have not survived as a separate race; being inferior in fighting qualities to the latter they were probably killed or absorbed by the various tribes.

Coming now to the Maori occupation of Westland, it has been noted that they were not numerous in the South Island, which they knew as Te Wai Pounamu (the waters, or place, of greenstone), and Westland was no exception to the rule. Greenstone (pounamu), a variety of jade, known as nephrite, was greatly prized, and as it is only found in Westland, many raiding parties set out in search of it, and much blood was shed in the tribal wars which were fought for its possession. Carrying, after long and tedious treatment, a good cutting edge, chisels for carving, adzes for canoe work, as well as ornaments and implements of war, were made from it.

The Maori lived in the stone age, and had no knowledge of iron or metals of any sort;