Page:Old Westland (1939).pdf/29

Rh happened that the powerful northern tribe Ngai-Tahu, had completed the invasion of the East Coast of the South Island as far south as the Waitaki River, and were in occupation of the conquered territory. One day when some of the tribe were building a canoe, a strange woman named Raureka appeared among them who ridiculed the tools they were using, showing them some greenstone ones which were much superior. The Ngai-Tahu men were greatly impressed with these and persuaded her to lead them to her country, that they too might become possessed of such splendid implements. This she did and much trading took place between the two tribes. Greenstone was exchanged for foodstuffs, for mutton birds, kumara, and fish of every description, and for some considerable time all went well. The Ngai-Tahu made many trips across the island, travelling by way of all the alpine passes, which were well known to the Maori hundreds of years before the advent of the Pakeha. At length war broke out between the two tribes and the Ngatiwairangi were heavily defeated, the Ngai-Tahu, after looting the Arahura Pa, returning to the East Coast. A few years later the Ngai-Tahu again raided Westland, but this time the resident tribe were prepared and ambushed them, killing many and driving the rest off. To avenge this the Ngai-Tahu got together a large force which set out to conquer the Westland