Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/114

 most used by the Maoris for fine work grew on the hil sides. The fibre was very strong, and the leaves shorter than other species, and of a yellowish tinge.

In concluding the brief reference I have made to New Zealand timber and flora generally, I would like to indicate the bearing plants have in revealing the quality of the soil.

In looking for good bush land, if the intending purchaser finds Ngaio, Whitewood, Konini, and Mako mingling with the larger forest trees, he cannot go far wrong in his selection, for such land must be good.

The Moa.—I only want to make a passing allusion to the Moa in reference to Banks Peninsula. At one time the Moa must have been prevalent all over this locality. In clearing the bush I have come upon Moa bones frequently lying on the surface, principally leg bones. The largest of these was some three feet in length. The Maoris said that the Moa was very plentiful on the northern aspect of the Peninsula (Pigeon Bay and Okain’s Bay), where there was more open land. In sinking a well many years