'What a beautiful—what a magnificent piece of greenstone!' exclaimed George in genuine delight. Then, as Te Kaihuia regarded the weapon with a look of mingled veneration and affection: 'Is it an heirloom—the mere of your ancestors?'
'You are right, Hortoni,' replied the veteran. 'Far back in the misty past, approaching the time when the Maori first set foot in Te Ika A Maui,[[2]] this mere belonged, according to tradition, to my ancestor, Te Turi.[[3]] After him, it was handed down from father to son through many generations.'
[[2]] The north island of New Zealand. Literally, 'The Fish of Maui.'
[[3]] Maori names were frequently bestowed on account of physical or mental peculiarities, or of real or fancied resemblance to natural objects. Te Turi means The Obstinate, or Stubborn, One.
'Then your ancestor, Te Turi, was one of the earliest settlers in New Zealand?'
'He was, Hortoni, having come with Ngahue from Hawaiki.'[[4]]
[[4]] According to tradition, Ngahue was the Maori discoverer of New Zealand, arriving from a mythical island, Hawaiki.
George took up the club and examined it. He had seen many a piece of greenstone before, both in the rough and fashioned into ornaments and weapons; but never had he seen anything so beautiful as this mere. Its shape was perfect, and not only was the rich green mineral nearly as transparent as glass, but all through its substance ran the most exquisite veining and traceries, resembling fern-fronds, flowers, miniature trees, and even birds and fishes. 'It is a most beautiful object,' he said, handing it back. 'Your ancestor must have had wonderful pride in his workmanship.'
Te Kaihuia cast an apprehensive glance around; then whispered almost inaudibly: 'The mere was bestowed upon Te Turi. He did not make it.'
'Well, who gave it to him?' inquired George, amused at the goblin-like aspect of the old creature.