Untitled

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 139, 9 December 1918, Page 9

Reference is made by Mr. Elsdon Best, iv his booklet "The Discovery and Rediscovery of Wellington Harbour," to the fact that there were Maori settlements on tlio eastern shores of Port Nicholson. An interesting find, in the shape of a stone adze-head has just been made at Muritai at a depth of about 2ft below ground, while excavations for building were being made. The implement has been pronounced by Mr. Best to be the handwork of -a; Maori craftsman. Its shape is very symmetrical, and it had reached ths stage in manufacture immediately preceding grinding on flat stonea. Tiio marks of the shaping tools are clear on the black basalt, of which the head is made, and except for a small chip on its upper end, caused by the workman's pick, this specimen of Maori work is perfect. The Dominion Mtieotim had not a similarly-shaped one in its possession! and the finder, Mr. Will Lawson, has handed the adze-head over to the Museum. A portion of another edged implement, of cruder shape and made of hard sandstone, was also found in the same, locality.