CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 401, 28 April 1902, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor of the Times.)

Sir,—l was pleased to read “ Old Identity’s” letter in your previous issue, and I will trouble you for space in your columns to reply to him. Ilis suggestion re a statue in honor of Captain Cook is well worthy of consideration, and I wonder it has not been suggested before. Considering this is the first place in New Zealand at which Captain Cook landed, and as there is nothing of any importance by which his memory is perpetuated, it would be most fitting to erect a monument as a tribute to him. If anyone is worthy of a monument, surely it is Captain Cook, and this is the town where it should be erected. There is a space on the Waikanae beach which I understand is a public reserve, and where such a monument would be placed, on the spot he first stood on in New Zealand. But it is useless to think of starting a fund for the purpose, when tho public won’t raise funds for their town

clock. “ Old Identity ” does not think a change in tho name of the bay is necessary, but I consider it is, as the name is not likely to do the placo any good in tho eyes of tho outside world who are not acquainted with the real nature of the place. Allow me to suggest a way in which we may perpetuate Cook’s memory and alter the name of the bay at the same time Why not call it Cook’s Bay ?—That would bo better than Iteverty Bay, or King Edward's Bay, as suggested by the Premier. Captain Cook was modest enough not to cal) any place after himself, and as this is the first bay he sailed into, call it after him, the same as ho called Young Nick’s Head after the boy who discovered it. Now, Mr Editor, I don’t suppose for a moment that either the town clock, a memorial to Cook, or a change in the name of the bay will be decided on for the simple reason that the public will not take the matter up. His Worship tho Mayor spoke truly at the

meeting of the Chamber of Commerce the other night, when he said that what was wanted was some energy on the part of tho public.—Thoy required shaking up a bit. They ail seem to leave it to tho Mayor to start things, and he seems afraid ol' going on his own in any matter in case he should not act in accordance with tho ideas of others. The press try their hardest to rouse the public to action and offer suggestions, but beyond a few letters

written by those anxious to get a move on, and endorsing the views of the press, nothing further is done, and so the matter drops. I hope some one else will write on this matter, and suggest some way of getting things brought to a satisfactory start. Apologizing for trespassing on your valuable space.—l am, etc., Young New Zealander.