PRIZE. ESSAYS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 570, 14 November 1902, Page 1

PRIZE. ESSAYS.

(Third prize in Standard V., awarded to Master Noel Bull, of the Gisborno. School) : Cook was not tlio first to discover New Zealand. In 1612, Tasman, a famous Dutch navigator, sailed up the western coast and named Massacre Bay, but was afraid to land because of the hostilo natives. Even before Tasman’s timo William Bloau published charts with the faint outlines of a coast called Zealandia Nova. Cook was born in Marton, a villago in North Yorkshire. When he was eight years old ho was apprenticed to a draper, but his heart yearned for the sea. So he left and went on board a small coaling vessel where by his perseverance he roso to the rank of mate. He thon joined the navy, and his services proved very valuable during the siego of Quebec. At the request of the Royal Society a party of observers were sent to watoh the transit of Venus from a favorable point in the South Seas, and the command of this expedition was oestowed on Cook. After ho had accomplished this mission ho called at Tahiti, took on board two natives and. sailed on a further voyage of in 1769 Cook * . ..ocovery Bhio EndeavA-■. » mnd » and m the . ? ■' al ho cauio to anchor in a whicn has ever since borne the name of Poverty Bay. Next day lie tried to lanu but had to embark again because of the natives. After endeavouring to gain their confidence he sailed away South, giving our beautiful district the undeserved name of Poverty,Bay. He sailed as far as Cape Turnagain and put the ship about and sailed North, naming the different capes and bays as he went along. He arrived at Mercury Bay and took possession of this part in the name of his king. He then visited the Thames river, and the Bay of Islands, and from thence round the North Cape and Mt. Egmonfc, and anchored in Golden Bay. After completing the circuit of tho North and South islands he paid two more visits to New Zealand before his tragic death at Hawaii. England has had a long roll of great and distinguished seamen, among whom the name of Cook is the most honored, not only for the service he rendered his country but for tho greatness of his character.