LANDING OF COOK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1535, 17 August 1905, Page 2

LANDING OF COOK.

AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR GISBORNE. I A very interesting, as well as somewhat amusing, ceremony took place at the Kaiti beech yesterday afternoon, when the Salvation Army Biorama Company obtained views representing the first landing oi Captain Cook in New Zealand.. - A large crowd gathered to witness the operations, which were carried out under the supervision of His Worship the Mayor and Major Ferry. The landing of the great navigator was carried out in striot accord with history, and whilst there may to the ocitical eye have been a few small defects, these are not likely to be apparent when the filmß are flashed before the public gaze. The natives entered keenly into the business, and did their best to assist Major Perry in securing a faithful reproduction of the event. The first trouble that the Mayor and Major Perry had to facß was “ who was to be Cook." Major Perry did his best to persuade the secretary of the memorial fund to assume the role, but when the latter was informed that before he could have the honor conferred upon him he would have to remove his moustaohe, he begged to be excused. In the meantime the Mayor had hit npon an identical “ring ” for Cook in the person of the chief reporter of our contemporary, and that gentleman being approaobed he readily acquiesoed The pressmah in question filled the bill in every way. He was the exact height, the right build, the same complexion, and even as beardless as was the great navigator. The genial " Mao ’ was shaking hands with himself at the prospect of in one bright hour beooming famous, and expressed himself to this end as willing to face all forms of danger, including peril of Bhipwreok and tho fierce anger of a soore or more native warriors who were waiting to devour him. AH went well until the Mayor produced tho outfit whioh he had provided for the adornment of Cook's classic figure. This consisted of a few pieces of calico, a gold ribbon, and a hat somewhat after the style worn in the great explorer’s day. ! After viewing these artioles the pressman's courage forsook him, and despite all persuasions on tho part of His Worship he oould not be induood to aot. The promoters wero for a tirno in a bit of a dilemma, but after a brief consultation it was decided to search for another Cook, The members of the Biorama Compan" i were lined up and a careful inspectioi made. The selectors at last hit upon i good substitute. The individual in ques tion had, however, one great drawback, he had a moustache. The Mayor delicately hinted to the soldier that Captain Cook was always clean shaved, aad the bandsman cheerfully replied that if it was desired he would even sacrifice himself to that extent. The order was splendidly gfven, and whilst the Mayor was adjusting the white cravat and waistcoat for Cook, tho tonsorial artist of the Company was also busy at work. In the course of a few moments tho newly found Cook emerged from the crowd, and amidst cheers made his way to the Harbor Board’s boat, which in cnarge of Captain Gumming, was in waiting. A representative for tho native boy. who accompanied Captain Cook was soon found, and the boat put up to sea. In the meantime Mr Charles Ferris bad been proparing the Maori programme, and he had reason to he justly proud of the fine band of warriors that he brought on parade. The natives were attired in costly mats, and each oae was in possession of an axo or a spear. These * they flourished in a fierce manner as they performed a warlike haka, The firs! picture taken depicted Captain Cook landing and making overtures to the Natives and the second the shooting episode so familiar to ail readers of history. A third picture was taken of the Natives retiring and recovering the body. AH three scenes were most faithfully interpreted and the Natives were heartily applauded for their efforts. Several very successful hakas were also given and kinematographed. Major Perry expressed himself highly satisfied with the aftornoon’a works. Before the gathering dispersed cheers were called by the Mayor for the Natives, the Biorama Company, and for the gentlemen who had made such a great sacrifice in order to assume the role of Captain Cook, Three cheers were also given for the Mayor. ...