DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1930, Page 5

DOMINION ITEMS.

CAPTAIN COOK RELICS

B Telegraph—Press Assn., Copyright

■BLENHEIM, March 25.

Much corroded, out folly authenticatcd relics of Captain Cook’s visits to Chalotte Sounds are on exhibition in Blenheim. Twenty years ago they were dug up by Vv. ,J. 11. Greensill, at Wharehunga, in a spot located by the late Hon. ltobert MeNab, the New Zealand historian, as the scene of the massacre of the crew of the Adventurer’s cutter by Maoris on December 18, 1773. The Adventure in charge of Captain Tobias Furneaux was waiting the arrival of Captain Cook, and sent a boat crew to secure gre-en t s. They were dining ashore at a grass cove now known as Wharehunga, when they were fallen upon by Maoris and massacred to, a man and partly eaten. -

The massacre was avenged the fol lowing day by a party from the Adventurer.

Tne relics include two musket barrels, two bayonets, the remains of powder flasks, bolts, etc., together witly a number oif Maori curios including a pumice bowl, evidently used to 'carry fire on a native canoe. Greensill after retaining possession for twenty years is offering the relics lor sale to the Borough Council as the nucleus cf a museum collection.

CONSTABLE CHARGED.

CHRISTCHURCH, March 25

An ex-Constable. Joseph Reginald Wilson, aged 24, who was arrested at Auckland, appeared before Mr Mosley, S.M., to answer five charges of theft arid one of breaking and entering. The offences, if is alleged, were committed while accused was a constable \gtioned 'at Christchurch. Wilson was remanded till Thursday. Bail was refused.