DISCOVERY OF AUSTRALIA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1097, 15 May 1913, Page 4

DISCOVERY OF AUSTRALIA.

PRESS REPORT OF 1771.

News of the discovery of Australia by Captain Cook, though his name is not mentioned in the report, was first published in Bristol on July 27, 1771- The Endeavour had arrived in England about the middle of June, and the fact that a new continent had been found was communicated from Loudon to Felix Fanlev’s “Bristol Journal” under date July 27. The announcement was made quietly in the second column of the “Bristol Journal,” a portion of which has been purchased by the trustees of the Perth. (W.A.) Public library. Pride ot place was given in the publication to a report of violent floods having occurred in Saxony, where one woman was killed. The report in the Bristol Journal of the voyage of the Endeavour is given as follows ;—“Dr Solander and other gentlemen, who lately sailed round the world in the Endeavour frigate, discovered a southern continent in the latitude of the Dutch Spice Islands, the inhabitants of which are hospitable, ingenious and civil, of a copper complexion, but handsome and well made. Mr Banks passed some months among them, and collected many fine and curious plants, never seen in Europe before; and, though these people were so politely civilised, it is extraordinary that they have no kind of worship or religion among them. Two of the natives came voluntarily with Mr Banks to Batavia, where they were amazingly struck with the sight of coaches and horses. They have never seen either horses, cows or sheep at George’s Land, though they have many hogs. They were extremely surprised also at the sight of themselves and company in a looking-glass, but both died of the flux at Batavia. From his voyage we expect many discoveries and much entertainment. They had an excellent observation of the transit ot Venus, but the ingenious Mr Green died upon his return. Upon their arrival the Admiralty seized all the officers’ papers.”