MAORI MEMORIES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 May 1938, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES.

COOK’S ARRIVAL. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Maori tradition points to the visit of an unbroken vessel to the North Island “one lifetime” before Cook’s visit in 1769. The Commander’s name was given as Rongatate. For some reason the vessel was plundered and the crew killed. Captain Cook is believed to be the first white man to set foot on our shores. This occurred incidentally during his astronomic voyage of observing the transit of Venus from the most southerly point. His visits then included the fertile district improperly named by him as “Poverty Bay,” Thames, Cape Maria Van Diemen and the Taranaki shores —he named Mount Egmont. He touched Queen Charlotte Sound and Hawke's Bay after discovering Cook Strait. He or his officers are reported to have unjustly suspected the Maoris of evil intent, though they invariably trusted Cook. It must be admitted that these savages acted like civilised men, and Christians like savages. Cook left the country without any loss or injury, though ten Maoris were killed and many seriously wounded. A Maori who had stolen a piece of calico was shot dead from the deck while paddling for the shore. The chiefs decided that he deserved his fate; but having paid for the calico with his life, it was wrapped round his body and buried. Captain Cook landed shortly after this murder by Lieutenant Gore, and traded with the Maoris as though nothing had happened. Would Cook’s crew have acted thus if one of their men had been slain for petty theft? The transit of Venus was observed and that of Mercury also seen while anchored in Mercury Bay. More important still was that the flag of George the Third was firmly planted by Cook. Pigs and maize were added to the Maori food.