MAORI MEMORIES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 May 1938, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES.

MORE VOYAGES. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age”) Shortly after Cook left Hauraki Gulf, another French vessel twice visited the Maoris. This does not appear in our records; but the. old Tohungas spoke of it in gratitude for a century after. This vessel shipped timber in the river Thames, and when some distance at sea rescued two Maori lads who had lost their paddles in a storm. They were taken to France and returned in two years. The Captain of the vessel giving them pigs and potatoes with instructions how to breed and cultivate.

Cook came again in 1774 and spent some months in Charlotte Sound and Dusky ,Bay. He gave the Maoris his confidence arid supplied many small presents in place of fire-arms. The Maoris were more friendly and honest with their guests. Still bloodshed arose from the dishonesty of a sailor who annexed a valued stone axe. The result was a quarrel in which two Maoris were killed, and before the boat’s crew could reload, every man was struck dead. Cook' admitted that his men acted dishonestly and were the first to commit murder. Yet reprisal resulted in the death of many Maoris and the destruction of several large canoes.

Three years later, Cook’s final visit struck terror among the Maoris who thought he came for revenge. Kindness prevailed and two Chiefs accepted Cook’s offer to take them to England to see Royalty. Seeing the receding shores of their beloved land, they were overcome with grief and begged to be put ashore at Society Islands. The language was understood, and the islanders gave them a great welcome, but they died there two years later. Cook’s five visits brought pigs, fowls, potatoes, cabbage, turnips—much to Maori delight in them. Yet they robbed him of his energy, moderation, and health.