MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 March 1941, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

RETALIATION. (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, lor the "Times-Age.") De Surville was the next visitor. When Cook's “Endeavour" sailed out of Doubtless Bay De Survill's “St. Jean Baptiste” was sailing in, and neither knew of the other’s vicinity. What led to the Frenchman's visit was the wild, wide rumour that the English had discovered "an island of gold in the Pacific.” This was in December, 1709. Landing at Mangonui De Surville’s party was received by crowds of Maoris who were surprised and delighted at their kindly attitude, and in return they freely offered and supplied food and fresh water to these “Tauhou" (strangers) of the boundless sea, who must have lived solely on fish. A storm delayed the ship's departure and the crew were hospitably treated. When the wind abated a ship's boat was missing, the crew of which had been kindly treated for three days. When the storm abated these men were returned to the ship in a canoe. Under pretence of friendship the chief was invited on board, when he was accused without evidence, handcuffed and carried away as a prisoner. He died of a broken heart. Men’s evil deeds are punished in this world. Eleven days after the chief's death De Surville was drowned in the surf when landing at Callao. Crime begets crime; retaliation, not forgiveness is the rule of life. Three years after De Surville’s base act and not far from the scene of it, Marion du Fresne landed in the Bay of Islands on May 11, 1772. Presents were freely exchanged. friendship was mutual and Marion being recognised as the leader of their guests was the object of universal attention ashore. The sequel will be told tomorrow.