CHAPTER VII 



NEW ZEALAND 



After leaving Tahiti, where he had remained 

 for three months, Cook spent the following 

 month in exploring the shores and the interior 

 of the neighbouring islands, which lay close to 

 one another. He gave the name of the Society 

 Islands to the group. He hoisted the English 

 flag on the island of Ulietea, and in the name of 

 His Britannic Majesty took formal possession 

 of this island and of the islands of Huaheine, 

 Otaka and Bolabola, which could be seen from 

 where he was. 



The relations of Cook with these fresh 

 islanders were on the whole excellent, although 

 they exhibited the same tendency to theft as 

 had the Tahitians. Barter took place, and the 

 Endeavour was plentifully supplied with native 

 provisions. 



Several Indians came on board, and the ship 

 was honoured by a visit from the King of Hua- 

 heine and his wife. This potentate, whose name 

 was Orea, proposed to Cook that he should, in 

 token of friendship, exchange names with him. 

 Cook agreed, and whenever they were together 



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