CoLENSo. — On the Day in ivJdch Cook took j^ossession of N.Z. 101 



(2.) The length of time he was in New Zealand before the day m 

 question. 



(3.) What has also been published respecting Cook's taking possession 

 of New Zealand by a fellow-voyager and witness of the transaction. 



(4.) What may possibly have been the real meaning of the paragraph 

 quoted. 



(First.) Cook's usual custom in taking possession of any newly-dis- 

 covered country. 



This is clearly shown, I think, fi-om what took place but a few months 

 before, namely, on the 20th July. He says: — "We now made sail from 

 the island of Huaheine for the island of Ulietea, distant seven or eight 

 leagues, and when the day broke the next morning we stood in for the 

 shore, and anchored in twenty-two fathoms. * * * We determined to 

 go on shore without delay. * "^^ * * I landed in company with Mr. 

 Banks, Dr. Solander, and the other gentlemen, Tupia being also of the 

 party. He introduced us (to the natives) by repeating the ceremonies 

 which he had performed at Huaheine, after which I hoisted an English jack 

 and took possession of this and of the three neighbouring islands, Huaheine, 

 Otaha, and Bolabola, which were all in sight, in the name of His Britannic 

 Majesty." Cook remained here at anchor, "trading with the natives and 

 examining the products and curiosities of the country," four or five days. 



(Second). The length of time he was in New Zealand before the day in 

 question (November 15th). 



Cook, as is well known, first saw New Zealand on the 6th of October, 

 and landed on its shores on the evening of Sunday, the 8th, on which 

 occasion a Maori was unfortunately killed. On the next morning Cook 

 landed again in three boats with a large party, and spent some time on 

 shore, when, unhappily, several Maoris were killed, as well as some others 

 on the sea when returning to the ship. And on the following day Cook 

 and others with him again landed, and spent some time on shore shooting 

 ducks and collecting plants. After this Cook sailed southwards, coasting 

 close in shore, round Table Cape, Portland Island, Long Point, Wairoa, 

 Tangoio, Ahurhi, and Cape Kidnappers, but did not land, although (as he 

 says) they were about to do so (near our Petane). After another unhaiDpy 

 affair near Cape Kidnappers, Cook sailed south as far as Cape Turnagain, 

 and then returning north anchored on the 20th in a small bay north of 

 Tolago Bay (probably Anaura), where they first watered in New Zealand. 

 In the evening of this day Cook being pleased with the jpeople again 

 went on shore, and remained here and at the adjoining bay of Tolago (to 

 which he had removed on the 22nd) until the 30th, when he sailed to the 

 north. During nearly the whole of this time Cook and his companions 



