N.Z. Succeeds At Cook Bicentennial Display

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31769, 28 August 1968, Page 28

N.Z. Succeeds At Cook Bicentennial Display

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

WHITBY, August 27.

Australia did not get a mention at a display of Captain Cook relics opened after the unveiling of a plaque at Whitby yesterday commemorating the 200th anniversary of Captain Cook’s voyage of discovery 7.

There were maps of New Zealand some of the Cook era and some present day—and a gallery of photographs publicising New Zealand.

A New Zealand official said: “We had to pay for it all. Why should we boost Australia.”

He said that Australia had had the chance to play a more prominent role but “threw it away” through indecision.

He said Australian officials in London earlier this year had the opportunity to take part in the ceremonies, but did not act quickly enough.

Asked why Australia had no displays, the acting High Commissioner for Australia (Mr John Knott) said New Zealand had organised the exhibition. Australian Attitude

“Our attitude has been that this is a Whitby celebration and that we will be dealing with the other end of affairs

—the anniversary of the arrival of Captain Cook in Australia, which will be at Sydney in 1970. “I am quite sure that the celebrations at our end will match those of today and be really something.” The plaque commemorating the Cook voyages of discovery was unveiled by the High Commissioner for New Zealand (Sir Denis Blundell), and Mr Knott.

About 3000 of Whitby's 12,000 population watched the brief ceremony in dull conditions.

It was in Whitby that Cook lived as a youth and learnt of the sea.

The anniversary celebrations continued with a regatta.