THE CRUISE OF THE OPHIR.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 120, 31 May 1901, Page 2

THE CRUISE OF THE OPHIR.

? A PLEA FOR GISBORNE. ]. HISTORIC ASSOCIATIONS OF POVERTY BAY. (Special to Times.) Auckland, last night. In last evening’s issue of the Star it was- suggested in a telegram from Gisborne that an excursion should be made to the Ophir, as that boat steams past Poverty Bay. 11l this connection Mr W. J. Gaudin, of Gisborne, at present on a visit to Auckland, writes to the Auckland Star, asking, in view of the historical association of that place, could it not be arranged that the Ophir should make a dotour of the Bay. It would be interesting for His Royal Highness to note the first landing place in New Zealand of Captain Cook, and also to obtain a snapshot of the first land sighted by him. Both of these objects could be attained at a little inconvenience and no great delay to the steamer. The residents of Gisborne could then show their patriotism, not by triumphal arches and gaily decorated poles, the glory of which is transient, but by the erection on the foreshore of Kaiti (Gisborne) of a monument to that illustrious navigator Cook, to whom, although we owe much, we show such little gratitude. The Reception Committee might devote their surplus funds towards the object mentioned.

Gisbornites at present in Auckland are anxious that Mr Gaudin’s suggestion may be carried into effect, and when the Hon. J. Carroll arrives here they will wait on him to ask him to do the best he can for the interest of Gisborne.