CAPTAIN COOK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10092, 4 March 1911, Page 1

CAPTAIN COOK.

THE NAVIGATOR IN AUSTRALASIAN WATERS.

(EydWRS E. M. DTTNLOP.)

[All Rights Reserved.]

The voyaging of Captain' Cook, while exercising all-important influences upon the exploration and settlement of New Zealand, was scarcely less important to Australia. A study of the accounts of the circumnavigation of New Zealand in 1769-70 by the great' marine explorer reveals to the student that, pursuing his voyaging after leaving New Zealand and "steering westward with a fresh £ile," he reached the shores of Australia, and, sailing northwards, closely examined the whole extent of her western boundary, spending nearly five months in his slow progress, coasting from point to point and sheltering in bays and inlets. The voyage of Captain Cook in the good ship Endeavour, during which he discovered and'demonstrated the insularity of New Zealand, and thence progressed to Australia, closely exploring her western coast, thus forms one of the strongest links between the Commonwealth and the dominion, which, parted'only by blue waters, together serve the interests of our Empire m the Southern Pacific The memorable voyage was undertaken at the instance and under the direction of the Royal Geographical Society, the principal object being to seek opportunities for observing in southern seas the transit of Venus, to take place in 1769. The event was anticipated with intense interest by the astronomical and scientific societies of. all countries, and many expeditions were fitted out to reach suitable plaoes whence observations might be taken. Captain Cook was appointed to the command of the expedition on account of the reputation which he had already obtained—a reputation for shrewdness, hardihood, endurance, perseverance and perspicuity, which 'a century and a half of criticism has only confirmed and strengthened. Tho great circumnavigator was emphatically one.of those exceptional individuals "prepared by an over-ruling Providence for the performance of some special work from which lesser spirits might well shrink in dismay. Stern niisekmer of Providence I For when tho time required, A man was raised io fit the task, Who but the task desired; Who but to sail the salt brine And seek the unknown shore, Found ho delight in meat and wine, Or Old World's varied store!

For Captain Cook was, after his first -youth, by no means a homeless or friendless seafarer. He was married to a wife whom ho tenderly loved, and children claimed his paternal care; while he possessed a competence for the supply of their reasonable needs, yet, setting aside all personal and private considerations, he took up the duty which was obvious to him and pursued his usual seafaring, leaving to us the inestimable results of his life-work. Even for his last voyage he forsook all the comforts, of his home and the advantage of rewards which had been bestowed upon him in order to continue the course of usefulness for which his experience specially fitted him. Hardship, danger, discomforts were accepted with cheerfulness that he might pursue his aim- and plant tho flap of Britain in tho southern seas. While 'all-unfor-tunate war was depriving England of America, and British arms were carried against British flesh and blood. Captain James Cook, ignorant of desfiny, was strengthening British prestige, 'pAnng the road for British colonisation, and patiently preparing the wav and surveying the ocean trades which were to lead to a Greater Britain. He stands for ever as a stern exemplar of duty done, of great tasks cheerfully accomplished, of steadfast beginnings, while the ends, like his long-sought shores, were Teiled in mist, and COULD BY NO MEANS BE DESCRIED.

From his earliest years the exceptional qualities of Cook excited attention. He was so strongly attracted to a seafaring life that he broke away from the merchant's counter and gave up the occupation which had been planned for him, binding himself * to a shipowner, wiw»n he served for p. nautical appoinb-

ment as Jacob served for Rachel during | a period of seven years. He then re- i ceived promotion, and rose rapidly in his profession. His industry was equal to his genius, and although he had enjoyed small opportunities of education, he studied marine surveying and kindred subjects to such purpose that he became noted for his accurate and clever drawings. His charts of the St Lawrence were useful to "Wolfe in the taking of Quebec; and his surveys of Labrador and of the coast of Newfoundland brought him distinction. Thus the erstwhile apprentice and cabin boy became the trusted adviser in important movements, and was finally appointed to the command of, the Endeavour and the expedition to the Southern Pacific. During a> visit to England, while he was still a lieutenant, Cook married a young lady whom he had known from his childhood. She was hut eighteen years of age when the union took place, Cook being something more than a dozen years her senior. The marriage was a very happy one. There were six children, three of whom lived to maturity, and were trained and educated by Mrs Cook, who was ever ready to welcome her husband to a cheerful home on his return from his long voyagings. She lived to a very great age, surviving /all her children and her husband by no less than fifty-six years. 'She lived far on into the nineteenth century, and died at Cheltenham at the age of ninety-three. All those elements of romance which advancing centuries only serve to strengthen hover around the voyage of the Endeavour. According to our pre-sent-day estimate, she was a very insignificant ship, but of 370 tons, and built to serve in the coal trade. There was a great deal of enthusiasm in certain quarters; the vessel was fitted with all that was deemed necessary for a prolonged voyage, and under the careful direction of Cook, who was greatly interested in demonstrating the possibility of preventing disease among saiiors by proper supplies and regulations. He was eminently successful in his treatment, only losing one man during a lengthy voyage, the previous average of loss being very great under other conditions. The successful demonstrations of this nature made by Captain Cook are among the most valuable of his services to the British Empire. Dr Solandor, an eminent Swedish naturalist; Sir Joseph Banks, president of the Royal Geographical Society; Mr Green, of the Royal Astronomical staff, and others interested in scientific investigations joined the expedition, each,;with staff officers and attendants. However, all told, only eighty-four persons set sail in the Endeavour, whioh left England in July, 1768. Captain Cook was in the prime of his life, being still under forty years of age. For five months they traversed the Atlantic, taking a southern course, and, 5 after touching at Madeira and Rio de Janeiro, reached Terra del Fuego in January, 1769. Her© they landed, and spent several days investigating the habits of the natives and obtaining specimens of the flora of the country. Ihe scientists conducted an expedition inland, which very nearly resulted in the loss of the party from HARDSHIPS IN THE SNOWY UPLAND REGIONS. The Endeayour doubled Cape Horn in- f air-weather. ; ; "«ud/ gaining the"Pacific Ocean i reached Otaheiti early in April. The party remained long among the Society Islands, making most interesting observations and many friends among the natives. From a station in these islands they witnessed the transit of Venus, which occurred on June 8. Mr Banks succeeded in impressing the King of the islands and other natives, including the King's sister and her female attendants, with the importance of his observations, and allowed them to look through his. telescope .and note the transit for themselves, the weather being extremely favourable. . As the time drew near for his departure for the southern seas, Captain Cook exercised his influence to induce an interpreter to accompany him. This was Tupia, who afterwards played so important a part in establishing communication with the natives of New Zealand, and who unfortunately lost his life while with the expedition. He therefore never saw his native land ' again. Although he partod from his people with tears, he would not be deterred from accompanying Captain Cook, to whom he had become greatly attached. Tupia took with him his boy, aged twelve, and this child .also, after many adventures'* succumbed to the hardships and risks of a seafaring life-. They left • Otaheiti in July, and sailed southwards, calling at several islands. It was not until October that the Now Zealand coast was sighted. The great discovery of "land ahead" was made early in the morning of October 7 by the cabin-boy, Nicholas Young. He first descried the picturesque white''! cliffs which form the south-westerly boundary of Poverty Bay. The cliffs were named in his honour by Captain Cook, and will bear the name of Young Nick s Head so long as our charts exist.

The scene was a fitting one for so great an event. The headland is in itself a very picturesque feature, flecked with_ charming shadows, throwing into relief the prominent creamy surface of the papa rock of which the high cliffs are composed. Captain Cook found himself in a great semi-circle of sandy shore,, washed by the Pacific rollers. A® a background, low forestcrowned ranges met the plains. Several _ rivers cross the flats' and' empty their waters in the ocean, and it was at the mouth of a junction of these rivers that Captain Cook detected a spot which seemed suitable for his landing, the first white man to set foot upon New Zealand shores,. Tasnian had previously descried the country, but had been unable to effect a landing, and ho sailed away under the impression that it was part of a great southern , continent.

Captain Cook,, however, was fortunately not deterred from landing by the aspect of the Natives. These were in reality in a condition of astonishment and confusion which unfitted them for any great demonstration of hostility. They were, indeed, completely overawed, believing their visitors to be spiritual beings, and tho white-winged great canoe a visitant from some sublunary sphere.' To them she was indeed a messenger from another world, beyond the imaginings of their wildest romances. The traditions of the arrival of their own canoes were shrouded in the mists of unwritten centuries, and vague as the sea breezes which had WAFTED THEM ACROSS THE SOUTHERN SEAS.

Captain Cook landed on the afternoon of October 8, 1769, having made careful observations which have never since been questioned, choosing the place of his anchorage and of his land-, ing with unerring skill. A monument erected by the present-day inhabitants now marks the spot where he first

placed his foot. A high hill named Kaiti ascends from the shore. It was then bush .clad, its verdure drooping to meetthe'sea. Round the shoulder of the hill there was an important Native settlement. To this Cook and his party bent their steps, but the Maoris at; tempted to intercept them, and a fracas ensued, during which a gun was fired and one of the Natives killed. The rest fled in terror of the extra-' ordinary weapon. Crowds of Natives thronged the summit of the hilt, making terrified observations. The next day was spent in negotiating with the Natives, and some progress in understanding was made. Presents were given and received, and several landings were effected. The Endeavour remained three days in the bay, but her crew did not succeed in obtaining provisions and water, so that it was deemed advisable to further explore the coast. The namo Poverty Bay was given to mark the disappointment experienced. Time, however, has proved the district to be rich in everything tending to prosperity—in soil, climate and productive powers. A change of name has frequently been proposed, but has not met with favour, the residents objecting to_ alter a name given by the great navigator, even though conveying a mistaken idea of the now rich and prosperous region. From Poverty Bay the Endeavour proceeded northwards, Captain Cook naming various points and obtaining supplies from Native canoes. Landing in more than one advances in friendship were made. Turning southwards, however, a mishap occurred in connection with the boy of Tupia, the interpreter. Greatly to the surprise of the party en the Endeavour, it was found that Tupia, although so far from his home island, was able to make himself understood by the Maoris and to follow the meaning of their dialect. He was, therefore, extremely useful, and Captain Cook rejoiced in having induced him by kindly persuasion to join the party. Off a cape projecting from a. wide bay, which Cook named Hawke's Bay, several canoes, laden with Maoris and objects of barter, surrounded the Endeavour, and some of the Natives ventured on board. While attention was directed 'to the bargain ing in progress one of the visitors seized the hoy, and leaping overboard swam with him to a canoe, and, climbing in with the child, began to paddle rapidly toAvanls the shore. There was much shouting and: great confusion, leaping overboard, and plying with paddles, the whole fleet of canoes being soon in motion. Captain Cook gave directions to fire, and one of the Natives holding the boy was slightly wounded. The child, a spirited little fellow named Tayeto, whose interest and delight in tho events of the voyage had been great, • TWISTED HIMSELF DEXTEROUSLY FROM' HIS CAPTORS, r and leaping from the canoe swam towards the Endeavour. Assistance was at hand, and he reached the ship in safety, and was hauled on board\ to the great relief of all and especially to his almost distracted father, Tupia. Captain Cook named the point Cape Kidnappers from this incident.

Space does not permit me on this occasion to dwell upon tho many interesting features of the cruise of the "MSSavour" in New Zealand waters. She sailed through Cook Strait, to which our navigator gave his own name. 'The individuality of the North and South Islands, and many other interesting facts were demonstrated, advances in friendship made, and useful presents 'given. Cook spent nearly six mouths in exploring New Zealand, \:yk leaving It until the last day of March, 1770.

On that date tho Endeavour failed from Cape Farewell, and, "steering westward with, a fresh gale," sought another sphere' of' exploration and discovery. They 6ailed for twenty days before descrying land, and then found themselves neaping the, Australian coast and approaching New' South Wales, then • dimly known under the name or New Holland. The. land was first sighted by Lieutenant Hicks, and was named Hick's Point in 'his honour. Sailing northwards along the coast, thev reached and named Cape Howe, and thoio descried some of the Australian inhabitants engaged with canoes the coast. The natives were arm-' ed with spears and shields, and showed a decidedly antagonistic spirit. Although they accepted small presents with delight, they made frequent hostile demonstrations. Some of the crew landed, but found that great caution was necessary. The scientists inaugurated a fishing party, and visited a cove, where they found good sport and returned with plenty offish.

The Endeavour remained about a week in this neighbourhood, and Captain Cook displayed the British flag and landed often, conciliating tho people and propitiating them with presents. ; He then sailed further north, and entered and named Port Jackson. He was greatly struck with the beauty of the harbour and its adaptability lor settlement. The whole party went on shore, the scientists obtaining many specimens of insects and strange plants. The British flag was daily floated on the breeze from suitable positions.

Thus began a "prolonged and careful examination of the whole eastern seaboard of Australia conducted by Captain Cook, who spent four months slowly coasting and marking and naming every prominent feature. He named the whole eastern area New South Wales, including Queensland, and did not leave the coast until he had reached its extreme northern point, where he again formally displayed the flag and took possession in the name of England and England's king. During the course of this minute investigation of the Australian coast many interesting and perilous adventures were met, and several of. the ship's company were left in lonely graves upon the shore'. Tire first of these'was a sailor named Sutherland, who was one of the first white men buried in Australia, his place of sepulture being MARKED BY HIS NAME AS SUTHERLAND POINT. .

Almost 1300 miles, of coastline had been traversed in safety by the Endeavour when an accident, which nearly brought the expedition to an untimely end, occurred on Sunday, June 10, 1770. A great deal of the coast of Australia will bo seen on examination of the map to be broken and irregular, and strewn with rocks, shoals and islets. Through these the Endeavour had so far safely steered her way, although it is recorded that during these three months the lead was constantly in use. Sho now, however, i:i spito of extreme care, struck a rock, on which she practically became impaled, eight leagues from the shore, off ;.i. point which was named by Captain Cook Capo Tribulation in memory of tho event. Tho disaster was at once percoived to be of an extremely serious nature. The ship remained immovable, oven at high tide, and all the endeavours of tho crow to improve' her position seemed hopeless. Fortunately the tvnathor was mild and the sea calm. Efforts at lightening tho ship and pumping seemed only partialy successful, and the captain was prepared to order a certain number of his crew to the' boats, which, however, could not have 'Contained all of the party. It was also deemed most dangerous to attempt landing on account of the hostile blacks roaming the shore. Renewed Qfforfca were at last successful in flo^'>

ing the ship, which was, however, expected to sink from the extent of the damage she had sustained. To the great relief of the party, it was found that she still floated, and that the waters gained upon her but slowly, althought part of her keel and many of her timbers had floated away. They now had so much hope that their energies were renewed, ■. and they very ingeniously stopped some of the leakage by applying compounds of oakum, wool, and other materials. The method adopted was to fill a sail with such materials and by means of ropes and haulage convev it underneath the ship, when suction drew it into the hollows made by the rocks in tjie ship's bottom. Great improvement resulted, and when sails were set they proceeded to work the ship into some harbourage where she might be inspected and repaired. This was successfully done, and. a suitable situation chosen for beaching her. The damage was found to be great'and their escape almost miraculous. A portion of rock had remained), thus plugging up the fatal leak, and the oakum andwool gathering around had secured it in place. i , Several weeks were spent on shore ■while the ship was repaired, and the party explored their surroundings. The health of many on board had suffered extremely from privation and discomfort, and serious illness had to be combated. Here the discoverers first saw the kangaroo, the huge Australian bat, and other living things peculiar to the continent; makiwt MOST INTER*3S-xING SCIENTIFIC OBSERVATIONS. .

They chased kangaroos with a greyhound belonging to Mr Banks, which was, however, completely outstripped by the curious animal with short front legs and peculiar pouch. The natives, when.'they discovered the situation of the ship, were fortunately _ not so troublesome as had been anticipated. They visited the scene continually, and, though often threatening, proved manageable by means of presents and threats. On one occasion, however, they caused serious damage and much anxiety. Being discontented, they showed their annoyance by seizing firebrands and firing the dry grass around the camp. Great mischief was done, and the natives were _ only .driven off by means of guns being fired, which wounded several. ■ Not until the' beginning of August was thb "Endeavour in a condition to renew her sea voyage. The region where this long delay occurred is named Endeavour Harbour, and is a little south of Cape Bedford, which was also named by Captain Cook. Still steering northwards, they reached the extremity of Australia on August 24, and, landing once'more, displayed the British flag and took formal possession, in the name of King George, of all the land on the eastern coast, giving it the name of New South Wales, which then included Queensland and the whole of eastern Australia. Guns were fired on shore, and answered by the Endeavour, in honour of this great event.

Captain Cook now steered for the, New Guinea coast, and there gained the neighbourhood of a Dutoh settlement, where the party met with mingled adventures of gain and loss. They were at first received with consideration, which afterwards turned to distrust, and difficulties ensued. They .landed at Batavia. • and found there an English resident, Mr Leith, who interpreted for them, and hospitably entertained the party. Grievous sickness set in, caused by the climate and the privations they had endured. The health of Tupia was declining, and he was sent ashore with his boy Tayetq, who was a genera| favourite. Both were delighted with the attention shown them and the curious sights, the- little Tayeto jumping with joy and examining every new object with unrestrained delight. Pleasure was short-lived, however, for sickness gained upon the party, and the native boy was one of the first to die. His father, completely prostrated with grief, soon followed him, although every kind care was lavished upon them, the captain and crew being alike sincerely attached to the native friends who had so long been the useful companions of their joys and sorrdws. Both had* endeared themselves to all, and even in sickness had been patient grateful, and confiding. With unfeigned grief the strange pair were buried together on the island of Edam, far, very far. from the home they had left nearly ; eighteen months before. The devoted surgeon, r Monkhouse, worn out with his attentions to. the sick and dying, laid down his life at this unfortunate spot, and Dr Solander and Mr Banks were also prostrated with illness. Timely rain relieved the sufferings of the survivors, but several of the party were buried at Batavia, forty were in a critical condition, and all in very weak health. It was not until December that THE ENDEAVOUR AGAIN STOOD OUT TO SEA. Pursuing their course, they rounded the Cape of Good Hope during March and April, with delays at several ports. Probert, Molineux, a fine young gentleman, died at sea. They called at St Helena, and gave most interesting accounts of the island, whence they sailed for home. Even as they were approaching England's shores, Mr Hicks succumbed to the effects of his illness, at Batavia. Again the cabin boy, Nicholas Young, who first "sighted the New Zealand shore, was destined to distinguish himself, for from the masthead he was again the first to proclaim the joyful news of " land ahead!" This time it proved to be the Lizard Point, and two days later the Endeavour came to anchor in the Downs, after an absence from England of two years, nine months, and fourteen days.