TASMAN’S FIRST VOYAGE TO NEW ZEALAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17181, 26 October 1923, Page 4

TASMAN’S FIRST VOYAGE TO NEW ZEALAND.

In the earliest and most interesting pages of New Zealand history' the inlet now known as Golden Bay played a most important part- It was here that Tasman, after sailing northwards up tho coast of tho Soutii Island and rounding Cape Farewell, first dropped anchor in New Zealand waters in 1642. The arrival of Tasman’s two vessels was received with hostility and suspicion hv the Maoris who surrounded the ships in their war canoes. An attempt to send a boat from the Zeehan to Tasman’s yacht, the Heemshirk, ended in disaster, the savage warrions charging tho boat with their war canoes, upsetting it and clubbing four of its crew. Three men managed to swim clear and escape with their lives. Tasman, realising that it was impossible to form friendly relations with the Natives, heaved anchor and proceeded with the exploration nf the coast, giving the inlet the sinister name of Murderers’ Bay. This was subsequently modified to Massacre Bay. One hundred and twenty years after Tasmans’ visit. Captain Cook, after circumnavigating both islands, made Massacre Bay in Ids final anchorage, naming the Sandy Spit close to Cape Farewell. This bay had still an important part to play in the early history of the voting colony. It was there that alluvial gold was first discovered in New Zealand, and the name of tl*o place was changed to Golden Bay. And now, after nearly 280 years after its appearance in our history. Golden Bay'bns assumed an important role- Rich deposits of limestone and marl were discovered there, n.s well as coal in the near vicinity. Limestone and marl aro the principal ingredients in the manufacture of the best cement, and the Golden Bay Cement Company some twelve years ago erected the mos* compact works and up-to-date plant in New Zealand. These works arc now producing a cement equal to the best English Portland cement. During the serious trade depression which followed the war period these works unfortunately had to close down, but it will be gratifying to all interested to learn that the company has recommenced operations and is again distributing cement on the various markets in New Zealand. The company has been reconstructed, and is nowunder entirely new management, and it is safe to assume that Golden Bay should have a very important part to plav in the future industrial history of the Dominion. REFUSE BROS, | Canterbury Agents, Golden Cement. 2