AN INTERESTING PICTURE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue III, 16 January 1897, Page 59

AN INTERESTING PICTURE.

CAPTAIN M. T. CLAYTON, of Auckland, is well known as a marine painter who has successfully transferred to canvas more than one interesting event in the history of the colony. For his latest picture he has chosen one of the most picturesque events in the early days of New Zealand —the lauding of Captain Hobson at the Bay of Islands to proclaim Her Majesty’s sovereignty of the country. Captain Clayton painted his picture aided by sketches made at the time by the Rev. P. Walsh and Mr E. Williams, who was native interpreter to Governor Hobson. Mr Watkin, the Auckland artist, who is well versed in Maori, supplied the information regarding the figures and their appropriate costumes. The scene of the landing was at the Bay of Islands on the opposite shore to Russell. H.M.S. ‘ Herald ’ arrived with Governor Hobson on board. He landed in the cutter after to a.m. on ths beach below Mr Busby's house. The painting represents the ‘ Herald ’at anchor beyond the whaling vessels which were lying off Russell. She is firing a royal salute ; while the 12 oar cutter, accompanied by a war canoe, is nearing the beach. The figure standing in advance of the seated Maoris is the chief of the tribe. Above the seated Maorisare the women of the tribe, the youngest in advance waving a welcome. In the left hand of the corner on the top of the hill was Mr Busby’s house. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in a tent erected on the lawn below the house, or in front of the house, and not where the obelisk now stands, close to the Waitangi river.