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Life in Early Poverty Bay

Four More Natives Killed

Four More Natives Killed.

Having failed, as above related, to establish any sort of friendly intercourse with the people, Cook proceeded with his three boats, to examine the bay in search of fresh water, and also with the design, if possible, of surprising some of the natives and getting them on board his ship, that by kind treatment their friendship might be secured, and that, by their means, an amicable correspondence might be established with their countrymen. Two canoes were seen coming in from the sea, making apparently for the mouth of the Kopututea river, which was then situated much nearer the Turanganui than it is now, and somewhere near where it is shown in the accompanying map. One of these canoes was intercepted, but, on the approach of the boats, the crew, seven in number, began the attack so vigorously with their paddles, with stones, and with other weapons, that the order was given to fire upon them, when four were, unhappily killed. The other three, who were all young lads, immediately leaped into the water, but were soon captured and taken on board the ship. Their names were—Te Haurangi, Ikirangi and Marukauiti. (Cook writes the names thus: “Taahourange, Koikerange and Maragovette.” The descendants of Ikirangi and Marukauiti still talk of the intercourse which their ancestors held with “Tepaea” but the name of page break page 8 Te Haurangi is forgotten.) The kind attentions of their captors soon allayed their fears, and they became very sociable, asking and answering many questions with great appearance of pleasure and curiosity. On the following morning (Tuesday, October 10) they were told, to their great delight, that they were to be put on shore again, but it was not without reluctance that they consented to be left at the place where the boats had landed the day before. An officer and a party of men had already been sent on shore to that spot to cut wood, and Cook afterwards landed at the same place, with the three boys, Mr. Banks, Dr. Solander, and Tupaea. When they had crossed the river, the boys, after some hesitation, took their leave. Cook and his own companions then crossed the Waikanae at the old ford, a short distance from the mouth, and strolled up the right, or seaward, bank of the creek, hoping to shoot some ducks, four marines being directed to keep abreast of them on the sandy ridge between the creek and the sea, to guard against surprise.

Sketch in Relation to Cook's Doings at Gisborne (By Bishop William Williams).

Sketch in Relation to Cook's Doings at Gisborne (By Bishop William Williams).