During the 1958 Centennial Celebrations, Mrs S. Hazelwood, granddaughter of Captain Frederick George Moore, discoverer of Nelson Haven, was one of the panel of speakers on the early history of Nelson.

Mrs Hazelwood recalled that Captain Moore had arrived at Wellington on February 1, 1840. For 18 months he had travelled the New Zealand coast in a ship discovering hitherto uncharted bays and inlets.

Captain Moore learned the Maori language during the course of his trips and, when he lost his ship, he offered his services to Captain Arthur Wawefield, Mrs Hazelwood said.

Pilot for Wakefield

He piloted Wakefield's boats with the early settlers on board to Massacre Bay and Blind Bay and his local knowledge proved invaluable to Wakefield. After the settlement had taken place in the Motueka district, Captain Moore, Captain Cross, Mr Brown and a Maori by the name of Pito, sailed across the bay in a cutter and discovered Nelson Haven, which they recognised would provide a safe anchorage.

Captain Moore returned to England in 1849 at his own expense and for 10 months made representations to the authorities for the provision of steam vessels for use in New Zealand and Australian waters.

He saw the success of his efforts in 1852 when the steamers, the Queen of the South sailed for New Zealand and the Lady Jocelyn for Australia.

Received Medal

Captain Moore was presented with a medal inscribed "For Services" by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort, in recognition of his services to New Zealand. The medal is now held in the Turnbull Library.

Mrs Hazelwood pointed out that Captain Moore had been in Nelson for the 50th Jubilee. She had with her on the present occasion the captain's original manuscripts which have been copied by the Turnbull Library.