Captain Cook Returns To Anaura Bat

Nearly 200 years after Captain Cook visited Anaura Bay, about ten miles north of Tolaga Bay, the famous navigator's landing there in search of food and water was re-enacted by Tolaga Bay High School pupils in a ceremony last month.

The occasion was the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate Cook's visit in October, 1769, shortly after his first landfall at Gisborne. This was the first of a number of similar plaques which will be erected by the National Historic Places Trust to mark places, buildings, and occasions of importance in New Zealand's history. Several members of the Trust were present.

Although the ceremony tooK place close to the shortest day, the weather was more like that of early summer, and this, along with the picturesque setting, the pageantry of the re-enactment, and the sense of history which hung over the scene, combined to make the day a memorable one for all present.

"Captain Cook" (Soren Olsen) and his bodyguard (Cyril Olsen and Bruce Callaghan) landing on the beach opposite the Anaura Bay school.

Captain Cook watches as girls in native costume demonstrate with canoe poi how their ancestors came to Aotearoa.

The motorist's first view of Anaura Bay, with the school at the foot of the access road

Mr Peter Maurirere extending a welcome to the visitors. Plaque (inset) is set in concrete block at left, covered with Union Jack.

Mr J. T. Hill, chairman of the Trust's regional branch, speaking at the microphone. Seated, left to right, are Mr C. M. Bowden, retiring chairman of the Trust, Mr D. W. W. Williams, chairman Waiapu County Council, Dr John Beaglehole, historian and editor of Cook's journals, Mr H. H. Barker, Mayor of Gisborne, Mr V. F. Fisher and Mr H. E. Duff Daysh, members of the Trust.

Mr Bowden unveiling the plaque.

Dr Beaglehole quoting extracts from Cook's journals relating to his visit to Anaura Bay.

Captain Cook, arrived on the beach, is challenged by the Maori chief (Magnus Brown).

Visitors from Wellington took keen interest in preparation of hangi.

The waiters were appropriately garbed......

......and the food was tino pai.

The guests at dinner. At left, nearest camera, is the Trust's secretary, Mr John Pascoe. Next to him are Mr Jock Corson, regional secretary, and Dr Beaglehole. At right, from far end, are Mr Fisher, Mr and Mrs Barker, Mr and Mrs Hill, Soren Olsen, Mr Ormond Wilson, chairman of the Trust, Mr Williams, Mr Bowden, and Mr Duff Daysh.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 49 : July 24, 1958

Captain Cook Returns To Anaura Bat