Submitted by admin on April 22, 2009 - 23:12
HISTORY – SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
The first published account of Cook's 1769–71 voyage – Hawkesworth's edition – appeared in 1773. New Zealand, previously a mere geographical enigma, became known for its human interest and commercial potentialities. Cook described the belligerent and intelligent natives, the great stands of timber, the flax plant, the seals, and the equable climate. Missionaries were drawn by his description of the people; traders and would-be colonisers by his description of resources.