Page:Old Westland (1939).pdf/42



, during his second voyage round the world in the Resolution, sailed into Dusky Sound, on March 26th, 1773, and there established health recruiting quarters for his officers and men. The obtaining of fresh meat was his first consideration and as seals were to be seen in great numbers one was immediately killed and consumed. Having established himself Cook next proceeded to make a survey (and a very excellent survey, too) of Dusky. In this connection, Robert McNab, M.A., LL.B. one time Member of the House of Representatives, and Minister of Lands and Agriculture, in “Murihiku,” that incomparable contribution to literature pertaining to the southern portion of the South Island of New Zealand, states that the fact that Cook gave to the world information that here was a safe anchorage, where there was first-class timber