matics and astronomy. He was also instructed to clear up the mystery pertaining to the geography of the Pacific Ocean, especially in the south, by proceeding in that direction as far as latitude 40°. If he found no land he was to sail westward until he reached New Zealand, which was to be thoroughly explored and reported upon.
It was in the carrying out of these instructions, therefore, that on October 7th, 1769, he sighted land in the vicinity of Poverty Bay, anchoring therein two days later. Having completed his survey of the North Island and taken possession of it in the name of the King, he sailed southward to Ship Cove, Queen Charlotte Sound, not realising he was in another island. Here necessary repairs were carried out, and he from a nearby hill saw the strait which now bears his name, and realised for the first time that New Zealand consisted of two separate islands. After again taking possession in the name of the King, he sailed down the East Coast, being uncertain whether Banks Peninsula might not be an island. Continuing his voyage he rounded Stewart Island, but failed to discover Foveaux Strait. Standing in again to the southern portion of the West Coast, he observed what he considered to be a large well sheltered natural harbour, but did not attempt to enter owing to the approach of night and bad visibility. This potential anchorage which he named Dusky Bay was
