BOOKS

FIRST SCIENTIST IN NEW ZEALAND —? ?

Sir Joseph Banks in New Zealand, from his journal. Edited by W. P. Morrell, A. H. and A. W. Reed, Wellington, 1958, 21/-.

A wealthy man in his own right, Sir Joseph Banks was only twenty-five when he sailed in the Endeavour, taking part in Cook's first voyage to New Zealand at his own expense, accompanied by his suite of nine persons. He had already had good field experience and he took with him on the voyage the best obtainable equipment, as judged by the standards of the day.

Although Banks was Cook's junior by fifteen years, he soon became Cook's right-hand man ashore, and according to their journals only once did their strong personalities clash.

Banks' journal reveals his keen interest and great powers of observation and contains records of the greatest value on the life and character of the Maoris, when untouched by European influence. His naturalist's investigations were limited to the coasts, owing to the warlike inhabitants but it is through his writings in the journal that the Maoris were properly described for the first time.

This volume, ably edited by W. P. Morrell, Professor of History in the University of Otago, is issued by A. H. and A. W. Reed as a companion to “Captain Cook in New Zealand” (1951).

MODERN BOOKS