Norfolk Island was, in 1787, colonized by Captain Philip King, R.N., by free settlers and prisoners from New South Wales. In 1809 a combined, but unsuccessful attempt was made by the settlers, the military, and the prisoners, to take possession of the island. Our second attempt to reach the ship was successful. At sunset filled, and made sail. [Sidenote: May 11.] If my readers are sick of the sea, or sea-sick, I advise them to skip the journal until the 19th of June. Since leaving Norfolk Island, the wind, with a strong lee set, prevented our reaching Auckland by the northern route. [Sidenote: May 19.] We entered Cook’s Straits, and in the evening came to off Port Nicholson. [Sidenote: May 20.] 10 A.M.--Weighed and attempted to work up under double-reefed topsails, with topgallant sails over, but were obliged to come to again with both bower-anchors between Barrett reef and the eastern shore in the afternoon. [Sidenote: May 21.] Wind lulled, weighed, ran up, and came to in Lampton Harbour. Found our fore-yard sprung. [Sidenote: May 24.] At noon fired a royal salute in commemoration of Her Majesty’s Birthday. [Sidenote: May 25.] Weighed and made sail, running down the harbour. Before, however, we could get clear of Pencarrow Head, we were met by a strong southerly breeze; reefed topsails, and worked out by sunset. The breeze outside freshened to a gale, against which we worked all night! [Sidenote: New Zealand, May 26.] At daylight found ourselves off Cape Porirua; bore up. At 10.30 A.M. came to with both bower-anchors in 23 fathoms, off Kapiti Island. The anchorage none of the best, but any port in such a storm as that we had just taken shelter from. [Sidenote: May 28.] Weighed at 5 A.M. to a light N.E. wind, and ran along the land. [Sidenote: June 2.] Came to in 7 fathoms in Waitemata Harbour. Port Nicholson and Auckland are both splendid harbours. Much to be done, which British capital and enterprise will achieve. At present there is neither watering nor landing-place. As a proof of the latter, the port captain at Auckland visited the ship in a pair of long jack boots--his usual costume! These colonies are rapidly rising into importance. [Sidenote: June 8.] Weighed and stood out of the harbour. [Sidenote: June 9.] Worked into the Bay of Islands. Came to in Kororareka Bay. Did not find the facility we hoped for in obtaining spars. The town contains but few inhabitants, and was reduced to half its former size, by shot-holes in the church and other buildings, made during the war with the brave Heki. The bay, however, deserves all the praise that has been bestowed upon it. [Sidenote: June 10.] Weighed at 8 P.M., made sail, and ran out of the bay. [Sidenote: June 13.] Breeze freshened into a northerly gale, which, veering round to N.E., blew hard and reduced us to a close-reefed main topsail. [Sidenote: June 14.] First cutter washed away. More moderate towards afternoon. [Sidenote: June 19.]