Jakub Gałązka 3a
„Moordenaarsbaai” – “The Bay of Murderers”
(The diary of Abel Tasman)
5th December, 1642.
My name is Abel Tasman and I’m starting to lose hope, that me, and my crew will be able to come back home. Due to adverse winds we had to change our course from north to east. We haven’t seen any land in a long time. We still have plenty of fresh water and food, but it won’t last long. Soon we will be forced to restrain rations between crew members, including me.
12th December, 1642
My prayers had been listened to. We can finally see the land. It looks like it hasn’t been discovered yet. I can’t find it on any map I’ve got here. I’m very excited, but at the same time I’m worried. I can’t be sure what we are going to find there. We need to be careful. Soon I’ll be able to send a boat with people so they can check if it’s safe. I hope that we will find some water there. We are almost out of it.
13th December, 1642
We need to get out of here as soon as possible. Only half of my men that I’ve sent on the boat, came back. They were attacked by the savage natives. They flanked them by using their boats. We couldn’t see them in the mist. My people were forced to run. They are still after us. They only have bows and primitive spears, but they are outnumbering us. My boys said that, they think they have killed one or two of them but they aren’t sure. They looked more like monsters with their painted faces than normal human beings. God help us, to get out of this Bay of Murderers.
14th December, 1642
I don’t know where we are, but the natives lost our trail and that’s the only thing that matters right now. We dropped the anchor around a mile from the nearest beach and now we are trying to get some rest. So far we haven’t seen any natives here. I hope it stays that way. Tomorrow we will use launches to get on land. They aren’t in the best shape after yesterday’s fighting, but that’s all we have right now.
19th December, 1642
It’s been quite some time since my last entry. Lately I couldn’t find much time nor energy to write. The fragment of the island we found is native-less. We explored it as best as we could. I’ve already made a map, based on the information my people gave me. I think we will stay here for a long time. We need to rest, and gather enough supplies to get back to Batavia*. I miss it.
24th December, 1642
Christmas Eve, the weather so different from Holland’s. Cloudless blue skies, crystal clean ocean and the greenery! The longer I live here, the more I enjoy it. But my boys don’t feel the same. They hate it, and they wish to leave this place as soon as possible. It makes me sad that they can’t simply take joy from the spectacular views, as I do.
27th December, 1642
It was the most rich, peaceful and warm Christmas in my life, but soon we will be taking off. We are almost ready. We repaired our ship, gathered food and water. This place is beautiful. It’s a shame that I have to leave it. I fell in love with its landscapes. I called this piece of heaven „Zeehaen Bight”. It’s a tribute to a Batavic library. Now every time I will visit it, it will remind me of this place.
3th January, 1643
Tomorrow is the day, we are finally leaving. It will be a very long and though journey. I can’t describe how sad but relieved at the same time, I am. I hope that we’ll get home in one piece…
4th January, 1643
Right now I’m watching the most beautiful sunrise in my life. I hope that one day I’ll be able to come back here. My crew didn’t feel as strong bond to this island as I did. They are afraid that I’m going to stay here for ever. But I won’t, I have things to do in Batavia. More important than my own happiness.
21th January 1643
My journey has ended. After a very difficult cruise, we are back in Batavia. But… I don’t feel happy.
Because every day I dream about that sunrise on that beautiful island and I wish I was there.
The End
*an old name for Holland
Klaudia Gruszczyńska 2a
Almost a month from my life in New Zealand
… Finally I’m here! After such a tiring journey I reached my destination. Only the God knows how exhausted I am! But the best is just about to come…
5th February
I still can’t believe I’m in the place where people greet a new day as the first in the world. What unforgettable sunrises and sunsets there are! I could admire them over and over again.
Gisborne is situated at the east cost of the North Island, famous for its airport connection with the unique and still active railway line. I am looking forward to seeing Gisborne Botanical Gardens, a huge garden where people can see different kinds of trees (oaks, plane trees and many others). I’ll take a lot of photos there, as I am a nature lover.
8th February
It’s time for Hamilton one of the biggest cities there. Although I hate milk I am curiously listening to the story about the biggest milk factory in the whole world. In the distance I can admire Hamilton Gardens – a 54- hectare park situated on the banks of the Waikato River. It includes enclosed gardens, open lawns and a lake. I take my time because everything is new here for me.
12th February
Wellington here I come! The capital city located at the south- western tip of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range.
First, I’ll stay longer in St. Paul’s Cathedral where I can pray and rest for a while. It is made of wood in a gothic style. Then, I’ll visit some museums, theatres, galleries, boutiques and bars where there is an opportunity to try a traditional hangi (a dish prepared with mutton, beef, chicken and vegetables) or paje (dumplings stuffed with meat). What is more, I’ll buy some souvenirs for my family and close friends, mainly leather, wool or pottery products that are popular here.
16th February
Finally, I came to Queenstown where I’ll spend the next seven days. This city has a wonderful and unforgettable atmosphere. I’ve already visited the city park, perfect for morning walks. In the afternoon I went to the port and then I wandered around the main walkway observing how the life went on there. I was very happy seeing cheerful and lively people eating delicious dishes while listening to calm music.
Tomorrow I’ll catch the steepest cable railway that will take me to Bob’s Peak. The view, from what I’ve heard, will be breathtaking. I’ll take hundred of photos because I am aware of the fact that I won’t come back here again very soon.
23rd February
How proud of myself I am! I’ve tried bungee jumping! It was an unforgettable experience. I’ll try it again if I ever have the chance.
Thus my adventure comes to the end. I really do not want to leave this country which national symbol is kiwi, both a delicious, sweet and juicy fruit and a small bird without a tail. This place is called a country of long, white cloud by its original inhabitants, the Maoris. Do you know its name? Yes, you are right, it’s New Zealand.
Kamil Andrzejczak 3a
A war between North and South Island
Thursday, 13th July 2019, New Zealand, Wellington, orders given by The Governor to the main commander of his army.
- Commander. Today I, the leader of the North Island, Governor Braxton, speak to you about a dire situation.
All the money from the Zealandian vault had been stolen. We have evidence that it was taken by spies working for the South Island! We have tried diplomatic ways, yet they seem not to work. We NEED to finally stand up to these Southerners.
But we can’t simply attack them. Not overtly. You see, they have set up watchtowers on some small islands around their main territory. They give them a perfect protection against a straight attack.
Defeating a garrison next to Graymouth would be a vital strategic victory. We have to drive the Islanders from it! For New Zealand!
*transmission ends*
Tuesday, 16th July 2019, Garrison near Graymouth.
-Congratulations, Commander! As for your first war, you seem to be a promising leader. Now that we have an outpost set nearby their territory, we can transport more units there and break their defences. Our next target-
*another person joins the transmission, it is the premier of New Zealand, the leader of South Island, Levi*
- Well, well, would you look at that, commander! Our traitorous Premier joined us. The Queen already knows of your treason! What do you want now?
- What is this aggression of yours supposed to be, Braxton?! How can you even consider calling me a traitor?!
- Aggression? You are the aggressor here, and a thief as well! What’s worse is that you were the last person I would accuse of such a vicious, unhonourable deed as stealing our money! Alas, how wrong a person could be!
- We did NOT touch your vault, wherever it is, although I have my doubts about its security and the intelligence of the guards protecting it. And yours if you believe we had anything to do with it.
- How dare you! We will crush the South Island and take back what is ours!
- This island has a name. Te Wai Pounamu, to be certain.
*Levi leaves the transmission.*
Hah! Did you hear that, commander?! He still claims he didn’t commit this crime! Unfortunately for him the talking time is over.
I need you to leave Graymouth Garrison and push forward until you reach Mountain Hutt. When you get there, the rest of those tiny watchtowers will hold no threat for us. After you take it I will send over more of our units, aerial, this time. Prepare yourself, for we slowly reach the end of our short campaign. Good luck, commander.
*End of the transmission*
Sunday, 21st July 2019, Mountain Hutt.
- I must say, I am impressed with your leadership. With you standing in front of our army we cannot lose. I am proud of you, Commander. I also have to admit that we require your presence here.
A green, virtual map appeared behind Governor Braxton.
- We have spotted a whole fleet with the flags of the South. They are heading to New Plymouth, and it is not a trading company, my friend. You need to send part of your army there quickly! Around a half will suffice. The Southerners are sending their whole navy force and New Plymouth alone will not stand a chance in a longer fight. I order you to begin a surprise attack. If we lose this port, we will also lose our fleet and morale of our people.
*Third person joins the transmission, it’s the General of the Defensive Forces, Williams*
- Sir, we cannot rely completely on this one man! You have gone mad! Neither we have to protect this port at all cost. We still have half of our fleet at Naspier! Even then we have our air force!
- And what… lose New Plymouth and the soldiers morale with half of our fleet destroyed? Who is talking nonsense here?
- Defending New Plymouth is pointless, Sir! We should focus on South Island!
- I did not ask for your opinion, general Williams! Now, to the second part of the defence which considers you. You’ll lead the main charge! Your forces shall repel Southern forces until our Commander arrives.
- You are sending us on a suicide mission, Governor! So be it!
*General Williams leaves the transmission*
- Now, that everything is set, Commander, it is time to rally our forces. I have other matters I must attend to. Make haste.
*Transmission ends*
Saturday, 27th July 2019, Mountain Hutt.
- Outstanding, Commander! You arrived just in time to finish what General Williams has started! We are all grateful.
Also, with all their forces crushed and on their knees and the centre of the Island taken, we can finally march into their Headquarters on the very peak of Mountain Cook! This is very important, Commander. I promise that if you succeed AND bring all the state funds back into the vault I shall reward you profusely. Now to the plan. You’ll lead the frontal charge! Our air forces will follow you soon after you begin. Levi has to be taken alive. He will receive the trial he due deserves.
Now, as Maori people say, ngā manaakitanga pai* to you, Commander!
*Transmission ends*
Ngā manaakitanga pai* – Good luck
Saturday, 3rd August 2019, peak of Mountain Cook
- What did you mean in your report?! What did that „No state funds were found” supposed to mean? They have to be somewhere on the South Island! We can’t pay our debts and keep the country going if the vault stays empty! Search everywhere!
*Third person joins the transmission. It is general of the Zealandian guard, Liam.*
- Good day to you, Governor, and to you, Commander.
- Oh, it is not good! There was no money on the Mountain Cook!
- This is the matter I am here to tell you about. Funds weren’t stolen, not even a single penny of it.
- What? But… But there were no money and we captured the Southern spies!
- Southern Tourists, sir.
- Nonsense! Where is all the money our vault contained, then?!
- In the second vault, directly under the first one, near the western coast.
- But… We have already… And the Premier has been… Commander! Leave the premier where you found him and retreat! NOW! I repeat! Stop fighting! Come back to the North Island!
*Transmission ends*
And so we reach the end of this story. The whole war over the “stolen” money was pointless, unfounded and cost the lives of many good soldiers, who followed the orders of an uninformed, big-headed man. Governor Braxton was taken to a trial but he didn’t lose his life, he presently spends his life in a cosy prison cell as a sort of celebrity. A new Governor was elected, and with that South Island began its reconstruction with the help of people from the North. It took a long time for the two islands to reunite again. And even though the peace returned upon the islands, the people lost their trust in authorities and in each other.
THE END.
Possibly.
Barbara Boruch 2a (editor – M. Stasińska)
A trip to New Zealand (a script of a short play)
Characters: A teacher, a guide, ten children, some Hobbits, some dolphins
Scene 1
The Children and the Teacher are flying to New Zealand on a school trip. They land at the Wellington airport.
Kid 1: Wow! What a big airport!
The teacher: Come on children! We are going to a special hotel in a very special place.
Kid 2: What place?
The teacher: It’s a surprise!
Kid 3: I’m so curious! Please, tell us! Tell us!
The teacher: If I tell you now, it won’t be a surprise anymore, will it?
As they are leaving the airport, one of the kids finds a leaflet.
Kid 4: Look at that picture! What is it? A hotel in Hobbiton in Matamata. Miss, are we going there?
The teacher: Now you know where we are going. Hobbiton, that was the surprise.
Kid 5: Hurray! I love Hobbits! Maybe we will meet some? Would it be nice?
Kid 1: Yes, in your dreams!
Scene 2
At Hobbiton Hotel in Matamata
Kid 6: This is wonderful! Are we going to stay here the whole time?
Some Hobbits leave the hotel
Kid 7: Look! There are Hobbits living in this hotel, too! Amazing!
Kid 8: Thank you Teacher! I can’t wait till I share a room with a Hobbit!
The teacher: Wait a minute, you got it all wrong. I hope you realise that those aren’t real Hobbits, but the actors playing their roles. There is a movie plan nearby and that’s why they stay in the hotel, but we are going to live there.
She points to some ugly cottages
Kids: OH! NOOO!
The teacher: Don’t be upset. They are quite comfortable. And I have another surprise for you.
Kid 9: What is it, Miss?
The teacher: Do you like swimming with dolphins?
Kid 10: I don’t know. I have never done it before. There aren’t any dolphins in Poland, you know.
The teacher: But they are here. We are in New Zealand after all! When we unpack we are going to the Bay of Islands and you’ll be able to swim with dolphins.
Kid 10: But they are going to be real dolphins, not some actors playing their roles?
The teacher: Ha, ha! Very funny! Real dolphins this time, I promise!
Scene 3
The teacher and the children are wearing swimming costumes. They are on a boat with the guide.
The guide: In a minute you are going to swim with the dolphins. Please remember to show them your respect. If you don’t they will simply leave you and go somewhere else. They don’t like stupid people.
Kid 1: I’ll be very disappointed if they go away.
The guide: So behave properly and they will stay and play with you. OK?
Kids: OK! Can we jump in?
The guide: Yes, I think they are waiting for you.
The teacher: Can I jump too?
The guide: No, I’m afraid you have to stay here with me and observe the children in case something happens to them.
The teacher: But I won’t be able to help. I can’t swim!
The guide: Neither can I.
The teacher: You are kidding, aren’t you!
The guide: I know that most people think I am a funny guy, but this time I am deadly serious. Let’s hope nothing happens.
But just then some children start to fool around and pretend that they are drowning and soon they really start to have problems. The dolphins leave the stupid children and swim away.
The teacher: Oh, no! Why did I choose you? This was the stupidest mistake in my life! Help!!!
The guide: Don’t worry!
He takes out the mobile phone
The guide: Hello! It’s me, The Hobbit King. We’ve got a situation here in the Bay of Islands. We need help now!
Suddenly everywhere around the boat there are Hobbits and they start to rescue the children and take them to the shore.
Hobbit 1: That was really stupid of you! You could seriously hurt yourself and your friends!
Kid 2: I know, it was silly. I’m sorry.
Hobbit 2: Don’t do it again. Think before you act!
Kid 3: Yes, my mum always says so. But it was fun at first.
Hobbit 3: But it wasn’t funny when you couldn’t breathe, was it?
Kid 3: No, it was scary. Thank you for rescuing us.
He hugs the Hobbit
Kid 3: Wait a minute, you aren’t wearing a costume. Those are real hairy feet and pointy ears. You aren’t actors! You are Hobbits!!
Hobbit 3: What are you talking about? What costume? What actors?
The teacher: How is it possible? You are real Hobbits? As J. R. R. Tolkien described you in his books?
Hobbit 4: Oh, all right. Yes, we are. Let’s go to our holes and we will talk about it and drink some tea.
Scene 4
They are at the Pancake Rocks Holes, a hobbits’ village hidden behind one of the Rocks. That’s the place which J. R. R. Tolkien imagined and wrote about in his books but couldn’t ever dream it would be in New Zealand. J
The teacher: It’s wonderful here! So cosy and nice and comfortable!
Hobbit 1: That’s how we like it. Let’s drink some tea and listen to some Maori music and maybe even dance. Mr Tolkien didn’t know we like Maori dancing.
The guide: I hope you like your trip after all, kids from Poland.
Kids: Yeeees!!
The end
