$50,000 for Cook signature

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A letter bearing the signature of Captain James Cook and seeking permission to make his first voyage to New Zealand sold at auction last night for $51,000.

The letter was hand-written by Cook's secretary but signed by the famous navigator in July 1768.

Cook first sighted New Zealand on October 7, 1769.

The single-sheet manuscript is addressed to the commissioners of the British Admiralty.

Lieutenant Cook, as he was at the time, asks for permission to provision his ship the Endeavour for his first voyage.

The commissioners' approval is written beneath Cook's signature and the letter carries a red wax seal.

Auctioneer Peter Webb said the letter was bought by Australia's leading rare book dealer, Horden House in Sydney, on behalf of a client.

Mr Webb said Horden House was aware it might have to get a permit from Internal Affairs to export the letter, which may be covered by the New Zealand Antiquities Act.