RARE WHALE FOUND

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 68, 13 December 1933, Page 10

RARE WHALE FOUND

Carcase Washed Up on Beach MAY BE PLACED IN MUSEUM By Telegraph.—Press Association. Hawera, December 12. The skeleton of a rare species of mammal of considerable scientific value may be placed in the Wanganui Museum as the result of the identification yesterday by Mr. G. Shepherd, of the museum, of the carcase of a Berardius Arnouxi, commonly known as a porpoise whale. The carcase, about 16 feet long, was washed up in the vicinity of Ohawe beach in November, but drifted away at high tide a few days later. In the meantime the discovery was reported to Mr. Shepherd, who requested that a look-out be kept, and when it was again washed up last week-end he was notified. . , .. Visiting the beach, he recognised the species, which is perhaps the oldest of the whale family and gradually becoming extinct. Only about 10 have previously been found in New Zealand waters. It is suggested that an effort be made to have the carcase dismembered and the skeleton sent to Wanganui for assembly at the museum.