Whales In Hauraki Gulf

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 December 1949, Page 2

Whales In Hauraki Gulf

Six whales have been sighted off Tiritiri island, in the Hauraki Gulf, in the last few days by the lighthousekeeper on the island. Apparently disporting themselves on a submerged shelf to the north and east of the island, the whales, which were abour a quarter of a mile from the island, could be seen and heard clearly. They appeared to be about 30ft. These are the first whales the lighthouse-keeper had seen during, his three years on the island. Dr Gilbert Archey, curator of the Auckland Museum, said the whales were likely to be' either blackfish or bottle-nosed whales. They were not dangerous, unless interfered with. They are seen very infrequently so near Auckland.—(P.A.) Cypriot Woman Arrives After being among a group of Cypriots who were stranded in Darwin on Boxing Day, Miss Christina Pieri arrived by flying-boat yesterday to face another ordeal. She speaks no English and no one could be found who speaks her own language. When she arrived airways’ officials were confronted with the task of conducting her through the immigration, customs and health authorities without the benefit of an interpreter. Nothing was known about Miss Pieri, except that she was coming to New Zealand to be married. Her fiance, Mr Pieris Zandi, of Wellington, was not informed that she was coming until today and he could not be in Auckland to meet her. They have not seen each other for 10 years. Finally, Miss Pieri’s fiance telephoned from Wellington to see if she had arrived. Arrangements were made for her to travel to Wellington by train tonight. — (P.A.) __