MONSTERS OF THE DEEP.

Northern Advocate, 8 April 1918, Page 2

MONSTERS OF THE DEEP.

WHALES ON THE WESTERN

COAST

The motor trip to the West Coast yesterday, organised by Mr P. J. Thorley, was a complete success. The attraction was the sight of no fewer than 25 great whales which, having got into shallow water, had been washed ashore by a heavy sea on to the long- sandy stretch at Bayly's Beach. The spectacle was certainly a unique one, and whenthe visitors from Whangarei arrived there was every sign of commercial activity. Such a haul could not be expected every day and both Europeans and Maoris were found busy with primitive trying-out plants recovering oil. The stranded monsters ranged from 45 feet in length by 20 fti girth downwards, and fortunately, at the time of inspection, decomposition had not set in and there was no offensive smell. Although a large quantity of valuable, oil was being the,' impression formed by the party was that quite half the return was being lost owing to the employment of primitive methods. Mr Thorley's party consisted of 20 passengers conveyed in four cars, but this number was supplemented by private parties and it is estimated that at least 55 Whangarei people made the run through. Perfect weather was enjoyed and the run through to Dargaville was made in good time. After a hearty lunch at this point the trip was continued to the coast where the party stayed for several hours. At four o'clock in the afternoon the return journey was commenced and Mr Thorley landed his party without mishap or delay back in Whangarei by 7 p.m. The roads were found to be in splen- v did order throughout and no accident marred the pleasure of the outing, Mr Thorley's business enterprise in promoting the excursion is fully appreciated and the patronage extended to his venture was well-de-served. ' .