Whalers Again to Operate from Bay

Northland Age, Volume IX, Issue 65, 24 May 1940, Page 3

Whalers Again to Operate from Bay

For over a century whalers have operated from the Bay of Islands. At periods during these years operations have for various reasons been suspended, but have later re-commenced. For many years Cook Bros, were operating, with a factory at Whangamumu, but on the death of Mr. Bert Cook about four years ago, operations ceased and the equipment sold. Now a Russell syndicate, with Mr. H. King at the head, is to again commence operations from Whanga-

Two fast launches of the type now being used by the whalers in the Tory Channel have been secured as well as a heavy towing launch. These chaser launches are epuipped with harpoon guns. The factory buildings at Whangamumu are being repaired in preparation for the whaling activities. This work has been made easier as now there is road access nearly completed to the site. Start Next Month It is hoped to commence operations next month but difficulty is being experienced in. the securing of the necessary materials. The intention is to later utilise all parts of the whales caught, the body and bones to be prepared as fertiliser. The whaling seasons in this locality are during June, July and part of August, when the whales are moving north, and in September and November, when they are going south again. Just outside the Bay of Islands the whales come close inshore, to, it is said, scrape the barnacles from their bodies. As they follow a more or less well defined track, the boats do not have to go far to sea. Previous Operations Many years ago the whalers set nets made of steel wire rope, chasing the caught whales in whale-boats. It is said that this was the only place in the world were such methods were in use. Later a small steam vessell with a harpoon gun was used and the last of these, the Hananui 11., was recently sold and is now in use as an oyster-dredger at Stewart Island. With the low price of whale oil, about £6 a ton, operations in recent years have not been profitable but with the price having risen on account of the war, to five times this sum, it is expected that a profitable industry will be established as the average whale yields about three tons of oil.