THREE WHALES CAUGHT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19530, 13 July 1925, Page 8

THREE WHALES CAUGHT.

EXCITEMENT AT PICTON. “ KILLS ” MADE IK HARBOUR. The other day Picton was thrown into a high pitch of excitement by the appearance of three whales in the harbour, and for about an hour business within view of the water was at a standstill. The news spread rapidly, and within a remarkably short space of time the foreshore and all mints of vantage were lined with interested spectators. The whales, which proved to bo father, mother, and son, were first plainly seen spouting within a stone's throw of the wharf, and for a full half-hour were careering round within sight. Telephone messages were immediately sent to tho whaling stations, and the crowd hoped that the fast boats would arrive in time for tho “kill” to be witnessed from the land. Tho motor launches in port were “commandeered” by those keen on seeing the sport from a handy position. Well within an hour the first whale-boat, Miss Wekanui, hove in sight, followed by the Orca and the remainder of the whaling fleet of both parties. The calf goon fell a victim to Miss Wekanui, and the Orea’s bomb proved fatal to the cow, which, however, sank while being fastened to the Crescent for towing. The bull whale had, in the meantime, shot away toward Allport's Island, with tho whalers in full chase. Mr J. Perano's party was successful in gaining the prize, which, with the calf, was immediately lowed by tho Waitohi to tho boiling-down works at To Awaite. The “kill” of the first two was plainly seen from Picton, while tho whole operation was witnessed by numbers of townspeople in motor launches, which had followed in the wake of the Speed boats. It was after one o’clock before many of the sightseers returned to their ordinary business. Mr E. C. Perano’s whale was refloated during the afternoon, and towed down to the station. The tally for the season at Te Awaito up to the present is: J. A. Perano’s party 12, E. Q. Perano's party 11.