PELORUS JACK'S PROTECTION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13917, 31 May 1909, Page 3

PELORUS JACK'S PROTECTION.

RENEWABLE IX SEPTEMBER

It is common belief tliat Pelorus Jack" is protected by a special Act ol Parliament.' This, savs the ;" Xew Zealand Times," is ail error, j Tlie famous " fish or mamjiial " is not the subject of a special Act of Parliament, out is. safeguarded jby Government Proclamation, under the hand of the Goveriior-ip-Council. Even this notice does not specially apfily to " Pelorus Jack," but affects generally all members of his species, within certain limits. In the Gazeztte of 20th September, 1904, it was stipulated that during a period of five years froin that date it would not. be' lawful for any person "to take the fish ;6r mammal of the species commonly -. known as Hisso's dolphin (grumpiis ignseus; in the waters of Cook Strait or of the bays, sounds arid estuaries' adjacent thereto." Offenders against this regulation are liable to a penalty of not less than £5 nor more than i' 10().

Hence, so far as the Government-is concerned at present, Pelorus Jack is protected - only so long as; lie remains content with his old haunts, and if any of his brethren care to join him in his habitat they will also share the measure of protection afforded by the regulation of September, i!JO4. This period of grace will expire on the L>9th September next, but it is sure to be renewed. Some verv readable chronicles about

"Pelorus Jack" are given in the Tourist Department's new book about the Marlborough Sounds and Xelson. It is mentioned that " Jack " is semi-wor-shipped as a god-fish by some of the older Maoris. In the family record recited by the veteran Kipa Hemi Wliiro, "Jack's" history dates back at least eleven generations, or 275" years.

"Jack" is the family taniwha of the tribe, and .is reverently known as ■" Kairkai-waro. . " Bear iii. mind," said old- Kipft,. !i that this, i.s no common (rearvire of the ocean..; He is the embodiment of our tribal mana. He is our family .guardian' deity, and he has a niana-tapu, a very'great manatapu." The venerable" Jack " figures prominently in many pretty \Maori legends and romances. The. stories say that lie was ever rendv 1o listen to incantations for uttered by •nembers of Kipa's tribe, and .'"sped like a darted spear "—in Kipa!s wurds —to help them.