MAORI WHALING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19673, 15 December 1933, Page 13

MAORI WHALING

OLD METHODS SURVIVE OPEN BOATS AS CHASERS An interesting example of primitive industry and sport is displayed by Maori methods of catching whales in the Bay of Plenty, between Te Kaha and Cape Runaway. The chasing boats are locally built, heavy and staunch, and of the ship's boat type, about 20ft. long and manned by nine stalwart Maoris. The captain, who is also steersman, generally an old chief well versed in his art, and the rowers are picked for their strength, stamina and capabilities in handling the huge sweeps or oars. The oarsman in the bows also handles the harpoon and is usually a tremendous fellow. At various vantage points along the coast, look-out stations are established. The equipment is a long manuka pole with a flag attached, a pile of firewood and green leaves for smoke signals, and occasionally an old, battered ship’s telescope. Preparations for Expedition. About October, a time when, according to an old Maori, the wfiales are returning to the south from their breeding grounds, the crews are picked and boats made seaworthy. Then comes the happy day when the first whale is sighted. The “look-out” at once gives a loud “coo-ee,” a cry evidently picked from the early Australian whalers, runs up his flag as a signal to other stations that a whale has been sighted, and makes a dash for the boat. The “coo-ee” is taken up by everybody in hearing and for the next 10 minutes or so, the cry can be heard in every direction. All work is abandoned. Horses harnessed to ploughs are left to take care of themselves, sheep being mustered are deserted, cows bailed up for milking are left for others to milk and a general rush is made for the boats. Order for Launching. At the boat, as each man arrives, he takes up his post and immediately the last man arrives the orders are given by the old captain for launching. The boat is slid down to the water on rough rollers, and the crew is away, through the narrow opening in the reef and pulling hard for the spot where the whale was seen spouting. The whales at this time of the year are apparently content to laze and play through these waters, delayed maybe by the slow speed of the young whale calves, and it is due to this fact that the crews are enabled to get within striking distance of them. Eager eyes from the boat scan the sea for a while. Frantic signals from the Maori women on the look-out station seem to indicate that the spot has been over-run and the boat is put about and rowed back. The whale is sighted. “Thar see bows” (ther® she blows) comes from all lips. The men get into their swing, everybody in perfect rhythm, and the old boat shoots forward at a great speed. The old Maori captain at this stage is a real study, and his face assumes a furious expression in his excited efforts to urge the crew to their utmost. As the boat approaches the whale the order is given to the harpooner to “stand up ready,” and at the right moment the powerfully-driven barbed steel is driven home. Then the fun begins. Down under up and away shoots the whale, with the rope playing out at a great rate. When sufficient scope has been given the whale to eliminate the risk of tail lashing, the order is given to ship oars, hold the ropfe and make fast. The boat now is fairly in tow and is pulled along at a great rate. Fatal Thrust With Lance. After some time, the whale begins to show signs of fatigue. The boat is now steadily hauled up to tTie whale by the crew, and the captain makes a thrust for the heart with the first of the three lances kept sharp for the purpose. Oars are out In readiness and at the moment of impact the boat is backed very hurriedly away to escape the terrific turmoil caused by the whale thrashing and lashing. The lance has not struck a vital spot and the whale is off again with fresh energy. Again the process of hauling up is gone through, and at the second attempt the lance pierces the heart. The sport is now over and the extremely arduous task of hauling the whale homewards begins. The whale in its runs may take the boat miles from shore and sometimes two days are taken on the home Journey. Small dinghies are sent out from the shore, and supplies of cooked kumaras and pork are transferred to the whalers to satisfy immediate needs, but for the home coming, a tremendous feast is prepared. The whale is subsequently cut up and the whale oil sold. This is a description of a successful trip, but many are the fruitless days of hard toil, damage to boats and endless chasing which brings the crew home dog-tired.