THE WHALE AND THE "MOA."

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1779, 29 February 1888, Page 3

THE WHALE AND THE "MOA."

The followiog amusing account of an impromptu whaling adventure is given by the Westport " Advertiser ": -In these dull times, when coal cargoes are scarce, and the cattle market overdone, it is refreshing to hear of one of our coliiera hiving a real lively time of it. It appears the Btaunch and favorite c.c. Mo* was steaming alone on her way to Wanganul Her popular commander, ever on the gui vire, pacing the bridge, ruminating over the mutability of things mundane, and wondering whether ha would ever step from the little Moa to the mighty Mararoa, when the calm, broad expanse arouud him Buddenly became amass of seething manunalicy, as a hundred monater3 tcom 1 the mighty deep snorted around the little Moa. Monsters to the right of her, monsters to the left of her, and still tho vofca of the cap'n thundered, ° Shiver my timbers. Qaick with the harpoons, f r your Hvea," as a huge mammal Btruck the vessel. True was the gallant's aim, for the iron entered deep into the flash of the monster. Oaught, tbe prize certainly WBO. Taking the helm, and giving the order, " Half-speed ahead," tho jovial commander beaded the Moa for p*ort, as visions of unexpected wealth filled his eyea with joy. Ahead steamed the vessel, and behind followed the whale. " Wasn't it a pretty eight," to gladden the heart of any captain. But, Alaß ! There was o splaah and a plunge, and the little Moa sprang ahead with a euddennesa that nearly took the captain off his pins. The prize was goDe. They hadn't given the mammal sufficient play, and nothing but the harpoon remained at the head of the line. Some wicked son of a oca cook, who heafd of captain Abrams' misadventure, telegraphed him that bis whale had washed ashore, aod the bold mariner's heait wee once more gad, to be again ruthlessly shattered . That whale Is still epoitlug m the briny ocean, and still looking out to get a emack at the Moa, and make a snack of another Jonah.