FIGHT WITH A WHALE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 262, 2 November 1907, Page 7

FIGHT WITH A WHALE.

EXCITIXG EXPERIENCE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHPJSTCHUKCH, Friday. Of the many whaling stations that existed in 2\ew Zealand, Kia Koara is one of few that still maintains its men and boats, on the chance of straj; cachalots putting in an appearance. During recent years whales nave become rarer and rarer, and it is now a matter of great importance to the population of the little seaport when the once familiar cry of

"There she blows" is announced from the lookout station. On Thursday last two wiales were viewed cruising in North Bay, and though the whalers' boats were hauled up, and th| gear stowed away for the season, scratch crews were soon in pursuit of the leviathans. In a few minutes the boats were on the treck of a big cow and an almost full-grown calf. For more than an hour the chase was kept up, the whales keeping well ahead of the pursuers, who stuck to their task with dogged determination. Eventually one of the boats got to witnin striking distance, and the harpoon found its mark in the calf. Immediately the cow showed fight in the endeavour to protect its offspring, and hundreds of spectators who lined the points of vantage on the shore were treated to a remarkable spectacle. Time after time the cow dasied across the line in her endeavours to snap it, but without avail. Twice she actually brushed the boats, the occupants of which were drenched with showers of spray., and occasionally it was touch and go as to whether the craft would be capsized. After a while the harpooned calf, protected by the large whale, which was bellowing and plunging without cessation, made straight for the beach with the boat in tow. Twice the harpooner got his lance home on the big fish, and soon the sea was tinged with blood. Just when it looked certain that both would beach themselves a sudden movement was made to the northward, and this dislodged the harpoon from the captive. They immediately disappeared, and there was nothing left for the whalers but to return home disappointed and exhausted. It was the first time this season that the crew have been near to making a capture, and, wiJi a little luck would have secured both, the value of which would have amounted to several hundred pounds.

The leadin? spirit for more than 50 years—WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS.

m ~