MUTTON BIRD SEASON

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 26, 21 November 1944, Page 5

MUTTON BIRD SEASON

* POOR RESULTS RECORDED BAD WEATHER PREVAILS It has now reached a point of ;grim reality with Whakataneans that any public holiday or special occasion such as Labour weekend is never favoured with the fine clear weather which seems to obtain all the rest of the year round. But it is not only Lat>our week-end which comtis within this sphere. Included als'o is the annual mutton birding season when Maoris from all parts of the district spend one hectic day pursuing this feathered species on Whale Island. This event, anticipated days before hand by the Maori community is unique in the fact that it is very seldom favoured by fine weather. This year was no exception. The schedule laid down was that the first parties were to leave on Thursday, and more were to make the. trip on Friday Saturday and Sunday-, returning Sunday morning, Sunday night and -Monday. The bad weather and high seas, however upset the plans. Most of the trips were made on Thursday, and one. on Friday. This trip, which took place in the early morning was one which ■will doubtless be well remembered. High seas banked up by an easterly wind did not make for a. smooth and uneventful voyage. Thunder and lightning together with a steady downpour accompanied the mutton birders some of whom doubtless, must have wondered after ail whether it was. worth it.br not. Trouble was also experienced by the boat on the way back through seaweed,, which war. floating on the surface, of the sea, being sucked up, through the bilge pipe causing the engine, to overheat and cease. On Saturday, the first, trip which was timed to' take- place at 4 a.m. was postponed for three-quarters of an hour when an adventurous party set out for.the. Island. Once again high seas- prevailed and after the initial trip no further ones were made that' day. On Sunday, tin, last party was landed on the' Whale, and in the early dawn the start was sounded and some. 200 Maoris commenced operations, On the whole, this season was--de-finitely poorer 'than the previous one. Naturally the fire which swept the Island some, time ago would account for this- fact. A large number of young mutton birds were also found dead outside their burrows, a crime which it' is believed can be laid at' the door of roving cats. Yesterday, the trips back to the mainland Pursued by immerous squalls the Port Whakatane which was engaged in the ferrying made a number of journeys landing the majority of the Maoris plus mutton birds back home, Tin. remainder will b c brought back today.