SCHOOL OF BLACKFISH

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1928, Page 1

SCHOOL OF BLACKFISH

STRANDED ON BEACH

By Telegraph—Press Assn., Copyright.

AVHANGAREI, Fob. 0. \ school of hlnokfish was an unusual sight seen at Castle Rock. Whnngarei Heads, on Saturday evening. Settlors and passengers on the Tvaroto saw the fish follow the leadei, said to bo the smallest of the school, on to the rocks and the adjoining beach, where they became stranded, despite frantic efforts to get back to deep water. The fish are reported to have been from six to twenty feet in length, and three of the largest must have weighed close on two tons. The stranded school, numbering 37. was the object of much attention by trippers during the week-end. when one or two were still living, although high and dry. One of these, near the water, was helped back to its natural element, and soon swam almost out <>r sight, hut after came inshore to the spot, where it at mice became stranded. These amphibians are very faithful to the school and will in no circumstances leave it. as proved by an incident on Saturday evening. AVhen the. visitors became stranded two who had escaped swam in company around the hay for nearly two hours and eventually went on to the roc-ks. The residents set to work on Sunday evening to remove the fish from the shore before this task became too unpleasant, and the carcases are spread over the whole harbour foreshore, down to the far end of Urquhart Bay. Seven are lodged near the wharf there, where there is regular traffic in dairy producits, and others are lying opposite private residences and week-end cottages. The peoole are in doubt as to which authority should undertake the task of towing the carcases out to sea—the Harbour Board. Marine Department, or the Health Department, The only

effective way is in take thorn into the main channel on a seaward drift, and it is believed the Board will undertake this duty.