CAMPBELL ISLAND WHALING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2895, 8 September 1909, Page 36

CAMPBELL ISLAND WHALING.

A few general observations in connection with tho island enterprise have been communicated to our Bluff corref£K>ndent. Noreast Bay, of which nothing of importance has hitherto been made known, is separated from Nor'-west Harbour by Perseverance Head. The former makos out into a narrow entrance, and the whale party do not consider it a likely place for whales — at least, whales in any great numbers. There is good boat shelter, but otherwise it is not of much account. The whaling party found remains of an old settlement, also the ruins of a 6tone landing place, or jetty. The opinion is that at some time or other it was m use as a whale station, but, from the overgrown appearance of tho place, it must have dated back to early days of the island. But for the misfortune met with in losing their gear, they conclude that they would have captured at least seven more whales, making 20 in all. The whales found there are apparently of the same species ac those found in Cook's Strait, but they do not seem to attain the same bulk They appeared to make inshore,, and all the captures were made within a mile of the beach. Although Nor'-west Harbour is far and away the best base for whaling operations, it ie not a safe harbour for shipping. It is exposed to all prevailing winds, but for the whaleboats the par.y found a tongue of sand that afforded comparatively safe anehorasro They regajr«i that diicovery as of importance in connection with future operations. As a whaling base, they look upon the selection made as perfectly satisfactory. One or two adjustments in "details will require to be made. More frequent communication with the mainland is reouirod. and they purpose chartering a craft to visit the island at a convenient da.te, between now and the next trip of the Hinemoa. The proposal of the Minister of Marine- to employ the Amokura was hailed with sat inaction. Indeed, they seem to look on such an arrangement an th-^ cliff incentive for the cnterpiri<e. They believe that with more complete appliances better sized Whales will be found, and in that opinion they are fortified by the report of Ccptain Bollons. In entering Benseverainoe Harbour he sighted what he considorr<] a very large whale, but he sheared off in order to give the party better opportunity for its "capture. The sacrifice of fch^ carcase? — 13 in all — caught, is estimated to have entailed a loss cf £1120. made up as follow- : 80 tuns oil, lit £14 per tun; that added in the yield of bone make.-> a total of £3120 for the siascn's tako. Of course, tho saving of the <■ ' i'ivUps the construction of try work-. ' ist it would seem that an investment o.' that nature is perfectly justified.

— For maintaining and London public roaJs for a year nearly £1,500.000 ie spent.