CO885-(21-23) — Page 273

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O. 885

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

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22 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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22

The history of the Newfoundland whaling industry has been disastrous, owing to under-capitalisation, low prices for products, and scarcity of whales brought about by over-fishing. I do not anticipate any increase in factories for some years to come. In my opinion, the number of factories now operating in Newfoundland waters is not in any way excessive.

I do not think that the number of whales which have been taken by them during the past five years-averaging only 428 per annum-can make any appreciable difference to the herds as a whole, if Newfoundland were alone to be taken into consideration. I would, however, beg to recommend that for the future the Govern ment of Newfoundland, in order to control this fishery, should issue licences to any new companies desiring to prosecute this industry for a set term of five years only. I am of opinion that the licences at present in existence could not be dealt with except on a basis of compensation, unless of course they infringe the regulations laid down. I am satisfied that, should the Government of Newfoundland decide to do as has been done in the Falkland Islands, and issue no new and additional licences, that the companies already in existence are capable of handling all that is necessary and with better economic results for this Colony generally.

From the above it would appear that the future control of the whaling industry of this country is not a difficult matter for the Government.

I regret to say that this Department has no data whatever concerning the whale, its habitat, habits, migrations, breeding, period of gestation, feeding, or numbers. I can give no information as to the effect, on the whole, of the killing which has taken place in Newfoundland waters. Anything that is known.comes

from practical observation covering a comparatively short period. It is known that when the whaling industry was commenced whales were seen in great numbers, and I consider that the quantity captured by our whalers was scarcely appreciable when compared with the numbers noted. It is conceded that the intelligence of the whale is of a high order, and am convinced that the present scarcity of whales on our coasts is chiefly due to the instinct which prompts them to avoid localities which they recognise as dangerous I have no reason to believe that the conditions governing their food supply have altered in any way, and I think that a close season for a short time would result in the reappearance of whales in the waters which they now have sense enough to stay from. It is also possible that only the quieter class of whales have been captured, and that the wilder and more roving natured have not been captured, as far as our waters are concerned. It is known that the migrations of whales are very extended, but I should not be inclined to think that the southern whale would be likely to cross the line and appear in the waters of this Colony.

It is interesting, in this connection, to note that the majority of whales captured in Antarctic waters are humps, whereas in Newfoundland the great majority are flacks. In the Newfoundland fishery it is noted that the whales are localised to some extent, the sulphur whales appearing chiefly in the waters off Fortune Bay, to the south of the Island. It is evident that the whale must be slow in reproducing its species, and if some facts could be obtained from the report of an International Committee as to the period when such reproduction generally takes place, much good would ensue by the enforcement of a close season in each year, which would permit the calves to become self-supporting. Far too many mother fish have been captured containing young which never had a chance to come to maturity. It is impossible to prevent the killing of the mother fish at present, but if it were demonstrated that at certain periods they herd together it would not be difficult to legislate for their protection.

I am very much in favour of an International Committee as suggested, if for no other reason than that Newfoundland should have an opportunity of discussing the question with the other Colonies and countries who are interested in the industry in the northern oceans.

Honourable R. Watson,

Colonial Secretary.

I have, &c.,

A. W. PiccOTT,

Minister Marine and Fisheries.

35557

Name.

23

Department of Marine and Fisheries,

St. John's, Newfoundland.

Whaling Companies.

Cabot Steam Whaling Company, Limited Labrador Whaling and Manufacturing Company Hawke's Bay Whaling and Manufacturing Company The Phoenix Whaling and Manufacturing Company The Rosiru Whaling Company

Aquaforte Whaling and Trading Company

Total

Steamers employed.

LE

Cabot."

Lynx."

"Port Saunders."

4C

Hump."

Puma."

'Hawk."

"Cachalot."

"Lloydsen."

No. 15

NEW ZEALAND.

THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

(Confidential.)

SIR,

(Received 9 November, 1912.)

[Copy to Board of Agriculture, 14 January, 1913.]

Capital. $100,000.00

100,000.00

75,000.00

100,000.00

100,000.00

100,000.00

$575,000.00

Wellington, 1st October, 1912.

WITH reference to your Confidential despatch of the 11th July,* relative to

a proposal to convene an International Conference to consider the question of the protection and preservation of whales, I have the honour to inform you that I have now received a reply to the questions raised in your despatch.

2. My Ministers report that whaling can, at present, be carried on in New Zealand without restriction, but it is considered that the industry should be regu- Jated, and that provision should be made to enable a close season to be declared should it be found necessary to do so owing to the number of whales being unduly reduced. A Bill for these purposes, and to provide for licensing whaling vessels and permitting the erection of shore factories at which all the products of the whale can be utilised, is being prepared for submission to Parliament.

3. For many years whaling in New Zealand was carried on by boats from shore stations, and not a great many whales were taken. Two years ago, Messrs. Cook Brothers, of the Bay of Islands, obtained an up-to-date whaling vessel, which has since been employed at and about the Bay of Islands and at Campbell Island, but it is understood she has paid little more than expenses. Besides this vessel, there are at present six vessels engaged in whaling in the Dominion, five of which belong to Norwegian firms. No definite information is obtainable as to the number of whales they have caught, but they have only been engaged in this occupation a few months, and it is understood they have not been very successful.

4. The whaling industry in the Dominion at the present time does not warrant the expense of sending an officer from New Zealand to the Conference which it is proposed to hold, but the Dominion might be represented by the High Commissioner

I have, &c.,

or one of his officers.

ISLINGTON,

Governor.

No. 7.