Whales Invade Rabaul
p. 117 · Read in the full issue
Rabaul, Dec. 2.
THERE was an extraordinary spectacle in Rabaul Harbour on November 27, when a large number of whales were chased into the inner Harbour, apparently by a school of dolphins.
A couple of dozen whales became stranded and natives, with shouts of glee, jumped on the backs of the creatures and tried to ride them.
Some were killed by the natives and the Native Labour Department went down to get fresh meat —but the Medical Department condemned the Medical Department vetoed it.
Some of the fish were drifting onto the beach and the health authorities and the police, fearing a nuisance, ordered their removal.
Some, still alive, were driven away and the carcases of the dead whales were towed outside the harbour.
It is said there was a similar occurrence near Matupi in 1927.