This amateur film documents the whaling industry in New Zealand in the early 1960’s.
Whaling was a major industry in the Marlborough Sounds with J.A. Perano and Company operating the whaling ship “Tuatea” which is seen in this footage. The J.A. Perano Company had a whaling station and factory in Fishing Bay and would hunt whales in the Tory Channel. The company introduced modern whaling methods to New Zealand and would be the last New Zealand vessel to harpoon a whale on the 21st December 1964.
TITLE: Whales, Seals and X Class
Dogfish and young sharks laying near gunwale of boat - man strikes dogfish with mallet, removes hook.
Two jet boats racing side by side in Marlborough Sounds.
Wide shots Marlborough Sounds.
High shot of fishing trawler below rocky bluff.
Albatross, gulls and seabirds feeding near shoreline.
Dead whale floating in water near wharfs and docks [Fishing Bay whaling station] - gulls fly above carcass.
Tracking shot from boat sailing near rocky coastline and headland - other fishing boats and trawlers sailing nearby.
Small boat towing whale to whaling ship - crew working on deck.
Crew of whaling ship securing whale carcass alongside vessel.
New Zealand fur seals walking and swimming near rocky coastline.
Two men in small boat rowing near rocky coastline.
Tracking shot from alongside whaling ship “Tuatea” as it steams towards land towing whale carcasses.
General Views of whale chaser boats at sea chasing whale and securing lines to whale carcass.
General Views of two men climbing into rowboat and setting net near rocky coastline.
General Views of yacht moored near beach, men working on deck.
General Views of X-Class dinghy’s sailing in [Wellington] harbour.