The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-11-10
RUMORED PELORUS
JACK Is DEAD
Accompanied Vessels Through
French Pass, New Zealand;
Protected by Legislature.
WON WORLD REPUTATION

Rumor has II that "Pelorus Jack" IL
dead. There Is no way to run down the
rumor, however, which doubtless was
put in circulation through the fact that
the fish has not been seen in some years
in Auckland harbor.
From time to time THE SUN has re-
ceived communications from readers
asking about a pilot fish, "Pelorus
Jack" said to have been in the habit or
plotting every boat tat entered Auck-
land harbor
This fish became so friendly. SO the
story runs. that the Legislature passed
law making It an offence and subject
to a fine OF $500 for any one interfering
with this fish.
THE SUN asked the Mayor OF Auck-
land rs there any truth in this yarnT'
The Mayor OF Auckland writes con-
corning "Pelorus Jack" as follows:
"In reply to your letter of July IL the
report which has reached you is not cor
| rect In detail but 1t Is in substance.
The facts are as follows:
There was a large fish called 'Pelorus
| Jack which for many years was an In
habitee OF the waters of the French Pass
between the North and South Islands OF
New Zealand. This is the entrance to
the port of Picton, on the north coast or
| the South Island of New Zealand, and
there Is a regular steamship service in
and out OF the port.
1.-THE habit of this fish for many years
was to accompany vessels as they
steamed through the pass. The fish be-
came the subject Of great interest to
passengers. and eventually achieved a
worldwide reputation. 1t was OF con-
siderable size, approximating to a fair
| sized whale. For some years the fish
has not been seen.
by an Order in Council. under au-
! thority OF the Legislature, the fish was
! protected. This course was taken in
view OF the unique interest attaching to
! the habits OF the fish. and under this
! protection no doubt It continued its
practice for considerably longer time
| than might otherwise have been the
case. AS far as I know 1t is a unique
! Incident.
| THE facts as outlined above you may
accept as authentic"
! Basil Stocker. second clerk. assistant,
| Legislative Council, New Zealand. writ
| ing from Wellington under date OF Au-
gust Is. says:
I'm answer to your inquiry OF July / .
I have to report that the animal popu-
larry known as Pelorus Jack has been
considered by competent naturalists 10
be a solitary specimen OF Rsso's dolDhin
possibly separated by some misadven-
| ture from his herd or school, possibly
| the sole survivor of a school whose
other members have fallen victims to
, whalers.
| Failing companions OF his own spe-
cies, the gregarious proclivities of the
animal are thought to have driven him
to seek consolation in the company OF
passing vessels
| BE the reason what Il may, il Is a
fact that he continued for n number OF
years to haunt the waters Of French
Pass and the entrance OF Pe'orus
Sound, and as frequently been photo
graphed from the bows OF steamers so.
ing through French Pass.
He has n file in the records OF the
Marine Department of this Dominion
containing correspondence, official docu.
ments. photographs and press cuttings
| protection was extended to him not
by any special act Of the Legislator
but by regulations under section 10 OF
the Seafsheries Act. 1894. now super.
seeded by the Fisheries Act 1905. The
first OF such regulations was made or
December 26, 1904. and the last "a cory
of which is enclosed) on April %, 1911
This expired on May al 1914 and has
rot been renewed, Pelorus Jack having
disanneared in the interval.
The enclosed photograph. the only
one obtanable is villainously faxed
Genuine photographs in the possession
of the Marine Department unpublished
show him as merely a pale silhouette In
the dark water, without any marking
or shading whatsoever"