Entrepreneurs in
The stations were established in the
Whaling Stations like Thoms, Barrets, the Guards, the Wellers or Jillets were set up in places like Kapiti or Porirua waiting for the ‘Right’ Whales to pass by. Whales were sighted, chased, harpooned, flensed and boiled down to oil. Every so often a ship would be dispatched to collect the oil from the stations.
Life on these stations was rough and ready. (Yes I know I used the same term for the sealers, and I’ll probably use it again.). Many more cultured observers ( Edward Wakefield included) mentioned how dreadful their conditions were as was the culture of drinking and cursing.
One thing that made them different was the way that they assimilated into local Maori society. Their presence was important to Maori, it gave them the same access to European goods that was enjoyed by Nga Puhi, thus having a Pakeha set up close to you was essential. Having a Pakeha made you “safe” and would encourage others to call by, increasing trade opportunities.
Many Europeans took (usually, but not always temporary) Maori wives and left behind numbers of half-caste children who were absorbed back into their Whanau. Maori did not view the children as anything other than Maori and they assimilated more easily into Maori society while they would have been vilified if returned to Pakeha society.
The Stations acted as a new conduit for Europe into
Some of these Whalers became so entwined in their Tribes that they helped defend them against attacking Taua (War Parties) or even migrated with them when attacks drove them from their traditional lands. Some became so embedded that their names are now a well known and valued part of the Iwi.
Whalers like Johnny Jones established small empires in the areas they lived in.
The impact of the Shore Whalers should not be underestimated.
Ensure you have read the Shore Whalers section of the Handout and answered the questions that follow on page 18.
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