328 WAITE 
This species is well represented in the Museum ; in addition to 
the cast, a complete skeleton (Waipara Beach, 16th March, 1874), 
a skull, showing the two teeth meeting over the upper jaw (Great 
Barrier Island) and ear bones being exhibited. 
PELORUS) JACK 
(Grampus griseus). 
Plate 1st: 
One commonly hears the remark that “‘ Pelorus Jack is the 
only ‘fish’ protected by Act of Parliament,” (Order-in-Council), 
and while the better informed are aware that it is not a fish, but a 
dolphin of some kind, considerable discussion has taken place as to 
the identification of the animal. In the “‘ Animals of New Zealand, 
1904,” it is identified with the Beluga or White Whale, and this 
latter species has been regarded as a New Zealand animal on the 
identification of an imperfect skull. 
The White Whale is an arctic form and is distinguished by the 
absence of a fin on the back. All photographs of Pelorus Jack 
(Kaikai-a-waro of the Maories) show that it possesses a very high 
dorsal fin (plate LXIII.), and from aconsideration of several photo- 
graphs which I have seen, I am quite in agreement with the opinion 
expressed by the Rev. D. C. Bates of Wellington, that “Jack” is 
none other than a Grampus, but of course nothing short of an 
actual examination of the animal can definitely settle the question. 
Pelorus Jack is protected for the term of its natural life, and it 
would be a fortuitious circumstance if its body was afterwards 
recovered. Passengers on the vessels negotiating French Pass are 
much disappointed if “‘ Jack”’ does not appear, he usually swims 
tothe vessel, and plays around the bows for some time, finally leaving 
it to repeat the manceuvre when the next vessel comes along. 
The general colour of the animal is grey, curiously marked with 
scratch-like lines, which are probably caused by the cuttle fishes 
which form the staple food of the Grampus. 
The Curator acknowledges, with many thanks, the kindness 
of the following firms in permitting use of the below mentioned 
copyright pictures in illustration of the book :— 
Skeleton of the Okarito Whale, 
Christchurch Press Co. 
Cast of the Allandale Whale, 
Lyttelton Times Co. 
Photograph of Pelorus Jack, 
Sharland & Co., Ltd. 
