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| Discovering Port Natal. |
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A long time ago Durban boasted the biggest land-based whaling station. This
was in the days when whales were plentiful and before the Whaling Commission put
a ban on all whaling.
Whaling all started in 1908 in Durban. The whales were killed and the blubber, (the layer of fat under the skin) was used in cosmetics, originally for lamp fuel, pharmaceutical, glue, margarine and soap. The oil was obtained by heating the blubber.
The Japanese also sent workers to Natal to control the quality of the meat intend for export to Japan. If you go down to the whaling station and have a look at what remains you can still see the original Japanese baths.
"The sheer size, majesty and mystic echoing cries of the whales invokes a sense of wonder and awe in most of us. Although whaling is part of Durban=s historical record, many are glad that men no longer leave Durban=s shores to hunt and kill these beautiful and intelligent creatures." metro beat.
