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Bag for ballistite powder

Datebefore 1978

Object number00001856

NamePowder bag

MediumFabric

DimensionsOverall: 165 mm

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA powder bag to store ballistite powder, a smokeless propellant made from two high explosives and used in whaling. Orginally from the whaling station in Albany, Western Australia.HistoryOne type of whale hunting methods was the use of the explosive harpoon. This type of harpoon uses an explosive discharge to kill the whale. Steel canisters of explosive powder are attached to the harpoon tip, exploding by means of a hook and trigger line when they have penetrated the whale. Despite Australia’s strong anti-whaling stance, the last whaling station to operate in Australia was only closed in 1978. It was named the Cheynes Beach Whaling Station and was based in Frenchman Bay, Albany, Western Australia. It had operated from 1952 and at the time of its closure, ran three whaling ships, a spotter plane and employed 102 people. It was a high cost business to run and although there had been huge technological advances made in the industry, it was still a labour intensive and gruesome profession. Despite this however it was noted that even in 1978, "Every boy at school wanted to be a whaler because they were big tough guys and they earned big money and it was a wonderful adventure. In town, they were regarded very well; they were paid well and contributed to the economy". (The ABC TV program "Can we Help?” Friday, April 24, 2009). There was still, in the early years of the company, a market for whale oil due to its ability to perform at extreme temperatures - both hot and cold. This served the aviation and space industries. In the later years however, economic pressures of running the company and local and international demands to ban whaling by environmental groups became too great and the plant closed. SignificanceWhaling was an important part of Australia's early economy and an important employer for smaller coastal communities. The whaling station at Albany operated until 1978 when the last whale, a female sperm whale, was caught on 20th November.