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Historical Records of New Zealand
Evidence of Mr. Edward Riley
page 509
Evidence of Mr. Edward Riley.
| Questions. | Answers. |
| Q. Is there any export from hence to the China market? | A. Yes, of seal skins, called pups in a dried state. They sell from a dollar to a dollar and a half. The market in China is at present glutted by the Americans. |
| Q. Where are the seal skins at present procured? | A. At New Zealand and in the Islands of Bass’s Straits; but they are much diminished. |
| Q. Has any black oil been exported to India of late? | A. Not much of late, but it is in demand there occasionally. |
| Q. What is the freight on oil from hence? | A. Only £3 per ton. The ships are glad to take it at any price. It sells in India from £20 to £30 p. ton. |
| Q. What is the usual cost of it in this place? | A. Generally £20 p. ton. |
| Q. From what place in these seas is the elephant oil principally procured? | A. From Macquarie Island, where there is now from 150 to 200 tons of oil ready prepared. |
| Q. Have there been any exports of elephant oil from hence to England? | A. Not since the Surrey sailed in 1819—that which she carried was landed in England owing to the duty. |