SHARK FISHING AT WAINUI.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 348, 24 February 1902, Page 2

SHARK FISHING AT WAINUI.

For. some years past, at about this time of tho year, a hugo shark has been seen in the inlet on the Wainui side of tho Island. For tho last two years, it has gone under the name of “ Kruger.” The Natives residing in the vicinity have for some weeks been on the look-out for their friend, and yesterday they were rewarded by a visit from him. Upon this occasion, “ Kruger ” brought two or three of his friends, probably DeWet and Botha being i included in the party. For some hours , yesterday, the fun was fast and furious, tho spectacle of the sharks close in to the shore attracting a large number of persons 1 to the beach. It is estimated that upwards 1 of fifty people witnessed the sight. When the tide rose, th'o sharks came inside the 1 reef, within about half-a-dozen yards of the shore. Mr Charles Ferris and a party i of Natives tried to capture tho visitors , with lines, but “ Kruger ” and his friends ) were too cunuing. They swallowed all ) pieces of meat that were thrown in when ! there was no hook attached, but the appearance of the lino always , caused them to decamp. The largest shark j of the quartette kept a little out, and allowed his companions to take the greatest j risk of being captured. The monsters ' played about in the surf, and when the waves recoded the greater part of the body of each was plainly visible. Mr C. Ferris • had a large slash hook, aud wading into r the water, he succeeded in getting a blow I home on the enemy, and once caused the r claret to flow, amidst great excitement on ; - the part of tho spectators. The shark ' took little notice of tho assault, and quietly y moved away. The visitors remained in the vicinity of the beach until dark, it is a supposed that the sharks are attracted to o the inlet by the crayfish that are to be e found in great numbers there. As showe ing the boldness which the monsters disie play, we are informed that on several occations they came within three or four t, yards of tho edge of the reef, and could easily have been harpooned by the person standing there. Bathers on the Wainui beach will require to be very careful not II to ■ venture far from the shore, as the f sharks yesterday were inside the breakers.