BIG SHARK CAUGHT

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 57, 23 March 1937, Page 5

BIG SHARK CAUGHT

-Press Association.)

Towed Fisherman's Launch Three Miles WEIGHE1T922LBS.

(Br TelesrsDh-

AUCKLAND Last Nigbt. After a terrific two and a half hours' struggle a world record thresher shark of 9221bs was landed on Sunday by Mr W. W. Dowding, England, when fishing in the launch. Alma G. off Cape Brett, Bay of islands. Before the fish was landed it towed the boat three miles biijb to sea. While still aiive the giant fieh Wsb hafiled on to the wharf at Otehei Bay, where it was weighed at 924lbs. When it was known that the fish was a iiew world record CatCh jt Was immediately taken to Russell to be Weighed officially. The rules governing record catches state that the fish miist be weighed at Russell in tlie presence of at least three members of the Bay of Islands Swordfish and Mako Shark Club. When the fish was weighed at Russell the scales showed 9221bs., which will be accepted as the new world redord. The previoiis heaviest thresher shark was one of 915 lbs caught by Mr S. Ellis, Whangaroa, in 1931, this fish taking six hours to land. A perfect specimen of the thresher shark, the fish fought furiously when hooked. Mr Dowding offered it to the Government Tourist Departpient for publicity purposes. Mr J. W. Clarke, district manager for the department, stated to-day that he had commtmicated with the general manager in Wellington and it had been decided to accept the fish. It will be taken to the Moerewa Freezing Works in the morning and will later be brought to Auckland.