SHOES FROM SHARK SKINS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1920, Page 1

SHOES FROM SHARK SKINS.

(By Frederick A. Talbot, author of “ Millions from Waste.” The American citizen, iii common with his contemporary in Europe, is ] suffering from a shortage of siioe leather, with the result that the prices ol footwear are soaring. It is estimated that the United States is paying 20 millions pounds more for its boots and slices than was the case six months ago. Although the country is a huge exporter of meat products, and raises cattle upon its vast ranches by the million head, the United States pays .heavy tribute to other countries for its leather supplies. The imports of hides exceed in value 40 million pounds during the year. But the world is running leather dry, and the American is being hard put to it-to secure sufficient quantities ol iiides to satisfy his requirements. Having exhausted the possibilities ol the plains he is now turning to the sea to remedy his deficiencies, and in this connection a wonderful achievement is to he recorded. Ten years’ persistent experiment and research upon the part of an indefatigable chemist has resulted in the perfection of a new commercial process for tanning the skin of the shark and adapting it to the varied requirements of the leather industry, from the making of boots and shoes to the covering of the armchair, from the production of the ” natty ” handbag to the soft gluve, and from the pocket-book to the motor-coat. The shark has hitherto been regarded as a nuisance and a waste product. All previous efforts to turn its tough horny skin to commercial advantage have failed. By the, new process, a chemical one, the outer abrasive covering is removed in one piece, and that without impairing tile texture of the under hide or its inherent toughness in the slightest. The tanning process also follows distinctive lines, rendering leather adapted to either upper or sole with equal facility. In durability, resistance to weather ravages, strength, and softness, the shark’s skin is declared to be unrivalled.. The industry is firmly established and landing stations for the shark fishery have been installed at convenient places around the coast. The shark is rounded up in.huge seine nets and is hauled ashore to be dispatched and skinned. Some idea of the value of the fishery may he gathered from the circumstance tlfui tlie catch varies from 1,000 to 10,000 suitable big fish per day, according to weather conditions. Practically every part of“ the fish is exploited. Leather for hoots and shoes, as well as other articles where strength is the deciding factor, is fashioned from the hide. Suede, gloves are made from the tissues and membrane of the stomach. The dorsel fins when dried command ten shillings apiece from the Chinese, by whom they are regarded as a 'delicacy. The liver yields oil, the primest parts of the carcase*luscious steaks—Folkestone beef—while the-Less edible portions are converted into chicken feed or fertiliser, being rich in nitrogen. The teeth find a ready sale among jewellers to he worked into various knick-knacks and articles of adornment, while the blood furnishes a waterproof glue indispensible to the manufacture of aeroplanes.