Shark in Bathing Pool

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1923, Page 1

Shark in Bathing Pool

K.\C ITFMF.NT IN WHAKATANE. AUCKLAND. .lan. .1 Considerable excitement prevailed at Wlmkatnne Heads yesterday when a large shark was found swimming in what is known as the bathing pool. This spot has always been regarded as a sate place lor swimmers, and it was deemed almost impossible for a shark to enter it. The pool is about 300 yards long and about 50 yards wide. Il i- closed by means of a groyne, in which there is one small gap. It was apparently through this gap that the shark entered the pool mi a I resh title some three or lour days ago. A resident reported that he had seen a shark in the pool, hut it was generally considered that he wa - mistaken, and adults and children have since bathed « 111 iOIII a(IV (OIK evil at the pot Several children were bathing in the |miol yesterday, when Mr Anderson, from a nearby bank, saw the dorsal (in of the shark gliding through the v.itter. lie immediately raised an kla rm it nil the frightened children scurried finm the water. Armed with a harpoon, an axe and some iron bars Mr Anderson and several others then rowed out. in a dingy and attacked the shark. A long and exciting battle ensue!. Frequently the fish was wounded and soon the water was dyed with its lihn d. Imt the attackers failed to reach a vital spot. The sport proved dangerous, but exliiliarating. Twice the boat was nearly capsized through the shark in its fury lashing it with its tail. In fear of its life the hunted creature darted hither and thither in an effort to avoid ils attackers. Evontnallv il diced down under a ledge of the groyne and there it. remained nppareut.lv wedged in. A Maori thereupon dived in and succeeded in tying a rope t-o the shark's tail, and latei it was triumphantly hauled to the shore after a battle which had lasted well over an hour. The monster measured bit din from tip of tail to snout .while its girth was I ft. din.