FIGHT WITH A SHARK

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1926, Page 1

FIGHT WITH A SHARK

AN EXCITING TIME

AUCKLAND, Jan. 11

One sheath knife was the only weapon used yesterday afternoon to capture an eight-foot mako shark, which was sighted on a inudflat in the Manukau Harbour, just off Blockhouse BayPoint, at 3.40 p.m. Two fishing parties, including J. Gordon, T. Martin and Jones brothers, were returning home, fthe brothers being in a dinghy, which was being towed to Gordon’s launch. When the shark was sighted, the launch was anchored, and the men put off for the shallow water in two dinghies. They had no equipment except one sheath knife, the property of Gordon. An attempt to entice the mako on to a line proved futile, so the two boats were edged in towards him from lioth sides. Having trapped him thus, Gordon commenced an assault with the knife, jabbing him several times. As each stroke penetrated his body, the shark snapped viciously at the boats, and dived, oil some occasions completely lifting the dinghies, which rocked dangerously. After treating the mako to a considerable number of stabs, Gordon handed the knife to W. Dabble, who carried oil. The shark became weak from its wounds. Then H. Jones another member of the party, caught it by the tail, and just at that moment it snapped at Bubble's thumb, giving him a very slight nip.

At the conclusion of about twenty minutes, the .shark gave in, and was towed in by Gordon, under the eyes of a large crowd of people, at Blockhouse Bay, who bad been keen spectators of the fight. The mako was Bf£. tin. in length, and about 3ft. Gin. in girth. The fact that it was in about three feet of water should act as a warning to bathers, some of whom are under the impression that, sharks do not come close inshore.