SHARK DANGER

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1926, Page 1

SHARK DANGER

BATHERS’ NARROW .ESC A PI 1

AUCKLAND, January 19

A record; so for ns the inner waters of tin- lT.au raki Gulf arc concerned, is claimed for a female shark caught recently near Alaraetai. 9he lisli was loft din long, its girth was tift din, its tail measured lift 2in across, the dorsal (in was loin and the side fins Alin. Tt was carrying 28 young. This shark was the twenty-eighth of over 4ft in length caught by the same fishermen this summer.

While fishing from lire heath at a snndspit on the Jlanraki Gull, neai Cleveland, David C'ashmoro landed a shark Oft in length. Settlers in the district say that they have never seen such a large shark so close in shore before.

A resident of Te Aroha writes: “T have just returned from a flying visit to 13 nek la ml’s Bench to bring backsome people who have been staying there. T believe it. to he my duty to bring to your notice an episode that took place while the party was having a final swim. I have seen articles warning bathers to be careful owing to the number of sharks that arc at present infesting the waters of the Gulf, but I think that this is the first instance of anyone being attacked by one of these monsters.

“ The party, comprising two women, three men and two children, have had an experience that they will long remember. Two of ns and the children were in the water, waist deep, playing with a ball. What was our dismay when we found a shark beside us, making for a child. The shark made a direct attack, and only just missed the arm of one of the men. I believe the only thing that prevented a fatality was the shallowness of the water. I think the shark struck the bottom as it turned to take the mail as he was protecting the child, f am writing only so that you may issue further warnings to bathers.

“We saw no more of tlie shark after this episode, lmt we were all so shaken and busy getting out of the water that we never thought of watching whether it made right, off or not-. I watched for several hours afterwards, but saw no further sign of it. That is not. to say that it may not again attack someone in the same Ideality. Personally, it was my first swim in Auckland waters, but I cannot say that I am keen to repeat the pleasure unless there is someone on the look-out.”