MENACE OF SHARKS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1932, Page 6

MENACE OF SHARKS

EXISTENCE DENIED

AUSTRALIAN BATHING BEACHES

SYDNEY, December 8.

Indignaton at the publicity given overseas to the so-called shark menace on Australian • beaches was voiced atSydney recently by Mr C, D. Paterson,, president of the Surf Life-saving Association of Australia. “Over the last 18 years,” lie said, “we have not had an average of -one shark attack, vet we find that the general impression given here and ' abroad is that the sharks are almost as thick as the surfers. “An instance occurred ,a few day* ago where American visitors would not venture into the surf for fear of sharks. The record of accidents and fatalities on our ocean beaches would indicate that .surfing is the least dangerous of any sport, dite largely to the perfection of the work of.the surf lifesaving clubs. Many bathers look for trouble by venturing, out too far, and if sharks were as plentiful and as savage as some would have us think, shark attacks would be of daily occurrence- and lose their news value. “As a matter of fact, they are bo rare, but so revolting when they do occur, that they arc featured and cabled everywhere. That is where the har.ru is being done.” Mr Paterson advocated that enclosed bathing areas should lie called “safety bathing enclosures” instead ol “shark-proof baths.”