PLUCKY FIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 24 June 1933, Page 6

PLUCKY FIGHT

FIJIAN ATTACKED BY SHARK. MONSTER DRIVEN OFF; SUVA, Juno 13. Shark fatalities are not \ ery'frequent in Fijian waters, particularly when the manlier oi uutues who dive lor fish in sinirk-inl'estcd waters is taken into ac-, count, 'llns is attributed locally partly to the fact that the sharks nave tUj abundance of natural food and partly to the dexterity shown by the natives under water. .European fatalities arp also rare, ior the reason that Europeans do nut share the risks .that are sp freely taken by natives and do no> bathe in deep water. An attack by a shark upon a native near Levuka recently illustrates the remarkable dexterity of tbe native fishermen in the water, dexterity which on this occasion also averted a fatality.

The native was engaged in diving with goggles and spear, a practice which is known in Fiji as submarining fish. The goggles are used to enable the native to see more dearly under water when Jie dives down under the ledge of the reef where the big fish lie. Once his quarry is sighted a quick thrust with the spear is generally successful. On the occasion in question the native, who was diving near the main passage off Moturiki, had just speared a fish and it is presumed that the blood from tlie fish attracted the attention of a fairly large shark which must have been lying under the reef. According to the native’s story the shark suddenly came at him, but just as quickly the Fijian thrust out strongly with the spear and turned the attack aside.

Several rushes were made by the shark, but each time the Fijian warded it off with his spear, at the same timq manoeuvring his way into ■shallower water, the safety of which he eventually reached rather badly gashed in parts from content with the shark. He was taken to the Levid-n Hospital for attention and is stated to he making good progress.