Sharks and Attacks on Human Beings.

Northland Age, Volume 6, Issue 34, 14 May 1937, Page 8

Sharks and Attacks on Human Beings.

Dangerous when Hungry

Fortunately, few bathing fatalities have ever taken place off New Zealand beaches. This cei'tainly is remarkable when one considers the large amount of surfing and beach bathing that goes on throughout the summer months when sharks come close to land in pursuit of food. The fact is that sharks rarely attack the human species, and then only when very hungry. As David G. Stead, the great Australian writer on fish, says : “It is only the hungry—the very hungx*y —shark which will attack man. The trouble is you do not know which shark is hungry until too late.” The general opinion in Australia is that there are only one or two species of shark which will attack bathers on their beaches; but in open waters probably quite a number of sharks are dangerous. Recent occurrences of sharks in Wellington Harbour are of interest, as at least one species with a reputation far from good has lately made its appearance. This is a young tiger shark, Galeocerdo sp. This shark is easily recognised by the p.eculiar serrated teeth in the upper jaw. These teeth wei - e made into knives by many Pacific l'aces —Polynesian and Melanesian. Apart from dogfishes or small members of the great shark family which grow up to 3 or 4ft. long and come inshore to chase herrings, there are tv/o large species of shark not uncommonly found in our harbours. There are the basking shark, Cetorhinus maximus, and the seven-gilled shark, Notorhynchus pectorosus. During warm summers the basking sharks appear to follow migrating shrimps and other small food down the coasts of the North Island. These inoffensive sharks like to lie on the surface in the sun and are dangerous only when molested;then they will very readily capsize a boat or attack a fisherman. The seven-gilled shark is reputed to be dangerous; but, actually, it appears to avoid man. It is the ferocity of this species when hooked that has gained for it a reputation; and always it is landed with difficulty. It lives on fishes, large and small, and, like the basking shark, is found in most seas of the world.

BRIEF AND TO THE POINT After-Dinner Speeches by Sports Notabilities A record in brevity was established at the Savoy Hotel recently when eleven after-dinner speeches were delivered in seven and a half minutes. The British Sportsmen’s Club entertained a number of notabilities, and after their introduction by the chairman, Lord Decies, all but one responded in one-sentence speeches (says the “Daily Telegraph”). The speakers and their remarks were : Squadron-Leader F. R. D. Swain, holder of the world’s altitude record: I merely flew an aeropl*ne which a great percentage of the Royal Air Foi’ce could have done equally well if not better. Mr. Giles Guthrie, who, with Mr. C. W. A. Scott, won the PortsmouthSouth Africa air race : Scott will not talk, so I have to thank you for both of us. * Miss Wanda Morgan, winneT of the English Ladies’ Golf Championship: I really do not see why I am honoured in this way. Mrs. Markham, who made an east-to-west solo flight over the Atlantic recently: Thanks very much. Mr. J. McLean, finalist of the American Amateur Open Golf Championship : I am sorry I did not bring the championship back. Miss Susan Noel, who has returned to squash rackets from tennis : I think this is the first time ladies have been invited to this lunch, and I hope it will not be the last. Mr. H. H. Whitlock, winner of the 50-kilometres walk at the Olympic Games : I shall, when opportunity presents, again do my best to uphold British prestige. Miss K. Stammers, the lawn tennis player : I appreciate very much be-

ing included in such a distinguished list of guests. Mr. Jack Beresford, who, with Mr. L. F. Southward, won the Olympic double sculls : I would rather be in training for another ten months and iow another race in Berlin than make a speech here. Mr. Southwood : Thanks very much. Finally Flight-Lieutenant Tommy Rose, striking a heroic attitude, and obviously referring to his recent forced landing, declared : I have done my best to show that British pilots and British aeroplanes are every bit as unreliable as Scott and Guthrie have done their best to show they are reliable.