PUBLIC RESENTMENT

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 205, 10 July 1939, Page 3

PUBLIC RESENTMENT

.BRUTAL TREAT-MEAT KILLING A GREY SHARK DURBAN, April fl. —Durban public opinion was revolted recently by t-he manner in which -a shark, was . destroyed. A lSOlh. grey shark was trapped in the grating dock in the harbour when seme whalers were admitted for repair. The fact was published in the local newspapers, and when the da\ arrived for the water to be pumped from the dock about fl-000 exeitei. spectators lined the sides to be in at the death. Some people waited three hours, and the crowd grew thicker as the water grew shallower. The excitement became- tense when the shark was seen swimming fast in the shallow water. Stones, pieces of wood aim cigarettes were, hurled at it. . The shark bumped its nose against the -silk of tin. dock in its frenzy to escape, ami the 30C0 spectators .laughed aim jeered. A man wlm made an unsuccessful attempt „t<> stall the shark with an improvised harpoon was exhorted toi “dig it harder.” He tried several times, and the wounded shark tinged the water with its blood. Its tail lashed madly when it- was struck with a heavy hammer. The end came quickly. Several men jumped into the shallow water, intent on getting a whack at the exhausted shark. Soon the shark turned over on its side and the water around it was bright pink. It was dead, and a cheer went up as a crane hauled it from the water. Then the big audience became silent, and one man was heard to ask why the shark had not been killed with a liHe. The following day the forum columns of the local newspapers were tilled with indignant- protests ugainst the cruel attitude ol the* crowd, several writers comparing the scene to the gladiatorial days ol flume.