ENCOUNTER WITH A SHARK.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 September 1921, Page 10

ENCOUNTER WITH A SHARK.

AN INCIDENT RECALLED. The Oamaru Mail contains the story of a fight with a shark made by Mr, David Grant, who has just died. It was a regular habit of Mr. Grant’s to have an early morning swim in the briny, and on February 17, 1888, he indulged that habit near the Woollen Factory in company with his two sone, then boy® of Ifi and 12 respectively, and a couple of other youths. All had turned for the shore, Mr. Grant being the last to do so, and while in the act of turning he was attacked by a shark ten feet in length, which got a firm grip of his arm. Mr. Grant cried out, “Here’s a shark,” and succeeded in pushing the monster off with hi® right hand. But the shark was not scared away, and pursued Mr. Grant, whose left arm was badly lacerated, and who was naturally largely disqualified for an encounter with his voracious antagonist. The youths on reaching the snore turned to discover that Mr. Grant had been attacked, the water around him being discolored by blood. Mr. Grant made for the shore with the shark following, and when he was at the breakers the two youths went to Mr. Grant’s assistance and helped him to the shore, his attacker then being close upon him. It was a remarkable encounter, and nothing but his courage, and strength as a swimmer saved Mr. Grant from death. When first attacked he was drawn under, and how he succeeded in freeing himself and fighting off the monster was a matter of astonishment. Mr. Grant was taken to the hospital, where it was found necessary to amputate the arm just above the elbow, the lower part being by that time really /lead. The event naturally created great interest in the community, and there was a general determination to capture the monster. For two or three days men with long and stout lines and strong hooks fished from the shore. Afew days after a shark was caught and killed, and it was exhibited at a charge of sixpence, the proceeds being devoted to the benefit of Air. Grant. The shark was sent to Dunedin, where it was stuffed by a taxidermist. On its return to Oamaru it was exhibited as “Grant’s shark” in connection with a big bazaar in aid of the Athenaeum, arid formed one of the big attractions. It was subsequently handed over to the incipient museum created as an adjunct of the Athenaeum. It remains to be added that this unfortunate experience did not deter Mr. Grant from indulging in hi® healthful, if risky, “dip in the briny.” Within a year he returned ito the exercise, which he continued to .follow for manv yeara