SHARK ATTACKS BATHER.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18921, 9 February 1927, Page 8

SHARK ATTACKS BATHER.

MAN'S THIGH LACERATED. MONSTER BEATEN OFF. A man, whose no mo is not available, but who is a labourer employed ou contract work by Mr Henry Conrad, ileiizics Bay, was attacked by a shark to-dnv while bathing in three feet of water. The shark, wliicli was about t<;i. teel long, bit the man in the thigh, but did not secure a proper hold. The thigh, however, was badly lacerated. The man endeavoured to push the monster off with his hands, and injured both hands in the shark's mouth. He managed to drive the shark oil' and the.u made his way from the water He won removed to the homestead of Mr 11. Menzies, where he received necessary attention. It may yet be necessary to remove him to hospital. Menzit'S Bay is very open to the sea, with deep water, and would bo a placo where sharks might bo expected. It is known that sharks have been around the Peninsula, and in Lyttelton Harbour, in great numbers this season, but this is the first; occasion that a bather has been attacked. About this time ot the year the smaller fish, upon which tho sharks prey, movo on, and the sharks are forced by hunger to seek other food. The hot weather brings them into shore also. Another theory which has been advanced in regard to the increase of sharks inshore, especially around Lyttelton Harbour, at this time of the year, is that fairly largo numbers of dead sheep are thrown overboard from steamers bringing sheep into the port. There is always a certain amount of mortality in a cargo of sheep, and some of the dead ones are thrown overboard before the boats reach port. Tf this is the case, there is no doubt that the carcases would be an attraction to sharks.