“WANTONLY CRUEL.”

Horowhenua Chronicle, 8 February 1936, Page 7

“WANTONLY CRUEL.”

R.S.P.C.A. CONDEMNS BIG- , GAME FISHING. ZANE GREY’S DEFENCE. (By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright) SYDNEY, Feb. 7. Fishermen are perturbed over the attitude of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals towards big-game fishing. Air S. A. Lord, the secretary, said the society regarded it as a wantonly cruel sport which served no purpose oilier than to give a few fishermen thrills and mental pleasure. Air T. C. Roughley, economic zoologist, said he did not think there was any doubt that fish did feel pain, but they were not nearly so sensitive to pain as human beings. Air Zane Grey, according to the Telegraph ’s Bermagiii correspondent, said that if he could not fish in peace in Australia he would have to go fishing elsewhere. The question of cruelty to swordfish had been thrashed out in America years ago, and it was shown then that swordfish had practically no nerves, and did not suffer agony as human beings understood it. “I wouid like to point out,” Air Grey added, "that in America we sell swordfish, but you don’t in Australia and New Zealand, although they are good eating, and you should have a market for good food.” Air Grey’s manager, Air Bowen, is investigating the exact legal position, but Air Grey infers that even if he is within the law in his fishing activities, he will not remain here under allegations of cruelty.

Big 1 Shark Landed With Rod

And Reel

ACHIEVEMENT BY AUSTRALIAN FISHERMAN

Received Friday, 8.30 p.m. SYDNEY, Fob. 7

Using a rod and reel, and a cord line, of which the breaking strain was 72 pounds, Eric Roberts landed at Maroubra, a suburban beach, after a livehour battle, a tiger shark 15ft. 15in long and 6ft, round the girth. The shark, which was not officially weighed, was estimated at between 1200 and 1300 pounds. It is believed to be the largest caught anywhere on a rod and reel.