CAPTURE OF SHARK

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 79, 2 March 1927, Page 11

CAPTURE OF SHARK

. THRILLING SURF EPISODE. CAPTOR AMONG MONSTERS, COOLLY HARPOONS LARGEST, Further particulars regarding the capture of a shark at Wainui beach, near Gisborne, a short time ago show that the tell-tale fin of one of these fish was seen recently fand a wellknown resident happened to mention the fact to Mr Charles Ferris, of Wainui. “Fll. fix him,” said Mr Ferris with a smile, and “fix him” he did. incidentally providing the spectators with a thrill seldom seen outside a picture show. On the previous day Mr Ferris had caught with a hay fork a hug stingray and this provided him with bait for the monster. He cut a portion of tha stingray into pieces, went out into the surf and threw the pieces out. On his return he informal a number of interested spectators, including Dr. Blair of Wellington, and Mr R. B. Lusk, of Auckland, of his method of procedure and needless to say the party watched with intense interest. Mr Ferris stated that the shark with its keen, scent would quickly locate the stingray bait, and before long his words proved true. FOUR TRIANGULAR FINS. Instead of one shark, however, no fewer than four triangular fins disturbed the surface of the water, and the action of the monsters as they fought for the' bait was watched in tense silence. In the meantime Mr Ferris secured an Bft harpoon, cut up some more bait, and put it in a bag round his neck. The harpoon was secured with a stout rope, which was held by the watching party on shore. Mr Ferris walked out until the water reached to almost his chin, accasional waves breaking over his face. From the bag he drew out pieces of bait and threw them into the sea, and the four monsters again fought for the titbit*. Then the bait was gradually thrown nearer and nearer to the lone figure in the sea, and finally, amid exclams,tions of horror from the shore party, Mr Ferris was in the midst of the Bhaks, which swam round in between the man and the shore. HARPOON DRIVEN HOME.

The sea was disturbed as the monsters rushed for the bait and rolled over to get the coveted pieces, occasionally colliding with great force. A bystander described" the incident as the greatest thrill of his life, while another prosaically stated that the scene for all the world resembled a housewife feeding chickens. The thrilling scene continued for some time and on occasions it appeared to the ’ party on shore as if the monsters actually brushed Mr Ferris’ body. Incidentally it may be stated Mr Ferris was the most unconcerned member of the party. Suddenly the watchers on shore saw the harpoon rise and with uneering accuracy it was driven right into the body of “Kruger,” the biggest shark. As the steel entered, Mr Ferris duoked his head so that the rope held by the shore party would not be tangled, and then rushed for the shore.

By the time the other sharks had recovered from the commotion, Mr Ferris was knee deep in water and reached the shore an instant later. In the meanwhile the shore party held on grimly and graually the shark, fighting every inch of the way, was hauled ashore. WEIGHT OVER 400 LB. “Kruger,” who has been in-the vicinity for some years was indeed a monster, being fully 10ft from tip to tail, weighing, it is estimated, over 4001 b, and with a huge girth capable of taking the body of a man. It was believed by those on shore to be a blue shark, but was of a slightly darker colour, and had an enormous mouth. Describing the whole incident, one onlooker stated that the shore party watched the proceedings with tense interest and almost, horror, and the sight of the monsters fighting round Mr Ferris fascinated them all.