FISHING IN AQUARIUM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 25 November 1943, Page 3

FISHING IN AQUARIUM

TWO AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS Sydney, Nov. 20. Two Australian soldiers who had settled down to a night's fishing in Sydney’s Taronga Park Zoo Aquarium were so incensed when a watchman disturbed them that they battered him before they escaped. The watchman, Edwin Carter, aged 48. was told by a passing tram conductor that he had seen torches flashing in the aquarium. Carter, with revolver drawn, surprised the two men dipping into one of the tanks with a net. Flopping about on the floor was a 6§lb grey and brown Californian saltwater bass. Carter ordered the men to put the fish back then walk to the office. At the door, one soldier grabbed him by the neck and. although he fired a shot, Carter was thrown to the ground and his revolver snatched from him. The second man kicked him about the head and body before they ran off. Carter telephoned the police and was later taken to hospital. Next morning the bass was found dead in the fresh-water carp tank into which it had been tossed by mistake. It was valued at £5 and cannot be replaced until after the war.