BAITING A SHARK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14806, 9 October 1911, Page 5

BAITING A SHARK.

INCIDENT NEAR SYDNEY.

Those who were on Yarra Beach, near Sydney, on Saturday afternoon, September 30, witnessed what may be termed the no plus ultra, in shark audacity.- J A large specimen, ' about Bffc in length, was seen swimming a few yards from shore, evidently attracted by the presence there- of five large dead stingrays or, maybe, by the presence of some children, who had been bathing close to shore a few minutes before he was noticed. Some aboriginal children who live close by were the first to perceive him, and gave the alarm just as a gentleman was ready to commence bathing. " Billy," a local fisherman, wa& soon on the scene, armed with a harpoon. He walked some little distance- into the water, and then attracted the shark L-y throwing close to Him some pieces of stingray. Those on shore thought the shark would not venture near the bait for fear of being stranded, so shallow was the water at this spot. They were deceived. In a couple of minutes he came towards the bait; indeed, the bystanders thought he was making direct for the fisherman. " Billy" threw the harpoon, struck the shark, but did not secure him, as the weapon was too blunt. The shark turned round at lightning speed, and in his gyration appeared to strike bottom. He then rose, and, almost springing out of the water, gave the spectators a splendid view of his proportions; indeed, the water was so clear, and he was so close to shore, that everyone had previously had a good look at him. For about 20 minutes lie cruised around ; a line was thrown out, but the bait did not tempt him. "A boy's leg is what he wants," remarked a little coloured boy.