FIGHT WITH A SHARK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18022, 22 February 1922, Page 9

FIGHT WITH A SHARK.

AN OLD-TIME INCIDENT.

AUCKLANDER'S BRAVE DEED.

Th o - gallant conduct of Mr. J. Chalmera, in going to the rescue of a young man who was attacked by a shark at Codgee, Sydney, on February 4, recalls a similar act of courage that saved the life of a young boy at Auckland over 40 years ago. The central figure in the incident, which took place at Mechanics' Bay, on May 4, 1880j was Mr. William Joiner, then a young man employed in the machine room of the New ZEALAND Herald Office, and at present engaged in the City Council's tramways workshops at Mount Rpskill. A 14-year-old son of Captain Stevens was bathing about a hundred yards from the beach at Mechanics' Bay, when Mr. Joiner arrived with the intention of batbins, but changed his mind. While standin" on the beach his attention was attracted to the lad through his cn«J, and he then saw a shark about a yard behind the boy, making efforts to seize him, while the terrified lad was splashing to drive it away. Mr. Joiner at once stripped, got a sailor's clasp-knife from a bystander, and leaping into the water swam to the boy's assistance. On reaching the spot he told ycrnng Stevens to strike out for the shore without fear as he would deal with thff shark himself. Tho boy did as he was bid and Mr. Joiner got into closo quarters with the shark, which, as he afterwards remarked, appeared to be quite agreeable to the new arrangement. It made several movements ward the swimmer but the latter stated 'iat he succeeded in eluding the uglv monster and in making good use of the knife, which hei'finally drove into one of the shark's eyes. Tho shark, being satisfied that it had got the worst of the encounter, sheered off and carried away the knife with it, Mr. Joiner then swimming to the shore where, by this time, a number of people had congregated. } Mr. Joiner was heartily thanked by Captain Stevens and presented with the sum of £20, but although it was remarked at the time that his bravery was worthy of the Royal Humane Society's medal he received no further recognition.