CAPTURE OF SHARK

Taranaki Daily News, 21 October 1933, Page 4 (Supplement)

CAPTURE OF SHARK

harpooned from launch. MONSTER CAUGHT IN RIVER. Dunedin, Oct. 18. Resident of Karitane had an exciting experience this afternoon, when they had an opportunity of watching from the banks of the Waikouaiti River a long and desperate fight to despatch a shark which had made its unwelcome appearance in the river. Mr. W. Pile was in the vicinity in a motor-launch, and he at once made for the shark and drove a harpoon into it. A drum was attached to the rope which carried the harpoon, and away went the shark up thq river towing the launch with it. At last the harpoon broke, but Mr. Pile soon drove another harpoon into the monster. A rifle was then obtained from the shore and the shark was peppered with bullets. On one occasion the launch got too close to the ghark, which collided heavily with it. Harpoons and bullets could not stop the monster, which, amid the greatest excitement, towed the launch all over the place. The shark, however, then began to tire, and a rope was slipped round its tail. With some difficulty it was dragged to the shore, where it was found to be some 12ft. or 13ft. in length and of bulky proportions. The struggle lasted for about an hour and a-quarter, and Mr. Pile showed considerable pluck in sticking manfully to his “catch.” The event created a stir in the vicinity, and as the fight progressed people came from far and near to await the outcome.