SHARK SNARING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16875, 28 October 1922, Page 3

SHARK SNARING.

The method employed in fishing for sharks by the natives of Aitutaki, an island in” the South Pacific-,, stands out as unique, even for the intrepid natives of the South Seas, whose reputation for daring in water is almost proverbial. Tho island is celebrated for this sport all over Australia, and it is now becoming so popular with tourists that many natives derive quite- a comfortable, though deserving income from it. There are many holes and caves under the coral rocks in the lagoon, v hich is very shallow for the most part, and heats quickly under the. fierce rays of the tropical sun. If the day happens to be very calm, there is not a ripple to break the force or the rays, and hv midday the lagoon is unbearably Air Shark now begins to feel extremely uncomfortable. and either makes for the open sea beyond, i*r lodges himself in one of the many coral caves, with which the lagoon abounds. Knowing this, the Aitntakian takes his party, who are armed with axes, and rows out into the lagoon. On arriving at a likely spot, he dives down gently and without splashing, holding a stout line, noosed in a slipknot at one end in his hand. Should he be successful in discovering a shark he proceeds with his operations, but should he fail to find one. he moves about until his search is untimatelv rewarded. The shark, having his head tucked in n shady corner, is blissfully unaware of any danger, but soon becomes conscious of a delicate stroking at his hind quarters. And as he rather enjoys the sensation, he remains quite still, while the Aitutakian, with his other hand gently slips the nooso over tlio brute’s tail. Having accomplished this, he shoots to the surf are, swings himself into his boat, and the shark is hauled up and quicklv dispatched with axes and knives. A few hours later the village i* feeding on liis meat, and his fins are drying in the sun for export to China, where no dinner is complete without them.