A SHORING SHARK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2515, 31 May 1909, Page 2

A SHORING SHARK.

PORT HACKING’S FREAK FISH

PELOROUS JACK’S FAME CHALLENGED.

* Ncw Zealand has a freak fish that is protected by Act of Parliament, says the “Sydney Evening News” —a fact very extensively used in the advertising scheme of tho Dominion’s Tourist Bureau. While hardly so picturesque, as Pelorousi Jack—tho pilot of tho west coast.—there is at Port Hacking-a shark that is putting in a bid for world fame, and it may yet make that quiet watering place known wherever a newspaper is read. Tho peculiarity of this shark is that it snores. „ , It is difficult to get a fish story accepted at first blush, however true it may bo. It is related that a Now Zcalander once acquired a name for iiunself in New York as a humorous romancer by recounting in the celebrated “Lamb Club” what he knew of Pelorous Jack. He used to he called upon whenever a distinguished visitor was entertained. at the cluH to spin that fish yarn, and as he complied, membeis would sit round proudly and exclaim for the stranger’s bonefit, Gee. but isn’t he great V ’ But the New Zealander’s celebrity was short lived. One night Mark Twain, who included New Zealand in his lecture tour of this part of the world, confirmed his story. When it was learned that it was just -Main truth, all interest in fish and man who brought his habits under their notice ceased. Whether interest in the snoring shark will wane with the assurance that it is no myth remains to be seen. Local residents ceased to be surprised at its stentovkras breathing. At first it was regarded more in the light of a nuisance than a novelty, and it was then that a protective Act of Parliament might have been appreciated bv tho fish. But it has survived that legislative oversight, and, in doing so. proved that the Jaw of self-preservation was developed in it to a remarkable degree. _ Every contrivance that has been devised for the capture of a fish, was tried by tho people of Port Hacking, but without avail. The shark lives in a clear, deep, rock bound basin near the mouth of the river. How it got there seems as difficult of solution as the problem of the fly in the amber. The fact remains that it is there to stay, for there is no way out. In the day time it can be seen, but. it cannot be harpooned. When any attempt is made on the face it retires under a lodge of rock several fathoms below tho surface, withdrawing from view. White hot bricks have been lowered, in greased paper, a seductive steak attached; but the wisdom of the shark is superior to such wiles. It is believed by some that the fish got into the rocky basin when it was small, and, liking its habitation, remained there until it was too large to get out thcgvay it came in. Tho food proposition has also puzzled those who, have viewed it: but its condition shows that it doesn’t perplex the shark. In length it is about five feet, and its movements are languid and lazy. Whether it has any ooimmunication with the open ocean through some opening not visible’from tho rocks above has been the subject of speculation. If it had. it is hold, the chances are that it would not live its hermit life; but bo- is other sharks, and move un anil down tho coast. The theory that it lias any connection with the ocean is upset by a wateli over the basin always being rewarded with a view of the fish, which is not shy ; but, on the other hand, most unconcerned so long as it is not interfered with, when it goes into dignified retirement under its ledge. As has been stated, the most pronounced peculiarity of the fish is that it snores. This can be heard some distance off at night. It is like a low moaning, and for some time it was thought it was tlio motion of tlie sea on the rocks. Long vigils by night by those who have disbelieved tho snoring have convinced them that it is the denizen of the seapool that makes the noice. All Port Hacking bets on the subject are decided in tlio affirmative when wagers follow arguments. There can be little doubt that the snoring shark will make Port Hacking famous. The fish should he protected as an advertising asset, and, failing an Act of Parliament a by-law should be passed by the local governing body or the progress association. The Intelligence Department would do well to have the) snoring shark photographed —the Now Zealand Government has authorised snapshots of Pelorous Jack in circulation—and include it in their tourist publications. Many a first-class residential hotel has bpen built on less inducement to traffic than curiosity to seen a snoring fish. At any rate the “Evening News” has lifted the shark from a purely local to a wider fame, and would not be surprised to see tlie story of the phenomenon, now published for tho first time, go round, the world’s Press. New Zealand papers are sure to re-print it, as challenging the freak supremacy of Pelorous Jack.