Shark Fishing In Tonga

From a Special Correspondent

Nukualofa, Feb. 10.

APROPOS of an article in the “PIM” of June, 1940, on the value of the shark-fishing industry, it may be noted, that the Cook Brothers, of Nukua lofa, Tonga, are successful catchers of sharks and whales.

Ned Cook told me recently that July to October is the best season here for

sharks and whales. The easiest way to catch sharks in any quantity is to have a dead whale about—this attracts sharks m great numbers, and all one has to do is to spear them. He estimates that a hundred could be caught that way in a month.

Mr. Trafford Smith, of the Colonial Office staff, who has been touring the British possessions in the Pacific, left Melbourne for Ocean Island in February, accompanied by Mrs. Smith. Before leaving Australia they received word that all their possessions in London had been destroyed by fire during a recent “blitz”.

They will return to Australia about August. It is possible that Mrs. Smith may settle in Fiji, for some months, in stead of returning to London with her husband.

Mr. R. D. Bensted, formerly Director of Public Works in Papua, underwent a serious operation in the Lister Hospital, Sydney, in February, and is making satisfactory progress.

TOP; The boat used by the Cook brothers for whaling, near Nukualofa.

LOWER: A 15-feet shark, caught by the Cook brothers.