Caught An Alligator On A

Gut Line

MRS. HEATHER GWILT sends an in teresting note from New Britain: The following episode may interest some of the readers of the “PIM” as much as it did those of us who witnessed it.

My husband has taken over the man agement of Gavit and Galtum planta tions (in the Bainings) and this happened when we returned here after visiting Rabaul.

The “Talasea” pulled into Gavit Wharf at about 5.30 p.m. and anchored for the night, with the object of continuing her journey early next morning. On board were a Mr. and Mrs. Weekes, from Mel bourne, and ourselves. We disembarked and had a meal, and retired to sleep, leaving Mr. Weekes fishing from the “Talasea,” with Mr. Aubrey Ede (acting captain of the “Talasea”) who had a gut line, No. 18, with a 5/0 hook on it.

Suddenly, two shots rang out, and we all rushed outside —to find that Mr. Ede had hooked a 7 ft. alligator. Mr. Weekes took over the line, and reeled the puk puk close to the “Talasea.” while Mr. Ede rushed for his rifle and shot the puk-puk.

This was what aroused us. The alligator was pulled, still struggling, up on to the coral. He was soon dead.

Later on the boys skinned him and next day they ate the flesh with relish— they firmly believe alligator flesh is a cure for all sores and skin troubles.

Gavit Harbour seems to be a sanctuary for puk-puks, and we can see one lying near the reef nearly every day. My husband has shot two, and they now are

becoming wily, and will not come near enough to let us use the rifle on them.

During the trip into Rabaul, the boys caught a 90 lb. blue marlin. It seems to me these waters could become a centre for big-game fishing second to none in the world, for they are teeming with all sorts of game fish.