DERELICT GERMAN MINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4816, 13 March 1918, Page 5

DERELICT GERMAN MINE.

AY A SHED ASHORE AT GREAT BARRIER. NAVAL ADVISER’S AVARNING. Press Association Telegram. WELLINGTON. March 12. Captain Hall-Tliompson, naval adviser to the Government, stated today- that a derelict German mine had been discovered washed up on the eastern coast of Great Barrier Island. The mine was found on Alarch 11, and had a broken portion of a steel hawser attached. “This discovery should not cause unnecessary anxiety, as the mine is certainly- a failure,” said Captain Hall-Tliompson. “It had broken away from its moorings in some distant minefield, and, in such case, its internal mechanism should have rendered it safe for shipping. “This appears to have occurred, but the state of the mine is still the subject of investigation. Should such a discovery be made in the future, it is strongly recommended that no person should attempt to handle or tamper with the mine, but should report- the matter at once to the nearest naval, military, Customs or police authority. Of course all vessels should avoid such an object if seen floating.” Great Barrier Island is situated in the Hauraki Gulf, directly off the end of the Coromandel Peninsula, and is passed on the right by shipping making the passage between Gisborne and Auckland. The steamer route from the south to Auckland is through the Coromandel channel, 12J miles in width, which lies between Cape Colville and the Great Barrier.