GERMAN "BOOBY-TRAPS"

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10135, 25 November 1918, Page 8

GERMAN "BOOBY-TRAPS"

SOHE OF THE. DEVICES. The Boche is nothing if not cunning, and when compelled by force of oircuni6tances to retire '-'according to plan, ' he does his best to render the evacuated area as unpleasant as possible for the incoming tenants by leaving in his wake delay-action mines, or "booby-traps." These are either timed by various subtle devices, to explode automatically after tho lapse of several days or even weeks, or are so arranged that any incautious handling of the "bait" will fire the charge by the closing of an electric circuit. Before Allied troops take up their per-i manent quarters, however, detachments of tunnellers, specially selected for tho job, are sent forward to examine likely spots and report all safe for occupation. The wily Hun must have many a quiet chuckle over some of the little souvenirs he leaves behind him when handing ovei his comfortable dug-outs to the enemy, but "the best-laid schemes o' mice end men gang aft a-glej," and seldom does a booby-trap escape the keen eyes of th« searchors. Here is a dug-out entrance. Go gin. gerly down tho stairway, for a loose step at the bottom may press the button that will cut you o£f for ever from the light ot day; that shovel, too, carelessly left sticking out of tho wall, is a favourite trap, and needs careful handling. The stovo is most conveniently laid ready for lighting, but look for an instantaneous fuse hidden in tho chimney before attempting to cook your dinner at Fritz's expense. Do not touch those artificial flowers lying on tho table if you vulno your Mo; for vou may be quite that they »re no sentimental peace-offering. That s-siked helmet hanging on the wall is' very tempting, but you are too old a bird to bo caught so easily; first cut the wires concealed behind it. and you can then eafely send it home to your wife. AH clear at last! Chalk up your trade mark, and away to'the next job—a wolifurnished cellar required as battle quarters for the G.O.C. In th; corner, merrily ticking away, stands an eightday mrandfather clock. It looks harmlees enough, doesn't it? But let a careloss batman forget to wind it up at ihe end of tho week, anrl tho unsuspecting general will bo "missing, believed killed," for the weight on reaching tho P -or will complete tho fatal circuit.