A GERMAN MINE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3342, 3 April 1918, Page 40

A GERMAN MINE.

NAVAL ADVISER'S DESCRIPTION. WELLINGTON, April 1. With reference to the German mine recently washed up on Awana Beach, Great Barrier Island, the Naval Adviser to the Government announces that the following brief description can no\v { be given:— The mine is of German make and: type, and is well known to the authorities. In appearance it is a cylindrical object, with spnerioal ends, being Bft 4in in circumference, with a longitudinal circumference of lift lin. Internally the mine'is divided into two compartments, the upper chamber being utilised for electric wiring and mechanism, and the lower for the explosive charge and detonator. On the top are five horns, and the internal mechanism is so arranged that when a_ vessel strikes one of the horns connection _is set up with the detonator and the mine is exploded. At the bottom is a mooring attachment and apparatus for ensuring that the mine nor-, mally remains at a certain depth, but the latter has been broken - fcway in the present oase. When found the mine had been considerably damaged) by contact with rocks, etc. All the horns had been completer? smashed, the electric connection carried away, and the case considerably dented. It is not clear why the mine did not explode at the first contact with the rocks, but probably this was due to the electric connection being previously severed., or perhaps to damage by water leaking into the interior. It is pointed out that the detonator was in position, and the mine was in a dangerous state, and any person discovering such an object in the future should not tamper with it, but should report tho matter immediately to the nearest naval, military, police, or the Customs authority.