A GERMAN MINE

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 27, 9 April 1918, Page 4

A GERMAN MINE

FOUND AT GREAT BARRIER ISLAND With reference to the Gorman mine recently washed up on' Aw ana Beach, Great Barrier Island, the Naval Adviser to the New Zealand Government announces that the following brief description can now bo given:— The mine is of German make and of a typo well known to the authorities. In appearance it is a cylindrical object with spherical 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, etc. On the top arc live horns, and the internal mechanism is so arranged that when a vessel strikes one of horns connection is set up with the detonator, and the mine exploded. At the bottom is the mooring attachment and apparatus for insuring that the mine normally remains at a certain depth below the surface of the water, but the latter had broken away in the present case. When found the mine had been considerably damaged by contact with the rocks, etc. ; all five horns had been completely smashed, electric connections carried away, and the ease considerably dented. It is not clear why the mine did not explode at first contact with 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 in a dangerous state, and any person should not tamper with it, but should report the matter immediately to the nearest naval, military, police, or Customs authority. Acting under instructions from Captain Hall-Thompson, Naval Adviser to the New Zealand Government, says the N.Z. Herald, preparations for the destruction of the mine were completed on March 21, and at 10 p.m. on that day the party left for Awana Beach, arriving at 7 a.m. next day. DistrictConstable Johnson and the finder of the •mine, Mr F. Gray, a settlor, met the party, and they immediately approached the mine, which was high and dry on the beach, 50 yards above low water mark. The dangerous war weapon had been secured by a steel hawser, and a notice had been erected warning settlers not to interfere with it.

Mr Gray said the mine was washed ashore during a terrific swell on March 4, but he did not examine it until March C, when ho came to the conclusion that it was a mine. As the police station was situated at Okupu, some miles distant, ho did not at once report his find, but .Tailed until the visit of a district constable, on March 10. A TEEEIFIC EXPLOSION. After a thorough investigation Lieut. Browning expressed the opinion that the mine would have to be blown ojfcn. About 31b of guncotton was set at the base, and after the party had retired to what was considered a safe distance the charge was exploded. The report was resounding, and the mine was hurled 20ft into the air and 28 yards along the beach. Huge volumes of yellow fumes were scattered along the beach, and were noticeable for some considerable time -afterwards. The explosives contained by the mine did not detonate, the only damage done to the mine being the tearing open of its base and the breaking and the twisting of the mechanism inside. The explosive, which consisted of a number of hexagonal blocks was strewn about the beach. It was yellowish in colour and with an odour which suggested picric acid. Several samples of the explosive were secured and the rest was gathered up, and principally as a precaution against accident to local settlers, and partly to test the efficacy of the explosive, it was placed above a small charge of guncotton, and detonated. The result was a terrific explosion, which reverberated among the hills for many minutes. Debris, consisting of sand, stones, and sticks was thrown to a height of at least 600 ft. Tne Lady Eoberts which was anchored one mile efi! shore, was literally showered with sand. A miniature crater some Bft in depth and I6ft in diameter was torn in the earth, thus indicating in some small measure the power of the explosive.

Although a minefield was discovered in Cook Strait some six weeks ago, and seven mines destroyed, this is the first mine to be washed up on to the New Zealand coast. The saving of the shell and interior parts is a unique achievement, and they will probably be preserved as historical mementoes. The shell and its accessories are to be sent on to Wellington to Captain Hall Thompson