ENEMY MINEFIELDS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 60, 2 August 1918, Page 4

ENEMY MINEFIELDS.

STATEMENT BY NAVAL AD-

VISER.

WELLINGTON, July 30.

Captain Hall Thompson, Naval Adviser to the New Zealand Government, desires to make the following statement in order to allay exaggerated rumours which are ,current regarding the danger from mines around the New Zealand coast. He says:— “It is understood that . many wild rumours regarding mines are prevailing in the Dominion. It is to emphasise the fact that the danger therefrom is no great-, er now than it has been recently, , and than it will be in future. As far as is at present known, the fields of moored mines about the New Zealand coast have been located, and, provided that vessels obey their instructions, it is thought that the danger from this source is at a minimum.

“There is an additional danger ijCa potential one only) that, owing to the time the mines' have been down, the cables securing them to their anchors are probably considerably perished by the action of the water, and this may result in the mines breaking loose from their moorings and floating about on the surface at the will of the winds and currents. It is therefore deemed advisable to warn ships to have a good look-out kept and cause vessels to navigate the confined tidal areas, such as Cook Strait, in daylight as far as possible.

“It will readily be realised that the risks and chances are very much against a vessel striking floating objects of such small dimensions, and that the danger incurred, though possible, is not very probable.

“Parenthetically it may be mentioned that mines breaking away from their moorings are supposed to render themselves safe, but this cannot be guaranteed. It may also be stated that the idea of entirely sweeping up the mines that were originally laid, thereby guaranteeing absolute safety, is impracticable. Should floating mines be adrift, they can be seen if a good look-out is kept, as they show a few inches above the surface, and their horns will probably be visible.

“Masters of all ships have been informed that any mines seen should be sunk or exploded by rifle fire at a distance of not less than 200 yards, and arrangements have been made whereby all ships can obtain rifles arid ainmunition for this purpose from the Defence Department on the payment of a monetary deposit.”