BOMB EXPLODES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21182, 1 November 1938, Page 9

BOMB EXPLODES

BOY LOSES HAND By Telegraph —Press Association WELLINGTON, October 31. As the result of a home-made bomb exploding while he was tapping it lightly, David Dyett, aged 17, of Karori, had his left hand blow off and his condition is serious. The bomb contained chlorate of potassium and sulphur. It is understood that Dyett had previously made several bombs without accident. Mr R. Girling-Butcher, Chief Inspector of Explosives, in commenting on the mishap, said the accidents of this nature were constantly occurring and he stressed the great danger which exists when chlorate of sodium or potassium is mixed with any organic matter such as sulphur, flour or sugar. He added that very great care should be taken by teachers when instructing their pupils that chlorate could be used as an explosive, to emphasise the extreme danger of the material. “Chlorate,” he said is probably the most dangerous explosive that can be made and in many countries the manufacture of explosives from it is prohibited.”