DANGER FROM MINES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 267, 31 July 1918, Page 5

DANGER FROM MINES

STATEMENT BY NAVAL ADVISER. The Naval Adviser lias made the following statement in order to allay the exaggerated rumours which aro current regarding the danger from mines around the New Zealand coast:— "As it is understood that many/wild rumours regarding mines are prevalent in the Dominion, it is desired to emphasise the fact that tho danger therefrom is no greater now than it has been rocently, or than it will he in the future, 60 far as is at present known. "The fields of moored mines about New Zealand havo boon located, and, provided that vessels obey their instructions, it is thought that tho clangor from this source is at a minimum. "Thero is an additional danger (a potential one only) that, owing to tho time the mines havo now been down, tho cables' seouring them to their anchors aro now probably considerably perished by the action of tho water, and this may result in tho mines breaking loose from their moorings and floating about on tho surface at the will of tho winds and currents. "It has therefore been deemed advisable to warn shipowners to have a good lookout kept, and to cause their vessels to navigate confined tidal areas such as Cook Strait in daylight as far as. possible. "It will bo readily realised that, although the risk exists, tho chances are very_ much against a vessel striking a floating object, of such small dimensions, and thai tho danger incurred is—though possible—not very probable. ■ "Parenthetically, it may bo mentioned that mines breaking away from their moorings are supposed to render themselves safe, but this cannot bo guaranteed. "It may also be stated that tho idea of entirely sweeping up all tho mines that were originally laid-thereby guaranteeing absolute safety-is impracticable. . . Should floating mines 'be adrift,' they can bo seen, if a good look-out is kept, showing a few-inches above the surface, an ~,r eir Ilorns will P rob <iWy be visible.. Masters of alt ships have been iniormfcd that any mines seen should be sunk or exploded by rifle fire at a dislanco of not less than 200 yards, and arrangements havo been made whereby all can obtain tho rifles and ammunition tor this purpose from the Defence Department on payment of a monetary doposit.' , J