THE MINE EXPLOSION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 180, 25 April 1919, Page 4

THE MINE EXPLOSION

INQUEST ON THE VICTIMS OPENED By -Telegraph— I'rets Association. Auckland, April 24. An inquest regarding the ' tragedy at Waikoria beach on Monday, by which three Natives were blown to atoms by a German mine, was opened yesterday. After taking evidence of identification, etc., tho inquest was adjourned sine die to enable expert evidence to bo obtained as to the probable cause of the tragedy. Natives were given permission to bury the remains, and preparations are no\V in hand for a tangi at Pukerewa. •The beach presented a gruesome sight after the tragedy, fragments of the victims and their horses being strewn in all directions. Mr. Ryan, who heard the reports of the explosion, stated that there were two explosions; the first 'was a dull boom, followed almost immediately by a sharp, deafening report. On examining tho beach he found two parallel lines drawn on the sands in the direction of the water, as if some heavy object had been carried in by the .tide, dragging in the sand as it came ashore. It is surmised that the three men, seeing the object on the- beach, went out to inspect it and tampered with it. with fatal results. It is also suggested that the mine may have been buried jn the sand and exploded by the horses standing on it. • Natives at the scene of tho tragedy suited that soma months ago a mine came ashore near tho entrance to Rnglnn Harbour and exploded with n terrific report against the cliff on the beach. They stated that fragments of the mine wero in possession of. local Natives, but no report had ever been made of the occurrence.