FLOATING DEATH

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1917, Page 4

FLOATING DEATH

MINE-FIELD OFF VICTORIAN COAST.

WORK OF A NEUTRAL

The following amplification of the recent cable messages recording the existence of a minefield off Gabo Island (Victoria) is taken from the Melbourne “ Age ” of October 16 :

Further mines have been discovered off the Australian coast in the vicinity of Gabo Island, and the fact has now been established beyond all doubt that enemy agents are at work bent on the destruction of Australian shipping. The Minister for the Navy (Mr .1. Cook) stated that the mine-sweeping- operations which were being carried out along the coast had revealed the fact that a minefield had been established about five miles south of Gabo Island. The mines so far discovered were laid in deep water and in an open situation. These factors, the Minister pointed out, make it probable that at least some of the mines may have dragged to some distance from the position in which they were originally laid. Thus a long operation will be necessary to ensure that al.) the mines have been destroyed.

Regarding the effect of the discovery upon coastal shipping, the Minister said there was no danger now, nor had there ever been, from mines in the neighbourhood of Gabo Island to ships which followed the instructions given them by the Navy Office. He most strongly emphasised the fact that all masters of shipping shonld pay most careful attention to the route orders which are given them in this way. These orders, he said, were always based on the latest information available, and were issued to protect vessels as far as may be possible from all enemy operations. As it was not always desirable to indicate the reason for the issue of certain route orders, careful compliance with such orders became all the more necessary.

The Minister intimated when questioned that it would be inadvisable to make public at present any further details connected with the discovery of a minefield off Gabo Island. He mentioned, however, that this was the only minefield so far discovered, The Navy authorities naturally are devoting their undivided attention to this latest development of enemy activity. The generally accepted theory is that the mines were sow’u by “ neutral ” vessels in the pa}’ of the enemy. It is, therefore, only to be expected that an even more rigorous snrveillance than has hitherto prevailed will be exercised in regard to all shipping visiting these waters. The presence of mines m Australian waters had led the authorities to make early use of the new minesweeping section of the Australian Naval Reserve, which was established only a comparatively short time ago. The volunteers enrolled for this hazardous work have responded magnificently at the call for their services.