GERMAN MINE EXPLODES.

Taihape Daily Times, 23 April 1919, Page 4

GERMAN MINE EXPLODES.

ON WOODLEIGH BEACH. TWO MEN KILLED. PUKEKOHE, April 22. Yesterday the Pukekche police were informed that a fatal accident had occurred on the beach south-east of Woodleigh. Michael Ryan discovered the bodies of two men and several dead cattle on the' beach near a groat hole, presumably caused by a mine explosion. One body is believed to be that of Puhi Clarke, a stock drover. WELLINGTON, April 22.

News of what is believed to have been the explosion of a German mine, resulting in the death of two men, has been received by the Commissioner of Police. The message states "Early yesterday Mr Ryan, farmer, of Woodleigh, S 8 miles south, of Auckland, heard a loud explosion along the coast. On investigating he found the remains of two men and several head of cattle on the beach.. It is surmised that the explosion was caused by a mine that had been washed ashore, although, on inspecting the locality, Ryan found no trace of any metal. The two men were evidently drovers, and they were evidently taking cattle along the beach." .

SHOCKING TRAGEDY.

THREE MAORIS BLOWN TO PIECES.

GERMAN MINE EXPLODES.

AUCKLAND, April 22

On Monday morning three MaorisEdward Whare, and two brothers named Puhura —left Pukewcra, a bluff between Port Waikato and Raglan, to attend a sports meeting at KJaraka. They reached tho mouth of the Waikouria creek, and, coincident with their arrival, ia farmer named Michael Ryan, living in the vicinity, heard a terrific explosion. Rushing out to investigate, Ryan saw a huge column of smoke rising from the direction of the seafront. Here he found fragments of three men and their three horses. The harness was scattered in all directions. Subsequently the police recovered the remains. They also found pieces of steel and other metal, which appeared to be part of a mine which, in exploding,, had made a huge hole ill the beach. The deceased were identified ■" om their clothing by other Maoris. It is presumed that the heavy weather treeenftly experienced jswept a imlirie ashore, and that the* natives were attempting to recover it when it exploded.