MINES ROUND THE COAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 July 1918, Page 6

MINES ROUND THE COAST.

1 NAVAL ADVISER'S STATEMENT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, July. 30, Captain Ilall Thompson, Naval Adviser, desires to make the following statement in order, to allay the exaggerated fears current regarding the danger from mines round the New Zealand coast:— "It is understood that many wild rumors are prevalent in the Dominion. It is desired to emphasise the fact that the danger therefrom is no greater now than it has beeen recently and will he in the future, as far as at present known, the fields of moored mines about New Zealand have been located, and, provided that vessels obey their instructions, it is thought the danger from this source is at a minimum.

'There is the additional danger (a potential one only) that, owing to the time the mines have been down, the cables securing them to their anchors are probably considerably perished by the action of the water, and this may. result in the mines breaking loose from their moorings and iionting about on the surface at the will of the winds and currents. It is, therefore, deemed advisable to warn shipowners to have a good lookout kept, and cause their vessels ,to navigate confined tidal areas audi as CookStrait in daylight as ftr-as possible. 'lt will be readily realised that, although a risk exists,, the chances ar< very much against vessels, striking a floating object of such small.dimensions, and that the danger incurred, is, though possible, not very probable, "Parenthetically, it may;,be: mentioned 'that mines breaking '.wtftj. from their moorings arc supposed to render themselves safe, but this cannot be guaranteed. It may also be stated that the idea of entirely sweeping up all mines that- were originally laid, and thereby guaranteeing absolute safety, is imprcticable. Should floating mines be adrift., they can bs seen, if a good lookout i s kept, showing a few. inches above the surface, and their horns .will probfibly be visible. Masters Of all ships have been informed that any mines seen should be sunk or exploded by rifle fire at a distance of not less than '2oft yards, and arrangements ■ have been made whereby all" ships «tn orbtaii rifles and ammunition for this purpose from the Defence Department on payment of a monetary deposit."