THE MOKAU MINE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1919, Page 3

THE MOKAU MINE.

• SUCCESSFULLY DEMOLISHED. The German submarine mine which was discovered near the mputh of the -Vlokau river, was exploded at an early hour yesterday morning, bv Captain Roekstrow, N.Z.S.C, and Sergt-Mnjor Head. R.N.Z.A. It had licen intended to destroy the mine on Wednesday morning at lonwater, but the tide proved unsuitable and the operation ha«i to he postponed until yesterday morning, and took place at about (i o'clock. Very few people were aware of the arrangements and there were therefore few spectators. The officers who carried out the workstated that the mine had evidently been in the water a very long time, and they believed it had been on the beach in the position 'in which it was found for a considerable 'time. The case of the mine was covered with marine growth, the horns were knocked off and the connecting wires were all severed. The float chamber was full of water and it was believed the "business" portion of. the mine was also' waterlogged, and some fears were entertained as to the success of the attempts to destroy it, in its partially submerged position. The operation, however, was successfully carried out 'and the explosion made a hole in the sand from ISft to 20ft in diameter and of considerable depth, the extent of which was not visible as the sea rushed in immediately the demoli-' tion took place. i Fears as to the effect of the explosion in the tewnsshjp were without foundation, and the officers had no hesitation in exploding the mine in the position in which it wa« found. No damage whatever resulted from the concussion. Captain Roekstrow and Sergt.-Major Head returned to New Plymouth veslerday afternoon, and leave for Wellington this morning.