The Press. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1866.

Press, Volume X, Issue 1192, 1 September 1866, Page 2

The Press. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1866.

The trials at Shoeburyness and elsewhere of the relative powerp of rifle cannon and armour plates, together with some recent experiments and facts of which we received the particulars by last month's mail, prove to demonstration that the British Admiralty will be com- | polled, however unwillingly, to adopt from the Americans what is called the turret form for vessels of war, a-nd that broadside, ironclads like the "Warrior will soon be as obsolete for warlike purposes as their venerable predecessors the Victory or Agamemnon of the days of Nelson. The protracted competition between the artillerists and the steel plate manufacturers has established that, so far as ships are concerned, the attack beats the defence; that a gun can be made which the strongest possible armour cannot resist. With fortifications it may be different, because in a fort there is no -limit to the thickness of the outer plates or the backing, but no ship can swim under such a load of armour as is required to repel a ball from the monster guns of Armstrong or Whitworth. The great difficulty ia how to carry guns of such enormous weight on board ship ; and this difficulty has been particularly felt; by the American artillerists, from the kind of guns preferred by them. The Armstrong and Whitworth guns are constructed with a view to penetrative power. They are used with heavy charges of powder, and discharge bolts instead of round shot at an immense velocity, so as to pierce through whatever they strike by the force of the blow. The Dalghren guns, of American invention, are fired with comparatively small charges, and throw enormous bullets at a slow velocity, which crush and shatter what they strike by their ponderous concussion. The largest American guns are three times the size of any that have been made in England.

At an early period in the late civil war the American ship builders discarded the broadside priuciple and took to what are called, from the name of the first specimen, Monitors. These vessels, which stand but three feet at highest above the water, are little more than steam propelled rafts, carrying however a revolvfng turret, or sometimes two turrets, within which the guns are worked. The advantages of this construction are, firstly that it presents next to no mark for an

enemy's missiles; secondly, it can carry guns of a calibre .totally impracticable in a ship of the ordinary kind; thirdly, the plating of the j turret, the only part exposed, may be j of any thickness required, while if a dole is knocked in one side a turn of the turret brings another undamaged side to cover the gun and its workers from fire. The principal complaint against these monitors when brought into action at the siege of Charleston —and it is an all-important one — was, that the spindle on which the turret revolved was apt to give way under a Heavy shot, and so jam it against the deck ; of course rendering the vessel perfectly useless. The improved form, invented by Captain Coles, in which the turret rests upon a turntable travelling on a number of exceedingly massive wheels, entirely obviates this objection, as has been proved by an actual trial. It is evident that such a vessel as this —a i scarcely visible speck on the water — would encounter at great advantage the huge bulk of the broadside ironclads, not to mention that the 600-pounders which the Monarch (Captain Coles's vessel) is to carry, would sink its antagonist long before the guns of the latter were within range.

It was at first taken for granted that these monitors, though useful for coast and harbor defences, could not venture into the open sea ; which was confirmed by the foundering of one or two in but moderately rough weather, Since however they have either been much better built or more fortunate. One, the Monadnock, was despatched from New York to California round Cape Horn, and not only lived through the voyage but proved herself a better sea boat than any of her consorts. This was the vessel which Admiral Porter declared could cross the Atlantic and steam defiant of all opposition into any port in Europe. The Miantonomob, a sister vessel, has so far made his words good that she has crossed, the Atlantic in safety and entered Cork harbor, though in less warlike guise than the gallant and plainspoken Admiral would perhaps have desired. These instances are sufficient to prove that the original estimate of the qualities of this class of vessels was erroneous, and that, though weathering the Cape was probably at best a risky business, they need by no means be confined to the immediate neighborhood, of port. Meanwhile the Americans are rebuilding nearly their whole fleet on the turret principle, and if should happen to break out, the British colonies in these seas will be visited in another fashion than Cork has been, possibly by the Monadnock herself.. It is strange how slow we colonists are to realise our undefended position, though every mail brings out some additional warning. The Melbourne Grovernment took the matter up a year ago, and talked of spending £100,000 in the defence of the approaches to the harbor, but their spirit seems to have cooled down again, as they are now proposing to sell a site which formed an important point in their line of defence. We hope something more practical will come of the resolution passed by the House of Representatives at the beginning of the present session, upon the necessity of taking immediate steps for the protection of the harbors of New Zealand, Such a significant hint as is contained in the visit of the Miantonomob to Cork, should not be disregarded. It is a distinct intimation that should war be declared with England, the American fleet will not hesitate to assume the offensive, and that no distance will be a shelter from its attacks. Australia and New Zealand will do well to stand prepared. If we are not wise enough to take precautions beforehand, we snail assuredly learn to do so from the bitter teaching "of experience.

Cbicket.—-The new ground, the property of the Christchurch Club, wluch was laid down in grass last autumn, is getting into a fair cricketing condition, and promises to be one of the best in the colonies. We hear that the forthcoming season is likely to be more than usually attractive. The return match with the Dunedin team has to he played, as well as those with Hokitika, Wellington and Timaru, challenges for which have we hear been accepted.

Statement as Receipts and Expenditpbe —We have received the statement of the receipts and expenditure of the Province of Canterbury for the quarter ending June 30. In the Ordinary expenditure and Immigration account the receipts amount to £19,548 18s 11 d, with a balance against account to July 1, 1866, of £19,569 Is 4d ; and the expenditure £20,254 17s 3d, with a balance against account from March 31, 1866, of £L 8,863 3s. In the Land ai.d Works general account the receipts are £51,253 4s 9d, with a balance against account to July 1, 1866, of £3934 17s 8d ; and the expenditure amounts to £20,856 4s 7d, with a .balance against account from March 31, 1866, ol £34,331 17s lOd. In the Railway and Harbor Works'account the receipts are £44,125 9s 9d, with a balance from March 31 of £48,026 7s 9d; j and the expenditure is £48,028 lis Id, with a balance in favor of account to July 1, 1866, of £44,123 6s sd. In the West Coast Goldfields,: account the receipts are £43,935 15a 61, with ; a balance against account to July 1, 1866, of £102.836 4s 6d; and the expenditure is £40,189 7s sd, with a balance against account from March 31,1866, of £106,58212s 7d. The balance sheet is therefore as follows : To over expenditureon Ordinary account, £19,569154 d; to over expenditure on Land and Works general account, £3934 17s 8d ; to over expenditure on West Coast Goldfields ■ account, £102,836 4s 6d ; total, £126,340 3s 6J. By b dance Railway and,. Harbor Works account, £44,123 6s 5d ; by balance against Province, Ist July, 1866, £82,216 17s Id; total, £126,340 3»6d.

Accident.—An accident which might have been attended with serious results occurred yesterday to the afternoon coacli from Kaiapoi. When nearly opposite the Road Board office, Papanui, the fore wheel of the coach came off, and tho vehicle was dragged for some distance with the axle arm ploughing the ground, before the horses could be stopped. The passengers jumped from the coach, and wo are happy to state that no more serious results than a mere fright occurred. Great praise is due to the driver (William Burton) for the manner in which he handled his team. Much assistance was rendered by Mr Harris and Mr Wright, who happened to be passing at the time of the accident.

Suprkmb Coubt. —The criminal sittings of the Supreme Court, for the Canterbury district, commence to-day, at eleven a.m. There is not a very heavy calendar. The following are the cases :—Regina v. Yates, Holmes and Greaves, for robbery with violonca. Regina v. Wm. and Sarah Hayward, larceny from the person. Regina t. Joseph Crawford, horsestealing. Regina v. Alfred Robert Sturge, forgery and uttering. Regina v. James Rivers, obtaining money by false pretences. Regina v. Charles Payne, larceny from a dwelling. Regina v. Henry Harvey, larceny from a dwelling. Regina v. Henry Harvey, obtaining money under false pretences. Regina v. Peter Macdonald, horsestealing. Regina v. Collett, sheepstealing. Regina v. Joseph Benjamin, larceny.

Abt Union'. —The drawing for Mr G. B Shaw's prizes took place yesterday afternoon in Bonnington's rooms. The following were tho prizes, and the names of the winners : - Ist prize, Painting, "Silver Cord Loosed," in oils, Charles Kiver, junr.; 2nd prize, "Lovers' Venetian Costume," water colors, Mrs Waitt; 3rd prize, " Lake Scene in Highlands," in oils, F. A. Weld ; 4th prize, Engraving, " Silver Cord Loosed,' 1 India proof, Wynn Williams ; sth prize, " The Pets," Artist's proof, Mr J. Hall; 6th prize, " Christohurch College," in oils, Thonvis Wallace; 7th priz«. Proof Engraving, " Silver Cord," William Wilson.

Canterbury Rowing- Club. —We are requested to state that the meeting of the club advertised for this day has been postponed, in order to allow of a return match being played between the Christchurch Football Club and Christchurch College, the previous matches having both been drawn. The competitors will meet to-day in Latimer square, at half-past two p.m.

Resident Magistrate's Court, Chbistchttrch.—Coates v. Louisson —In yesterday's impression we stated that the case in question was opened by the Customs officers ; this was not so. Packages are not at any time opened by them. The cases, &c, are passed by a Custom-house agent on what is termed a sight entry, which means that as no invoice is produced the goods must be examined. The agent's servant always opens the packages.

Theatre Eoyax.—The "Lady of Lyons" was played last evening, Miss Juno taking the part of Pauline, and Mr Jones that of Claude. Both of these characters were well sustained, but we are sorry that we cannot say the same of any of the other parts. We understand that another change in the management is likely to occur, and that several additions will bo made to the company. The same pieces are to be repeated this evening.

The Trade of the North. —The returns of the shipments of wool from Kaiapoi have already been published, amounting to 28i5 bales, which represent a total value of £55,762. By the grain returns, we find that an aggregate of 38,496 bushels of grain has been exported from the northern district during the past six months, giving £10,888 as a rough estimate of its value, which is arrived at by taking the average prices during the season, viz., wheat, 6s per bushel; oats, 5s ; and barley, 7s. . Thus we find, the two amounts together, that the approximate value of the chief exports is about £66,650. ft; must, however, be remembered that this estimate does not include several' large consignments of both wool and grain conveyed to Christchurch, or the port of Lyttelton, by other modes of transit than by vessels trading to the river.

C >noert.—A grand amateur concert was given on Monday last at the Royal Assembly Rooms, Timaru, by several ladies and gentlemen, for the purpose of' raising a, fund for charitable purposes. The " Herald "• gives *he following report r-T-The hall was very neatly fitted up for the occasion, and there could not have been less than 250 persons present, as the gross proceeds amounted to £53 lis 6d. Mrf Knight, acted as conductor. The concert commenced punctually to the time : advertised. The programme 'was a very long one, but evidently selected with great care, "and embraced songs, duets, glees and instrumental music. Of the instrumental music the best performed piece of the evening was tho " Paris Quadrilles." Of the glees two were admirably given, "Lightly Tread " and "Friar of Orders Grey," and the first named one waa encored. There were two duets, one by Mrs Butler and Mrs Cookson, "I would that my love," (Mendelssohn) was given admirably and very loudly applauded ; the other, by Mrs Cookson and Mrs Hooper, was continually in-; terrupted by crying children, and the effect entirely destroyed ; it was, however, encored* and on. repetition, was well -received. There were many songs during the evening, including several amusing comic ones. The principal song was by Mrs Cookson, who gave " The Kelpie's Bride" in a manner which would be creditable to a professional singer. The song was given with such taste —so quietly, and yet with such emphasis—as to call for an encore. This brought out another song, " Tho Garden Gate," which was received with boisterous applause. Another song by Mrs' Cookson. "Swallow, Swallow, flying, flying South," and a solo, with chorus, were very well given. The song of " I'm Alone," by Mrs Hooper, who possesses a very powerful voice, was excellently rendered, as the appreciation of the audience testified in a marked manner. She nlso gave a solo, with chorus, "Come where my love lies dreaming," and a song of " Ever of thee." Of the other songs, Sir Knight gave four, the two best being " The first Cannon Shot" and " Molly Asthore." He possesses an excellent voice, and only requires to sing with a little more expression to make him really an acquisition to any concert. The last gentleman we have to notice is one who contributed much, to the entertainment of those present by singing comic songs. We •hair hot attempt to offer him any praise, it would be superfluous, after the manner in which the audience recalled him for every song, and on one occasion called him back twice.