OUR DEFENCE FORCES. THE CAMPS AT THE HEADS.

Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 31, 7 February 1899, Page 6

OUR DEFENCE FORCES. THE CAMPS AT THE HEADS.

The Avet Aveather has made things uncomfortable for the Wellington Navals at Mahanga Bay and the Permanent Artillery at Scorching* Bay, but the routine of gunnery drill has been rigidly adhered to. Yesterday morning and evening the detachments Avere taken under cover of the sheds at Mahanga Bay and instructed by the Permanent Artillery instructors and their own non-commissioned officers in the theoretical part of the work. This morning, taking advantage of a slight improvement in the weather, the men drilled at the big guns, and the officers went through some practical ranging, -under the direction of the master gunner with the Nordenfeldt gun at a target toAved by the Ellen Ballance. This week the annual examinations Avill be held by Major Messenger. The Commandant of the Forces and Lieut. - Colonel NeAvall Avill also inspect the manning of the forts in action and the station practice. It has come to be recognised that Captain Edwin, as dispenser of the weather, takes a particular delight in drenching the Wellington Navals at their annual encampment. This year they seem to have incurred his special displeasure, for it has been a record experience of wet and storm. One night most of the tents and the marquee Avere carried aAvuy, and at the present moment a promising river is coursing merrily through the camp. The attendance, nevertheless, has been constantly good. Under such circumstances, Quartermaster Blanche has had plenty to do to provide food sufficient for the hungry defenders of their country. The cook and his assistants have also had a particularly unhappy time of it, but have good-natur-edly overcome all difficulties. Captain Muir, of the Dueo, has had a responsible task in such Aveather to bring the men backAvards and forward punctual to time, but has done so regularly and without accident. Major Collins, the Hon. Treasurer, has received a telegram as follows from Major Sommerville in reference to the annual meeting: of the N.Z. Rifle Association:— "Difficulty has arisen with natives for range. Settled to-morrow. If natives consent meeting will begin on Saturday, 25th inst. If left till after races too close to Easter camp." The Petone Navals took part in the mimio battle on Saturday. The company manned the batteries at Kaiwarra, Ngahauranga, and in the Botanical Gardens, and assisted in the defence of the city; The muster counted as a daylight parade, and consequently the corps will not drill to-night. Another parade has been called for Saturday next. The annual muster of the City Rifles, Guards, Kelburue Rifles, and Zealandia Rifles for the inspection of nrms and accoutrements was held last night. Major

Collins made the inspection and found everything in first-class order. Private G. Harris of the City Rifles and Private C. Hale of the Guards are to receive the Imperial long-service medal.

The Wellington Elders and Lay Preachers' Association will hold a meeting in the neAV room at St. John's Church at 7.30 o'clock on Thursday evening.