OUR DEFENCE FORCES. CAMPS AT THE HEADS.

Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 32, 8 February 1899, Page 6

OUR DEFENCE FORCES. CAMPS AT THE HEADS.

The members of the Naval Artillery noAv in camp in Mahanga Bay proceeded to their parade as usual last evening, but on arrival at the Bay it av&s ascertained that a torrent of Avater had taken charge, and before the tents and sheds could be reached an outlet had to be cut for the Avater that was foaming doAvn the gully. The Permanent Artillery in Scorching Bay had a still more unpleasant experience, as they had no sheds to take shelter in, and the storm had scoured out their tents, and done considerable damage to the men's outfits and equipment. In fact, during the past eight days the Permanent Artillery have endured considerable hardship, and have had a Avet ground to sleep on each night. Cooking Avas out of the question, so the absence of proper meals has added to their discomforts. The examination of the Naval Artillery gunners commences to-night, and to-mor-i-oav the guns will be put into action for : Llio purpose of the Commandant's inspection. The examination for the gunners I his year is a very stiff one, and it reflects much credit upon, the Permanent Artillery instructors that practically the whole company can be brought up to a state of efficiency in so short a. time. The following are fair samples of the examination questions put to each gunner:-- j *• Define calibre, Avindage, axis of the piece, trajectory, line of sight, angle of elevation, quadrant elevation, lateral deviation, centring, muzzle velocity, etc , etc. Describe the Avorking of the folloAving parts of the guns and carriage . — Air plug, recoil valve, by-pass valve, H.P. cylinder, etc., etc." The examination also includes all the duties in connection ■with magazines, gun-laying, loading, and gunnery. Target practice will be commenced to-morroAv, and forms part of the practical test of efficiency.

The bad weather haa necessitated another postponement of tho sale of i'nmiture and effects which Messrs. F. Sidey & Co. are to hold at tho corner of Dock-street and Banksterrace. 1»ho sale, however, will positively take place to-morrow. Messrs. A. G. Tame & Co. will submit for sale to-morrow a hoc lion at Blackbridge, Lower Hutt, containing 29 perches and a cotlage and oul-bniidinga. The sale will take place at 2 o'clock. Messrs. ITornblow & Co. advertise a sale of timber, doors, sashes, bricks, &c, on tho promisos adjoining Messrs. Young, jeweller, v-mbtou-quay, on Friday next.