THE HARBOUR DEFENCES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7405, 13 August 1885, Page 5

THE HARBOUR DEFENCES.

ADDITIONAL BATTERIES TO BE ERECTED. Sir George Whitmokk, Inspector of Volunteers, intends holding an out-door parade of the volunteers of all arms on Saturday next in the paddock at rear of Government House, and subsequently marchiDg them to the Domain, where they will be put through a series of field movements. At the period of his last visit in May last, the various corps were not made up to their strength, or the recruits of the new corps in uniform. All this has now been accomplished, so that a large muster may be anticipated. Yesterday Sir George, accompanied by Major Boddam and Lieutenant Seymour George, of the O Battery, paid a visit of inspection to the fortifications at the North Head, and found everything going on satisfactorily. The work at the batteries on the North Head will soon be completed, and when that is done the work of constructing the battery of "converted" 64 pounders at Mount Victoria will be proceeded with Major Boddam has selected sites for additional batteries and positions at the North Head for heavy guns expected out from Home for Auckland, namely, three 8-inch and four G-inch guns A battery is to be erected at Bastion Point, and mounted with two gun?, also another at Takapuna Point, with two guns. The other three guns will be placed at various points on the North Head fortifications. The barracks for the permanent force are now completed, and the men have entered into occupation of them. There has been some feeling over the delay, but it may be stated that at Wellington the barracks were only occupied a day or two ago ; while at Dunedin they are not yet finished, the force having only temporary shelter. It will probably be necessary to form an Engineer Corps specially to undertake the charge of land mines, ftc. There will be about 100 submarine mines guarding the harbour, in fact, a larger number than at any other port of the colony. The torpedo section will be sent to Wellington to undergo thorough training in their duties, and will probably return accompanied by a permanent instructor. A number of Whitehead torpedoes are on the road out for the use of the torpedo boats. Coming to the "Little Defence Bill," the batteries have cost over £50,000, the war material £160,000, and the mounting of the new guns will probably brine the whole cost of colonial defences up to £."500,000. Major Boddam leaves for Wellington tomorrow (Friday) by the s.s. Tarawera.