THE NAVALS AND COSTAL DEFENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7515, 19 December 1885, Page 5

THE NAVALS AND COSTAL DEFENCE.

It is the desire of the Government: that the Naval Corps throughout the colony should perfect themselves as soon as possible in the working of the batteries for the defonee of the chief ports? No doubt the visit of Admiral Tryon will have the effect of directing greater attention to this quostion, and will spur on the authorities to increased activity in providing for the efficient working of tho guns. Owing to the reduction of the constabulary, and the small number of men who have been trained to this important branch of the service, it will be necessary for some provision to be made for a reliable reserve to man the gnns. This duty will devolve upon the Naval corps. Laat Saturday a body of the Auckland avals received a couple of hours' drill in the working of the 7-inch guns at North Shore, and also for a time at the 64-pounders. We understand that such intelligence and readiness was shown by the men that they earned the approbation of Sir G. S. VVhitmore, the officer commanding the forces, who was present for a time and witnessed th© drilling. Sir G. S. Whitmore haß given orders for the instructors to be increased to three, in order that a largo number of men may roceive instruction at the same time. The guns are all kept in most perfect order by the gunners at present iu charge. A body of Navals will proceed to the North Shore by steamer to-day at three o'clock for big- gundrill.