LAKE TAKAPUNA ENCAMPMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7919, 11 April 1887, Page 6

LAKE TAKAPUNA ENCAMPMENT.

(FROM OUR REPORT AT FORT CAUTLEY AND WITH THE DEFENDERS.] THE SHAM FIGHT. Saturday morning broke cloudy and threatening, but as the day advanced cleared up, and turned out fine, there being a slight drizzle only about eloven o'clock. The ferry boats.were busy carrying from Auckland crowds of sightseers, who hastened to Mount Viotoria, from that "coign of vantage" to see the mimic fight. Orderlies and staff officers were galloping to and fro in hot haste between the different posts, and everything gave token that we were in at last for the pomp and circumstance of glorious war. The field of battle lay stretched out before the spectators standing on the different eminences, and the complete view thus obtained heightened the interest to the assembled multitude. The Permanent Force took no active part in the day's operations, Capt. Morrison simply mustering the force at Fort Cautley under arms.

FORT CAUTLEY. By daybreak the garrison at Fort Cautley were astir, and making preparations for the day's battle. The permanent force wero ordered under arms, to be in readiness to meet the enemy should they succeed in break- I ing through the defence forces at Takapuna ! Head. The "O" Battery of Artillery mustered early. A detachment of the Signal Corps was despatched to the camp at Lake Takapuna to assist the staff during the day. At nine o'clock the corps fell in in marching order, and fifty rounds of blank ammunition were served out to each man. Another detachment of signallers was despatched to Takapuna Head, and thus a chain of signallers was made between Fort Cautley and the camp. "APPROACH OF THE ENEMY. About eleven o'clock word was received at Fort Cautley that the enemy was advancing, and was approaching the causeway. Captain George immediately marched his men to Takapuna Head, so as to be a reinforcement to Major Isaacs, who was in command there. Iu the meantime the Engineers, under Major Anderson, assisted by the City Guards (Captain Waddel), and Victorias (Captain Cooper), threw up a fieldwork, the lines of which bad been traced out for them by Lieutenant Falconer. It consisted of a gun pit for one gun of "A" battery, under Lieutenant Geddes, with trench and parapet of forty feet in length on each side, with covered magazines, and was creditably constructed in one and a half hour's time, which was good, considering that the clay was as hard a 8 cement, and tho tools of a very indifferent character, some of the spades being broken. At this point, Colonel Roberts, of the Permanent force, who commanded the defending force (Captain Baker being his A.D.C.), was snperintending operations. A detachment of Ponsonby and Devonport Navals also marched to Takapuna Head to strengthen the post. The left half of .No. 2 battalion, consisting of the Hobsons and Queen's Own, under command of Lieut. -Col. Dignan.acted as a reserve, and were stationed at Cheltenham Beach. On the causeway crossing Shoal Bay were thrown out a detachment of Pukekohe Mounted Infantry, under Major Harris, who pushed up to the foot of the hill on the northern side and threw out vldetteß. At Mount Victoria were stationed the Auckland Navals, under Captain-Command-ant Leßoy, who manned a three • gun battery of " converted "6S-pounders. Down at the mine on the causeway a strong detachment of Devonport, Waitemata, and Onehunga Navals, under Captain Fenton, acted as a covering party to Lieutenant Falconer and his men, whose duty it was to fire the mine. They lined a fence adjacent in skirmishing order, taking cover. THE MINING OPERATIONS. The mine which had been laid by Lieutenant Falconer to blow up the bridge on the causeway was situate in the swamp beltw the racecourse, 100 yards from the bridge, and its site marked by a large post. The mine was charged with 701b ot gelatine, 501b of guncottton, and 501b of gunpowder, the firing point being 70 yards distant. Arrangements had been made to fire it by electricity, with six cells of Leclanche's firing battery, two of No. 12 detonators being used.

Everything being in readiness to fire the mine, Colonel Lyon and his staff rode up to the causeway to note the approach of the enemy, and took up his station there. Colonel Lyon, being desirous of ascertaining whether the redoubt at Fort Takapuna was finished, Lieutenant Falconer signalled over, which gave the spectators an opportunity of seeing the simplicity and effectiveness of the signalling system which he is teaching the "0 " Battery men. The distance was over a mile, but with an ordinary pocket-handker-chief he waved bis question across the intervening gap, and quickly the " 0 " Battery signaller replied, in similar fashion," half-au-hour." The Morse alphabet is used as by telegraphists, and the system may be learned in an hour or so. Colonel Boddam, who was acting as umpire in the defending party, here joined the Devonport IN avals to witness the commencement of THE ATTACK. About one o'clock the long-expected engagement drew on. The spectators at Mount Victoria were startled by hearing firing at the outpost of the Mounted Infantry across the causeway on the crest of the hill. The Mounted Infantry pickets could be seen steadily falling back on the main body at the causeway, keeping up a well-directed fire meanwhile, as the enemy pressed them. On reaching the causeway part of the force dismounted, while the rest fell back to the northern end of the causeway. After brief exchange of shots the dismounted men retired across the bridge to their horses, meanwhile covered by the three- battery on Mount Victoria, where Commandant Leßoy, having got the range of the enemy, had commenced to rake them, and by the volleys of Captain Fenton's Navals lining the feDce. The Mounted Infantry worked splendidly in their retreat, under Major Harris, and it was one of the best pieces of work of the day. Just then Captain Payne's "A" Battery, two guns, with the attacking party, added their deep notes to " the diapason of the cannonade." The skirmishers of the attacking party pressed on towards the bridge, and all now being in readiness for

THE EXPLOSION OP THE MINE, Lieutenant Falconer completed the circuit with the return wire, and in an instant the mine exploded,.throwing up a mass of debris 200 feet into the air. The covering party instinctively ran, but many were struck by the clods of earth, though no one was seriously hurt. The firing of the mine was most successfully carried out, and was one of the features of "the day's operations. As soon as poesible the Navals lined tho fence again to resume firing, but the enemy seeing their attack by way of the causeway was now hopeless through the blowing-up of the bridge, drew off their advance. Skirmishers were raked by the guns at Mount Victoria, and the main body could be seen streaming through the fields, supported by their artillery, en route for Marrow Keck. As soon as the mine was blown up the Mounted Infantry and Navals, marched along the southern shore of Shoal Bay for Narrow Neck to aid in the repulse of the enemy in that quarter in their attempt to break through by way of the old Lake Road. Colonel Lyon (Umplre-in-Chief) and his staff also left for the new field of operations. OPERATIONS AT NARROW NECK. As the attacking party pressed on down the hill the cavalry outposts of the defending party of the "G" troop fell back after exchanging shots with the enemy. On the hill com- : manding Narrow Neck, the right wing of No. 1 Battalion was posted with one gun, under command of Major Isaacs. The " 0 " Battery were put out in skirmishing order, and took up cover under the fences behind Mr. Stark's house, to defend the road. Immediately the enemy came within range, the Armstrong gun opened fire upon them, the enemy's two guna making a vigorous response. The enemy advanced in skirmishing order. This gave the defending force a splendid opportunity to inflict a withering fire upon their ranks. It was computed that this manoeuvre seriously crippled them. On they came, and keeping up their attack, they . broke cover after coming down the slope, and crossed the swamp. The enemy pressed on cross the swamp, their skirmishers advancing so close upon the earthworks of the defenders, that the rifle companies there, reinforced by the reserve, were on the point of leaving their cover and charging them, but as they had got within the limit allowed between the forces, the umpire, Colonel Boddam, ordered the enemy to fall back, When the enemy was well

serosa the swamp Major Isaacs was ordered by Colonel Roberta to outflank them, and the Engineers, who had been straining on the leash, went away with alacrity, getting down tho cliffs to the beaoh. Meanwhile the Devonport N&vals, under Captain Morpeth, broke ground and assumed the offensive, the enemy's skirmishers being repulsed all along the lino, and being in full retreat across the swamp, to the northern shore again, retreating in good order by that lino and the Lake Road. By this time the battle was over, and the umpires gave their decision in favour of the defending party. This announcement was greeted by the Garrison Bund playing," God Save tho Queen," and giving three ringing cheers for Hor Majesty. This was the end of the day's operations, and tho men were immediately marched off to their quarters at Lake Takapuna and Fort Cautley. THE AMBULANCE CORPS. The Ambulance Corps with their waggon was stationed at Takapuna Head, under the direction of Staff-Surgeon Dawson. Their services were brought into operation during the heat of the fight. We again republish the field map so as to enable our readers to comprehend the movements of tho contending forces.

[FROM OOR REPORTER AT THE CAMP AND WITH THE ATTACK. THE CAMP IN THE MORNING. At half-past eight the assembly sounded, and the troops fell in on their lines. The No. 2 battalion, the No. 1, and the Naval battalion under Captain-Commandant Le Roy, the engineers under Major Anderson, and the other members of the force to defend attacks from the north on the city of of Auckland, fell in under Lieut-Colonel Dignan. The Mounted Infantry, under Major Harris, were the first to leave the ground, and the soldierly manner in which they marched off was commented on very favourably. Then followed the Naval and Infantry companies, headed by the respective bands, en route for the points of defence assigned to them. They were accompanied by a detachment ot the "A" battery of Artillery, under the command of Lieutenant Geddcs, with one nine-pounder Armstrong to assist in the defence. The cavalry was drawn up under the command of Major Hamlin, but as the battle ground afforded no space for cavalry manoeuvres, the main body was retained, and the "G" troop, under Captain Smith, was ordered out to take orders from Colonel Lyon, the reason being that this troop had more local knowledge than the others possessed, so they were marched off to act as scouts and cavalry for the defending party. Meanwhile the attacking party, comprising the No. 3 Battalion under LieutenantColonel Mahon, two nine-pounders under Captain Payne, • Lieutenants Norrie and Ansell, remained in camp to allow the others to take up position. A curious feature was then obsorvable. It was this: As the attacking party commenced to muster there could be observed Sergeant Haultain and two members of the " O " Battery plying flags in a most extraordinary manner, and by a system of telegraphy acquainting the commanders of Ports Cautley and Takapuna of wuat was being done in camp, and the movements proposed to be carried out. At all events that seemed to be what they were doing, and their operations were not interfered with.

WITH THE ATTACKING PARTY. At half-past eleven o'clock the attacking party, or the enemy, consisting of two guns and the No. 3 Battalion under LieutenantColonel Mahon moved off from the camp along the main road. Major Tonks was second in command and Major Birnie next, and they were headed for some distance by the No. 2 Garrison Band under Bandmaster Hunter, but these soon halted and allowed the troopß to pass, and then returned to camp. The Infantry of the attacking force was numerically weak, consisting altogether of the Nowton Rifles and the Gordon Rifles. The attacking party advanced along the main road in good order, an advanced guard preceding the Artillery. The line of msrch was continued along the main road, until the only shelter offered was the hill intervening between the enemy j and the Shoal Bay bridge. Here, to the surprise of all. a sharp musketry lire was opened from the defence lines, although it was utterly impossible for those firing to even know the position of the enemy, but it was not replied to, and it soon ceased. Shortly afterwards an orderly brought a despatch to Lieut.-Colouei Mahou, directing that they should advance to the cross road leading to the 'Narrow .Neck, and wait instructions. Then enßued a delay, the cause of which was only subsequently explained. It was this: The advancing enemy was directed to halt for half an hour, as the defending party were not in position to receive them properly, and those polite invaders halted accordingly, affording an opportunity for the men to discuss their sandwich dinners, and giving a much needed spell to the artillery horses. After a somewhat prolonged delay, Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd, who was umpire for the attacking party, directed an advance on the Shoal Bay causeway, and one gun was advanced, the other being placed in a position to command the cross road to the Narrow Neck. The attacking party, as they mounted the brow of the hill, observed the Mounted Infantry skirmishing in the flat' near the racecourse, and keeping up a brisk firei The nine-pounder advanced to the brow of the hill, and opened such a wellsustained fire on the Mounted Infantry that they must have been forced to retire and leave the main road open to tho North Shore had it not been that the mine laid on the previous night to explode the bridge, and thus cut off all advance across Shoal Hay, was then exploded. And the explosion was a caution. It could be seen from the best vantage points of the attacking party's grounds that a tremendous amount of mud was flying about, and. that those who were near at hand were getting plentifully bespattered, but even the enemy did not quite escape danger. Private Lee, of the Newton Rifles, was one of the advance guard of the attacking force. He was a pace or two in advance of his comrades, and was ordered back. It was lucky for him that he obeyed the order, for be had hardly retired a pace or two when a huge clod of clay and | tone shot out by the explosion dropped on the spot on which he had been standing. After tho explosion the attacking party, finding that their only means of advance in this direction was out off, retired to the

cross road leading to the Narrow Neck, and the Newton Rifles were thrown out a 8 skirmishers s to protect and cover the advanoe of the artillery. -'-"A: demonstration was here made by the, Cavalry' from Fort Takapuna, or Stark's Point, and they retreated. Meanwhile the attacking* party, in an exposed position on the road, were exposed to a withering cannonade from the guns of Mount Victoria and Fort Takapuna, and their advance afforded them little more shelter; but the Artillery, under Captain Payne, pounded away with wellserved guns in reply, and covered the advance of their Infantry in skirmishing order on the base of Fort Takapuna. The attacking party did not stick to the road across the Narrow Neck. Finding that the swamp was passable, they advanced through it in skirmishing order in grand style, driving the defenders well back inside their own lines, which were behind a hedge. Here they made an attempt to outflank the earthworks thrown up at the Narrow Neck, but failed in the attempt, and the defending garrison being reinforoed, the attacking party were driven back. They retired over the mangrove swamp and the cemetery reserve, tho defenders pursuing, and the attaoking party firing and retiring.

They reached the roadway and the crossing, pursued by the "G " Troop of cavalry, and here a desperate effort was made to save the guns from capture. They were brought into action to the right, as it could be seen that the Mounted Infantry had crossed the swamp after a gallant struggle, and were taking a diagonal course across country to cut off the retreat on the main road. This charge was the feature of the whole fight. The charge up the side of the hill was a sight worth seeing. They reached a post and rail fence with a ditch on each side. Two horses and men dropped into a ditch on cither side, but the others jumped over them until a new course was pointed out to the men by Major Harris, and then they dropped down the embankment to the road in brilliant style, and the guns were cap* tured. Meanwhile Major Birnie, having a Blow horse, was in jeopardy, and a detachment of four or live of the infantry rear guard returned to his assistance, but it only resulted in the capture of the whole party as prisoners; Major Tonka only escaped capture by a brilliant feat of horsemanship, by which he cleverly cleared a high fonce, and left his pursuers safely on the other side. It would have been a pity indeed if this officer had been taken prisoner, for he was the most active supporter of the attack, and a great aid to the commanding officer, especially in conveying his orders along the line of attack. Well, of course the fight being all over, the troops fraternised, and prisoners and captors paused on the roadside to recover their breath. They were dusty and tired, and many of them exhausted, but after a spell on the roadside they marched to camp. In about an hour afterwards the gallant defenders under Lieut-Colonel Dignan returned to camp. They were heartily received, and were then dismissed to their tents.

CASUALTIES OF THE FIGHT. It is pleasant to record that only two casualties arose out of the fight, and these, although at first they seemed to be serious, have since proved to be trivial. The firnt was to Bugler Nairn of the Gordon Company, who, when the attack was made on the defending lines at the base of Fort Takapuua, was violently struck by Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon's horse on the head. He was stunned, and it was at first feared his jaw was broken. A stretcher was at hand, and he was at once conveyed to the ambulance waggon, near Fort Takapuna, where he was seen to by Dr. Dawson and Dr. Purchas. He was afterwards brought on to camp, and treattid in the hospital tent by Dr. Tennent. In. a few hours he was able to walk about, no bones being broken, although ho has received such a shock that his jaw will be stiff for some days. Gunner Lipscomba also mot with an accident, which might have proved very dangerous indoed. He was on the guncarriage when the artillery was retreating, and his leg became mixed up with the wheel. However, instead of having the leg fractured, he escaped with nothing more serious than a sprain. , THE CAVALRY MOVEMENTS.

As already indicated, the site of the attack and defence was unsuite'd for the movements of large troops of cavalry, and accordingly, as soon as the Pukekohe Mounted Infantry and the G Troop of Cavalry were moved off to take part in the defensive operations, Major Hamlin marched off the VVaiaku, Te Awamutu, and Royal Dragoons to a large psddock facing the encampment for cavalry drill. The squadrons were equalised by details from the two larger troops being attached to the Dragoons, and then a series of very interesting manoeuvres were executed, including marching past in review order, &c, including all those sections of drill which can be most appropriately conducted by large bodies. The movements of the two leading troops were excellent. The ground was broken and irregular, but the wheeling of these two troops was simply excellent, and whether at the walk or at the gallop it seemed like the movement of a gate on its hinges. The dragoons no doubtfor want of drill, and practice, 'were irregular and scattered in the "■heeling, but were very good indeed in admiring and retiring and in other formations. After an hour and a-half's heavy drill, which severely tested the horses, the troops were marched back to camp and allowed twenty minutes spell, after which they assembled, dismounted, and were put through half-an-hour's sword drill by Instructor Carley, and were then dismissed to dinner. Meantime, chargp of the camp had been handed over to Major Hamlin, and he appointed Captain Rutherford to the command of the troopers. They were marched out to the same parade ground, and treated to a similar course of drill as in the morning, and were then handed over to Instructor Cariey for dismounted carbine drill. The home's were fastened together by bridle and girth attachment, which renders getting away impossible, while this drill was going on, and the exercises were very creditably executed. Lieutenant Barriball then marched the troops back into camp, where they paraded for Major Hamlin's inspection and were again put through a oourae of dismounted carbine drill which continued up to the time of the arrival of the forces whidh had been engaged in the sham fight. As some of the members of the Cavalry forces appeared to think that they are not

treated by theGovernmentas they ought to be, a meeting was called by requisition and held in the camp on Saturday night, Major Hamlin presiding. Quartermaster Koaoh, of the Te Awamutu Cavalry, brought forward a aeries *of resolutions which lie had prepared. They are as follows :— That in the opinion of this meeting a change is necessary in organisation of the Cavalry Volunteer force, and that the following alterations should be given effeot to :— (1) That not less than six days' drill be held every six months, the last day of eaoh drill to be an inspection parade, the men to be then free for the. next six months, unless, of course, in case of emergency. (2) That the capitation allowance be increased to a sum of not less than £6 per annum to cover expenses attendant on keeping a proper troop horse, and equipment." Speaking in support of his resolution, which he did at some length, Quarter-master Roach referred to the fact that the present encampment necessitated his being ten days away from his home, for which he was allowed only 16s, and the other members of the Te Awamutu troop would be six days away. They were willing to give their time and their horses to the service if they were only paid for their actual outlay, but it must be recolleoted that cavalry men required special outfits. He regretted also to state that Auckland employers were not always willing to allow their employees the time to learn the Art of War, although in the event of their services being required the employers themselves would be the aotual people bene, fited.

Sergeant Gresham (To Awamutu troop) seconded the motion, and spoke in support of it. Quartermaster Hiokky (Wamku) proposed as an amendment, "That the drill should be three days eaoh six months," but the amendment was not seconded, and after discussion the resolutions as proposed were agreed to almost unanimously. THE OFFICERS' MESS. The proceedings at the officers' mess on Saturday night were very interesting. Colonel Lyon presidod, and LieutenantColonel Shepherd was also present, the No. 2 Garrison Band, under Bandmaster Hunter, being mustered outside the mess tent, and playing some choice musical selections. After the tables had been cleared and glasses charged, the toast of " Her Majesty the Queen" was proposed by Colonel Lyon aud loyally responded to, tho Band playing the National Anthem. Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon then, amidst loud cheering, proposed "The Health of their Commanding Officer Colonel Lyon," and referred to the proceedings of thu day in very appropriate terms. Tho band played "The British Grenadiers," and a "Jolly Good Fellow." Colonel Lyon, in responding to the toast, thanked all present, and the troops generally, for the manner in which they had carried out Instructions that day, no one officer having broken the orders issued respecting the fight. He had received a telegram from Major-General Whitmore that the Taranaki camp had saluted the Auckland Volunteers, and he had telegraphed a reply returning the compliment.

EASTER SUNDAY IN CAMP. The principal feature of yesterday was the church parade. The whole of the troops in full uniform fell in in front of the camp— Colonel Lyon being In commandand a hollow square was formed, the general public, who had by this time (ten o'clock) assembled in large numbers, crowding outside the troops. The ftev. J. Bates, incumbent of Trinity Church, Devonport, conducted the service, and preached a sermon appropriate to the day, taking for bis text the latter portion of the 7th and the Sth verse of I. Corinthians, chap, v., "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us." The hymns Bung were "Jesus Christ is risen to-day," "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds," " All people that on earth do dwell, and "Oh, my comrades see the signal." The Garrison Band accompanied the singing. The choir of St. Peter's Church, Lake Takapuna, were present. During the day the bands played numbers of musical selections at different portions of the camp, and also at dinner in the evening. RESIGNATION OF CAPTAIN HULSE. Captain Hulse, of the Onehunga Navals, who had been placed under arrest by his commanding officer for a breach of military discipline on Friday night, yesterday tendered his resignation of his command to Colonel Lyon, and it was received, with a view to its being forwarded to the Government. TO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. This morning at seven o'clock the whole of the corps and troops will parade, under their respective officers, except the Cavalry, who will parade under Major Hamlin, and the Mounted Infantry under Major Harris for dismounted drill. Breakfast will be served at eight o'clock, and immediately afterwards the teats will bo struck and folded and handed over to the quartermasters. Dinner will be served at twelve sharp, and at one o'clock the whole will parad9 in review order and march to Takapuna Racecourse or the reserve, and here they will be inspected and a march past will take place.