HARBOUR DEFENCES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15610, 15 May 1914, Page 8

HARBOUR DEFENCES.

GENERAL HAMILTON'S VISIT.

THE FORTS INSPECTED.

SMART WORK BY GUNNERS.

A.v inspection of the harbour defences of Auckland was made by General Sir lan Hamilton, Inspector-General of the Overseas Forces, yesterday morning. The inspection was a thorough one, and not a detail was missed by the general. The three forts, v Cautley, Takapuna, and the Bastion, were visited, and from each firing took place from the 6in guns.

Accompanying General Hamilton were the Minister for Defence (the Hon. James Allen), Brigadier-General Ellison ' (staff

officer to General Hamilton), Major-Gene-ral A. J. Godley (Commandant of the Now

Zealand Forces), Colonel E. S. Heard (director of military training), Colonel G W. S. Patterson (coast defence com-

mander), Lieutenant-Colonel W. G. Braithwaite (general staff officer), Lieutenant-, Colonel G. N. Johnston (director of ordnance and artillery), Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Hazard (officer commanding Auckland

Carrison Artillery division), Major Ashmoro (staff officer to General Hamilton), and a number of other officers of the local military staff. . Mr. J. H. Bradney, MP. lor Auckland West, was also'present, Proceedings at Port Oautley. Shortly after half-past nine o'clock the party, which- was accommodated in two of the Harbour Board launches and Lieu-tenant-Colonel Hazard's launch, left the man-o'-war steps "and proceeded to Fort Cautley, at North Head. Here a number of civilians had gathered to witness the

shooting. On the approach of the general the company of territorial artillery, which mans'the fort, was drawn up" and in-

spected. The men were not bedecked in their full dress uniforms, but had their coats off, and sleeves rolled up.

As 60on as the Lady Roberts, which was towing two Hongkong targets some 4300 yds away, had "gone on course," heading across tho entrance to Rangitoto Channel, tho two mark VII. 6in quick-firing guns— by now smartly manned—opened fire on "the enemy." Ten rounds were fired from each gun, in very quick time. Most of the 6hots were well directed. The roar of tho discharge from the guns, the shrill shrieking of the projectiles as they flew toward the targets, and the short, sharp delivery of variations in the range from the range-finders, lent a very inspiring touch to tho scene. The discipline and bearing of the young gunners were closely watched by the general. . LieutenantColonel Hazard was fire commander. The Permanent Men. The territorial, gunners having concluded their series, an exhibition of gun practice was given bv a detaclnnent from the Royal New Zealand Artillery. Naturally, the tall, sturdy, regular artillerymen provided a striking contrast to the youthful territorial gunners. However, it was evident that the precept and example of the trained Royal Artillerymen created an emulatory spirit in the*compulsory trainees. Five rounds were fired by the permanent men, but unfortunately the series could not be carried out in its entirety, owing to the breach of the gun jamming.

All the gunners having been marched away from the batteries, they were drawn up and again inspected by General Hamilton. " Well, lads," said the general, addressing the men, "I never commit myself to any opinion about a practice, for it is verv deceptive. I have-not seen the registers, but as far, as I can judge you shot very well. I expect you will find if So." Visits to Other forts. General Hamilton and party were then conveyed by officers of the Army Motor Reserve to" Fort Takapuna, at Narrow Neck. A few shots were fired from the two 6in disappearing guns, the range being over 3000 yds. Only a brief staywas made here, the general and party then crossing the harbour to Fort Bastion, Orakei.

The range of action was now transferred from the head of Rangitoto Channel to the waters off tho southern shores of the island. Th two 6in disappearing guns were brought into action, but'as the general's time was limited, only four rounds were fired, all with orecision.

Tho party embarked at about 1 p.m., and returned to the city a little before half-past one o'clock. Lunch was partaken of at the Northern Club. With the exception of the few words spoken at Fort Cautley,, General Hamilton did not address the troops.