FIFTY YEARS AGO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21245, 27 July 1932, Page 8

FIFTY YEARS AGO

EXTRACTS FROM THE HERALD COAST DEFENCE SCHEME Ttic following are extracts from the New Zealand llerald of July 27, 1882:—. The Government Ims lost no time in taking steps to organise and drill a" artillery force to work tlie heavy guns recently imported, and which will now made available for the defence of the principal harbours of the Colony. Iha Wellington authorities have selected a detachment, of ten men from the Armed Constabulary force at Cambridge, which will be sent to Wellington to go through a course of big-gun drill. The men, who seem smart, stalwart fellows, came down by train yesterday evening and will proceed to Wellington by the S.SRmgarooma. Our special correspondent at Wellington sends the following particulars respecting the organisation of the new force: «' The detachment of Armed Constabulary, which has been selected to act as gunnel's at the principal harbours .of the Colony, is to be instructed at Mount Cook, Wellington. A 64-pounder has been temporarily mounted there for the purpose, and Sergeant-Rlajor of Auckland, and now drill-instructor of ibo Aimed Constabulary, has been appointed drill-instructor of the gunners. Armed Constabulary men, who have a knowledge, of big gtms, are being selected from tb« fores and brought, to Wellington."