BIG GUNS FOR AUCKLAND.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 663, 29 March 1879, Page 2

BIG GUNS FOR AUCKLAND.

The large guns which arrived by the Alastor throw a projectile over lOOlbs. a distance of four miles, perfect accuracy being guaranteed for three-fourths of that distance. The smaller guns are similar in all respects to those cai'ried by the ships of the Australians quadron ; they throw a shell 461bs. weight. The cost of the larger guns is estimated at £1,500 each, exclusive of stores, fixings, and implements, which accompany them. We believe that the guns will be landed and stored until the arrival of Colonel Scratchley, ■ who is expected to visit the various port3 of the colony next month, and report on the most suitable sites for defensive batteries. Should the expense of the plan of Colonial defence projected Colonel Scratchley be within the vote authorised by Parliament last session, the creation of batteries and mounting of the guns will be prooeeded with,: but, on the other hand, if the estimated cost of the proposed works exceeds the vote, the whole matter will be laid before the Legislature next season. In connection with the scheme of defence, it is proposed to organise the existing batteries of Volunteer Artillery, so as to partly man the batteries, and to maintain a reserve to reinforce them to the full strength required in the event of attack.