DEFENCE OF MELBOURNE.

Colonist, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4122, 25 April 1885, Page 3

DEFENCE OF MELBOURNE.

I^ost energetic measures have been taken to prevent an enemy ; getting near Melbourne. The south (or deeper) channel, says the 'Argus,' has been partially blocked with mines and torpedoes, and cannot be navigated without a pilot, but the western channel, which will remain open for the present, will in case of emergency be completely closed by the/sinking of hulks and laying of mines. Upwards of 140 mines and torpedoes have been prepared for the defence of the channels. The shipping traffic is not impeded to any ■, large extent by the precautions taken. The batteries at Point Nepeln and Queenscliffe, comjmanding the entrance to the harbor, have been considerably strengthened, &nd a -large amount of time has ibeen devoted to placing them in a {state; of readiness for immediate action. The south channel fort, which it will take some-years, to complete, is being armed temporarily with two 9in guns, and it is expected; that the guns will be placed in position in the course of a few days. The piers at Williamstown and Sandridge are being armed with 80-pounder guns, protected by sandbag batteries, and 100,000 sandbags are being provided for use at these and other places. The Naval Reserve, the members of which are laigely employed in manning the defence vessels, is to be increased from 200 to 300, and recruiting, is now proceeding. In response to the invitations issued by the Defence. Department, a large number of retired naval and military officers have placed their services at the disposal of the ■Government in the event of their • being required for /the defence of the | Colony, and their names have been j placed on the unattached lists;! Regulations have/ been/ framed'-by the 'Council of Defence for the purpose of jaffiliating the- members of the -Rifle IClubs of the Colony, now numbering iabout 4500, with the Militia force. - f