ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1199, 26 November 1873, Page 2

ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS.

SHOT AND SHELL PRACTICE.

A gun detachment, consisting of Sergeants Hatswell, Watson, Featon, Corporals Geddes and Hamilton, Gunners Norrie, Davis, Maim, and Isaacs proceeded to the North Shore yesterday to lire for field-gun prizes given by the Government for annual competition. The amount of prizes were £3 for each gun in IS7I, and the same for 1872, in all, £IS, which should have been fired for before, but owing to differences between the members and their captain the corps has not been allowed to fire shot or shell since the early part of 1871. The present reduced strength of the corps will not provide three detachments; two only therefore cau compete for £6 each. It was understood that the presentation of £10 10s, made by Dr Lee for gun prizes about nine months since, was to be fired for on this occasion, and disappointment was expressed by members when informed that such would not be the case. Lieut. Devore was in charge, and Gunnery Instructor Broughton accompanied the detachment. At the wharf the members dismounted the gun and limbers for embarkation on board the Takapuna, which was done for the first time in a very satisfactory manner, barring a little irritation caused by the drill instructor, who, for a short time, forgot his position. On arriving at tho new wharf at the North Shore" the gun was again mounted, and a horse procured for the purpose of drawing it to the top of the hill at the North Head, where it was intended the firing was to take place at a target, 1,600 yards distance down the channel; but after considerable trouble with the horse, and getting about half-way up the hill, one of the limber wheels went over a stone, which effected a complete capsize, horse and all. fortunately no damage was done, and the horse was soon got on his feet again, when it was decided not to make any further attempt to mount the hill, but to go round and fire from the beach instead. At this time Captain Featon and Major Gordon, the Inspecting Officer, arrived on the ground when the firing commenced. Two trial shots were fired for first in order to get the distance, and then alternate shot and shell, each man laying the gun in turn, and firing according to his own judgment. Owing no doubt to the very strong wind most of the shots went to the left and low, some of the shell bursting in the water in front of the target. At about one o'clock the firing ceased, and a vigorous attack was made on the provisions which had been provided by Sergeant Hatswell. The fowls were winged, the lobster demolished, the ham, bread, and cheese began to look small when the party were reinforced by the arrival of Major Tisdall, Doctor Lee houo rary assistant-surgeon to the battery, Sergeant Wainhouse, and other visitors, who immediately got themselves into position and. commenced operations on what remained. A short time having been devoted to the fragrant weed, firing was resumed, when Dr

r Lee offered a pound to the first man who hit If the target, which announcement was received with a "cheer, and increased excitement was manifested. In addition to the target practice a couple of shells were fired at zero in quick time to burst a short distance from the gu,n and show the effect they would be likely to have on an advancing foe. At the conclusion a shot each was fired by the officers, Captain Featon and Lieutenant Devore, and also one by Major Tisdall. On visiting the target it was found that several holes had been made, and .most of the party having brought away mementos in the shape of shot and pieces of shell, the order " form the order of march" was given, and the gun was brought to the Naval-shed at the North Shore, and there left for the use of the second detachment, -who are to tire on Tuesday next.