BIG GUN PRACTICE.

Evening Star, Issue 6725, 6 October 1885, Page 2

BIG GUN PRACTICE.

i we gave particulars respecting tlie trial of the 64-pounder guns at Taiaroa Heads, this afternoon the 7-inch guns mounted for coastal defence at the Ocean Beach were practically tested before Sir George Whitmore, in the presence of i Majors Boddam and Goring, Lieutenant- , colonel Stavely, and Major Wales. About 200 persons were also present. The following particulars of the fortification works may be of interest: — At Lawyer Head there is one of the 7-inch rifle muzzle-loading guns mounted on concrete and timber platforms of similar i make to those at Taiaroa Heads. There is also a powder-magazine and artillery store, with underground galleries leading to the gun; the galleries affording ample provision for; covering the men. It is intended to strengthen the battery by the addition of an 8-inch breech-loading gun mounted on a disappearing carriage. This we learn will be placed slightly to the north of the present gun, and connected by galleries, with a magazine, store, etc. Barracks will be provided for the men at the rear of the battery. The whole battery will then be enclosed by a rampart running right acro3s the head. At St. Clair there is a 7-inch gun similarly mounted and constructed, but there is no underground gallery. Open communication exists between the magazine and, artillery store and the gun. As at Lawyer Head, an 8-inch gun (shortly _expected from Home) is to be mounted; the present position of the magazine being-mid-way between the two guns. The whole battery is enclosed by an earthen parapet; while the ground, which has been asphalted, presents a very neat appearance. This is, indeed, a model battery, and will well repay a visit of inspection. In addition to the above fortification works, it is intended to construct a battery on! the sandhills, about half-way between Lawyer Head and St. Clair. Here there : will be~two 6-inch breech-loading guns, mounted on disappearing carriages. Both of j these will be_on the hydro-pneumatic principle:-, and the necessary magazine 'stores, barracks, etc., "will, of course, have to be provided. A feature of the 6-inch and 8-inch guns . will be their disappearing carriages, Which will work automatically. The breechloa'ding 6-inch guns are 18ft long and weigh 11J tons, while the 8-inch guns are 25ft long and weigh 13 tons. Six rounds were fired from the Lawyer Head gun—White Island, situated at a distance of 4,Booyds, being used as a target. Ten members of the Permanent Artillery under charge of Sergeant Myles manned the gun, which was charged with 1131b shot. The firing, so far as the first three rounds went, was very poor, and was not nearly so satisfactory as that made yesterday. It should, however, be mentioned that these guns are only intended to be used up to -4,oooyds, and of course when a longer range is used, as was the to-day, the force of tho momentum is depreciated. The fourth and fifth rounds were a little to the right of the island, but ; in good line; while the last round went just oVer.the right peak of it. This charge was laid, and sighted Gunner Madden. Traversing gear for laying the gun is to be provided, so that in future only* one (the' i gunner) will be exposed in discharging the Vpieite. When the Hinemoa comes down she -wjll -probably be utilised for fixing a target fot-practicepurposes.- - ■■'■'■ ■'■*'■ 'At St, Clair Ufjlb shot were Awed,- and six I

rounds were there Only nine men were required to mount this gun. The foundations of the guns stood their test thorouglily, and the recoil was very slight indeed. The report was not nearly so loud as gome people expected, and the precautions taken at St. Clair to prevent windows breaking were altogether unnecessary. The first two rounds at St. Clair fell about a hundred yards short of the island, and the third shot a few yard* on the fat side of it.