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Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 813, 30 January 1877, Page 2

Coming so closely after the rumors of war in Europe, and the consequent chance of a privateering visit here, the reports of cannon yesterday morning heard by the citizens created no small consternation. This, however, was allayed somewhat when it was ascertained that the Christchurch Battery of Artillery, true to the motto of the Canterbury Volunteers, pro aris et focis, were at their posts prepared to do battle with the enemy. It mattered not that their brethren in arms of the Eifi.es still slumbered, they and their energetic captain were to the fore, resolved to defend the drill shed or perish in the attempt. Somnolent citizens rudely awakened from their sleep by the thunder of the “ red artillery,” turned on the other side and calmly reposed again, feeling confident that the lives and liberties of the people of Christchurch were in safe keeping. But a change came o’er the spirit of their dream when a few hours later they learned the real cause of the firing. There had been, strange

to say, no enemy at our gates; Christchurch was still free from the foot of the invader. Why then had their households been alarmed and their morning nap curtailed ? It appears that an ex-noncommissioned officer who is going away desired to take with him a memento of the many pleasant hours spent wit h the Artillery amidst moving incidents by flood and field. The services of a local photographer were invoked, and the battery drawn up in martial array at an early hour this morning, fro far so good. No one would have been disturbed, no visions of bearded and truculent Kussians marching through our streets would have spoiled the rest of many citizens if they had stopped there. But their military ardour was aroused, and could only be appeased by powder burning, hence the salute of three guns which made so much stir. We hope for the peace of Christchurch that the exit of non-commis-sioned officers from the Christchurch Artillery will not be numerous, or that the members will contrive some quieter method of expressing their sorrow at losing a comrade. If they must bring their guns into play, lot us suggest that they should go through the motions in dumb show, which will be quite as acceptable to the recipient, and far less terrifying to the nervous residents in the vicinity.