THE CERBERUS AT PRACTICE.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1317, 18 October 1872, Page 2

THE CERBERUS AT PRACTICE.

On Saturday, October 5, at half-past 1 p.m., the Cerberus left her moorings near Williamstown, and steamed out for shell practice. In addition to Captain Panter, there were on board Lieutenants Turner (of the. Nelson) and Tandy (of the Victoria), Mr Leslie, chief engineer, and Sub-lieutenant Bland. Mr Pounds, the chief gunner, was unwell, and his place was taken by Mr Tubbs. The crew consisted of 22 Cerberus men, 12 from the Nelson, and 6 from the Victoria, in all 40, with several Nelson boys. The only visitors onboard were some representatives of the press. The target was launched about 6000 yards from the Nelson, and the Cerberus fired 11 shells at it at the following distances— s at 2000 yards, 2 at 2300, 2 at 2500, and 2 at 2800. The first shell did not burat, and another exploded under water, but the fuses of the others were well arranged, and ignited the powder in the projectiles at the right height above the water. Tlio fragments of these shells spread beautifully, propelled by the explosion in a downward; direction. The diameter of the area over which they were scattered must have been at least 600 yards. None of them hit the target,- an object which presents a triangular surface, about three yards wide at the base. The shells were directed in a very good line for it, however, and some of them went very near it, but the majority fell too short of the mark. Each shell weighed 4001 b., and each charge of powder 401 b. They were all fired from the two guns in the foreturret. The 40 men were distributed as follows • — 34 in the turret ; 20, including the magazine men, assisting in the firing, outside it'; four at the wheels, and two at the leads. The crew and those of the Nelson and Victoria have been sworn in under the new Naval Discipline Act, and can be changed from one of -those vessels to another as occasion requires. They are submitted to gun drill on the Cerberus twice a week ; and one of jthe objects sought by the authorities is to thoroughly instruct as many men in the service as possible in the working of the guns of that steamer. ;