New Zealand Defences.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 100, 31 March 1885, Page 3

New Zealand Defences.

MEETING OF OFFICERS AT WELLINGTON. DEFENSIVE WORKS TO BE PUSHED ON. (united pr-ess association.) • A number of Imperial officers met by the invitation of his Excellency the Governor and members of the Government at the Government House this afternoon. Sir William Jervofs presided. The officers present were — Major Cautlby, 1 8. E., Major Eccles, A.D.C., Lieutenant-Col- ' onel Reader, and Captain Edwin, R.N. The question of defence was discussed, but the result of the meeting was not allowed to transpire. No further information has been received froni England respecting Russian affairs. Defence matters are receiving, serious considevation at the hands o't the Government, and all possible defensive works are to be pushed ahead. It is more than likely i that the Governor will abandon his trip to Lyttelton, and it is also understood that the Premier, who had intended going South, has also postponed his visit. 1 Sites have been selected by Major Cautley as best for the fortifications for " the protection of Auckland, Wellington, ' Lyttelton, and Dunedin harbours. As soon as the surveys are complete the Government will take land under the Public Works Act, and commence to 1 make the roads necessary as a means oi approach. No time is to be lost m commencing the erection of necessary > works, the designs and specifications fot which are m a forward state. The ' works will be prepared for the erection not only of guns which are already m the colony but also for those which are or--1 deved. The construction of the works 1 will, however, occupy several months. Christcuhrch, March 30. r A numerous and influential meeting oi ' those interested m the present means oi

defence of the city and port, convened by the Mayor, was held to-day. It was unanimously resolved — That the Mayor of Christchurch, Chairman of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, the Chairman of the Harbor Board, with Mr Hiirumn, be a committee to confur with the Government as to the steps which ; can bo taken by the public m this part of the colony iv support of the Government scheme of defence." A number ! of those present put down their names as willing to form a reserve defence corps who should contribute M each towards the purchase of rides accoutrements and ammunition. Wellington, This Day. The works of defence m various ports are to be commenced as soon as the plans are completed, at which Major Caufcley is busily engaged. A laree number of men will be set at work at Wellington fortifications to-morrow. They will be engaged m making roads for the material to be sent up. No further information has been received from England, respecting the state of affairs between England and Russia.