Wellington Defences.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 102, 2 April 1885, Page 2

Wellington Defences.

(UNITED I'RESS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, Apiil 1. The armed cruiser which the Gorernment are endeavouring to arrange for is to be of the Esmeralda tjpe of steamer, about 19 knots. The Governmeut are willing to pay interest on the total coat, and two-thirds of the amount required for her maintenance, on condition of her being available at all times for traiuing purposes, it is understood that the Admiralty have several vessels of the class required on the stocks. The Governmeut intend that each naval corps m the colony will be supplemented by a torpedo section, to consist of teu experienced men. The Government have cabled an order for Whitehead torpedoes to the extent of £50,C00. Lauuching gear for the torpedo boats has also been ordered so that the boats may be taken up and launched from any ordinary coastal vessel when required. It has also been decided that 25 men of the Armed Constabulary shall be stationed at each of the four centres, and will form the nucleus of a permauent artillery, the number to be raised to one hundred- m the event of war. breaking out. Tho additional members will "be drafted from the volunteers. The Government have also decided to have m Auckland, Duuediu, Christchurch, and Wellington, a permanent torpedo service, consisting of five men m each place, the number to be raised to twelve should hostilities occur, by drafting men from thotoipedo sections of the naval brigades. A movement is on foot to form a special torpedo corps consisting of yachting aud boating men. A meeting is called by the ex-commodore of the Regatta committee, the vice-president of the yaughting club, and captain of the Boating Club, for Thursday afteruoou to cousider ■ the question. It is understood that the Government are having a revision made of the officers of the militia, and that thin step is taken with a view of ascertaining which officers wish to retain their commission. It is believed that a firm m town is charging on behalf of the Government, a number of oil drums with dynamite, which are to be sunk at the eutranees to the ports, and exploded by electricity from the shore, should there be any attack by hostile cruisers.