COLONIAL DEFENCES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 119, 24 April 1885, Page 2

COLONIAL DEFENCES.

Information has been reoeived by the Government that one or probably two men-of-war are to be stationed m New Zealand waters, and may be expected off the coast m i day. t>r two. A telegram has also been reoeived by the Government, from a responsible person m England, warning them of the necessity of having the means of defence ready with all possibla.speed. (united press association.") i>UNEpiN,. April 22. The mounting of the big gun* at Forbury and Lawyer's Heads wag completed t -day by Mr t,. B. Low (Public Works) arid SergUMajor Mackay, AC, and should occasion require it they could open fire to-mor-row. Dunedin is' therefore m a state of defence against bombardment from the sea. The mounting of the guns at Tairoa Heads is expected to be finished early next week, thus completing the defence of the harbor. Wellington, April 23. After the meeting of the Executive I Counoil to-day the Defence Minister had a conference with the Governor with reference to the defences,;but no information has been allowed to transpire. It is understood that the Government have sent Home further orders for defence material, bat the nature of such are regarded as confidential. This afternoon the Government rie- 4 ceived a cablegram from London with reference to the Jiusso-Afghira difficulty, which indicated that Jthe colony ought to be prepared witn defences. The Government anticipate that the British Navy will be represented within the next ,two days m New Zealand waters by tiro war,, vessels.