Volunteer Intelligence.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 1504, 12 November 1885, Page 4

Volunteer Intelligence.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION,) ' Auckland, Wednesday. f . The sham fight passed off. satisfactorily; All the local corps were present save the Goromaridel Rifle Corps, the total number ot men being 1500.- The Hinemoa, as a Russian cruiser, made an attempt to enter the inner, harbor, but was silenced by the forts Cautley and Eesolution, A dummy cruiser was blown up by a submarine mine. Subsequently six companies af Navals embarked on board the Hinemoa, under Captain Commandant Leroy, and landing off Taraaki river as' a ■'Russian' invading force advanced on Auckland, they were met ■by a defending force comprised of the rest of the local forces under Colonel Lyons. At the close of the manoeuvres Sir George Whitmore, who acted us umpire, declared the battle a drawn one. He stated that the Navals had gained an advantage, but failed to follow it up, and made some mistakes. Two paries, of Navals of 36 men got through to Auckland, pulled the flags down m tha City Park and hoisted the Russian flag. They also had an interview with the custodian of the Bank of New Zealand, and made arrangements, if necessary, by seizing the steamer Birkenhead, for transferring the booty to Northcote, preparatory; to marching to Wade overland, and joining the Russian cruiser m the gulf. Rain set m at one o'clock and the troops were drenched. The hills round Auckland and the steamers m harbor were crowded with spectators to view the military spectacle