THE BREAKING IN THE CABLES. DEFENCE PRECAUTIONS IN THE VARIOUS COLONIES.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 281, 14 July 1888, Page 3

THE BREAKING IN THE CABLES. DEFENCE PRECAUTIONS IN THE VARIOUS COLONIES.

The South Australian Cabinet motto consider the subject ot the interruption of the cables. Major-General Downes was in attendance to advise Oho Ministry as to defence preparations. It was decided to issue instructions to the military authorities that everything should be ready in case of emergency. The lighthousekeepers along the coast are requested to keep a strict look-out, and to communicate at once to the head office the approach of any suspicious vessels. An officer will be kept in attendance at the Adelaide Telegraph Office night and day to receive telegrams irom the lighthouses. The men at all the forts are ready to man the guns at a moment's notice. The action ot the Victorian Government in garrisoning the forts and bending a fleet to Port Philip Heads, and in taking other measures of defence, is generally viewed £as an interesting ex peri men t. There \\ as great activity to-day in the forts and near the vessels. The Government arc much gratified at the response to the call, which shows that the navy can be ready for action in less than twenty-four hours. Numbers in excess of the men required to make up the fighting complement of the fleet arc forthcoming. The Permanent Artillery, Harbour Trust Battery, Naval Brigade, and Torpedo Corps are equally ready. The vessels and torpedo boats aro in their assigned positions. The electric light is seaiching across the entrance to the Heads for any approaching hostile vessels.