NEW ZEALAND DEFENCES.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5058, 30 March 1885, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND DEFENCES.

Government Applies for a

Man-of-War.

Militia to be called out if War

is Declared

(Pjee Pbess Association.)

Wellington, This day.

Government are making all preparations in their power to place the ports under defence. The surroundings to the harbors are being surveyed, and immediately this has been done steps will be at once taken to place the heavy guns in position. v «

The Government have made an ap. plication to the authorities in charge of the Australian squadron for % a man-of-war to be stationed in New Zealand waters.

The Hon. the Defence Minister does not consider there is a probability of war breaking out; the firm stand taken by the English Government will, he thinks, deter the Russian force from crossing the frontier. The Government are, however, taking all measures in their power to have a proper defence, and it is probable that should war be declared, the first-class Militia will be called out.

A meeting of all the Imperial Army arid Navy officers and members of the Government will be held to-day to discuss the question of defence. His Excellency the Governor will preside, and among those present will be Major Eccles, Major Cantley, Colonel Reader, Commander 'Edwin, R.N., Commander Hewitt, R.N., and Commander Home, R.N.

The departure of the Governor for the South has been postponed for a day or two, and the Minister for Public Works will not leave for JNapier until next Monday or Tuesday.