NEW ZEALAND DEFENCES.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5071, 16 April 1885, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND DEFENCES.

(Peb Pbess Association).

Auckland, yesterday. The clerks in the various banking institutions of the city propose railing a rifle - volunteer corps. It is expected that 80 members can be 'obtained. The experiments in manufacturing gun cotton in Auckland have proved molt satisfactory. The Auckland contractors have to-day stripped their works of ICO men to work at harbour defences, on wbich 240 men are to be employed.' The Hon. Mr Richardson, Minister of Public Works, accompanied by the Premier (says the Herald), paid • visit to the North Head fortifications yesterday forenoon, for the purpose of inspecting the , works of road construction and fortifications now going on there. Ministers were more than satisfied with the rapid progress. which has been made in the construction of the roads and the excavations for the guns, and determined to adopt immediate steps, by the employment of as many men as could be got, to push on the works to a speedy completion. It is now confidently expected that two of the gun« will be in position early next week, and that all the principal works will be finished within a' fortnight. This day. 130 men are now at work with harbour defences. Some of the guns were dragged up to the batteries yesterday. - The Crimean Veterans Association has offered to raise a veteran company, composed .of men who have served in the Imperial Army. North Shore residents intend to raise a corps of garrison Artillery. > N Wellington, This day. The Government have received the foU lowing telegram from the Agent-General. —" Quite uncertain whether peace will be preserved. Gladstone's statement last night not reassuring. Naval preparations active." .' Dunedin, Yesterday. The Defence Department has been offered, through Lieut-Col. Stanley; the services of a number of men, who are expert marksmen, good horsemen, and thoroughly acquainted with the coast line between Waikouaiti and Taieri. The idea is that such a corps of irregulars conld act as scouts.