NEW ZEALAND DEFENCES.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5081, 30 April 1885, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND DEFENCES.

(Pee Pbess Association).

Wellington, This day. The Government some time back sent home an order for several nine-pounder field guns; these are now on the way to the colony, and will be distributed over various centres. The Government are experiencing great difficulty, in having their , orders for torpedoes fulfilled, owing to the enormous strain placed on English manufacturers in supplying the demand or,the Imperial Government. The Imperial authorities, however, allowed New Zealand and Few South Wales to participate in their orders, and they consequently will be supplied with a few torpedoes as they are completed. • . It is now believed that the vessel seen off Wakapuaka on Sunday last is an English man-of-war. It is known that Admiral Tryon, who is in charge of the Astralion Squadron, has received from the Admiralty secret instructions in connection with the protection to be offered to colo» nial commerce, and it is also known that some of |tho vessels under his flag are cruising in these waters under sealed orders, and it is more than likely that the vessel seen was one of these, which first stood in towards land, and' then cleared away again. One or more of these vessels may be expected to put in an appearance at jSew Zealand porti within two or three*

days, where arraugenents have been made far them to coal. The Government propose, with the cooperation of the medical profession, to organise an effective, ambulance corps at - each chief centre of population, and it is hoped that ladies will cooperate and form a Bed Cross Society. , ' ■ , Material to be used in submarine mines for defence purposes will arrive in the colony in a day or two. These intended to be laid at the principal porti i and also at coal harbors. ■ The Hinemoa leares for Auckland to- | morrow with 9 miles of cable, to be used I in connection with torpedoes. i Captain Medley, of the Boyal Navy ; Reserve, has been temporarily engaged to j assist Lieut. Douglas in matters conneoted with marine defence. His Excellency the Governor has cabled to the Secretary for War, requesting that a supply of one million cartridges for small . arms be sent without delay. Enquiries are beiDg made throughout New Zealand as to the facilities for manufacturing earU . ridges in the colony. . • ' With respect to the navigation of Port Philip, Melbourne, the Government,have receivedinformation similar to that cabled, and, further, that " arrangements will be made for piloting vessels between sunset and sunrise. Electric lights may be exhibited from Queenscliffe and Point Nepean, for defence purposes; such lights must not ba taken as guidinglights." It has been decided that no mora com* missions are to be issued to officers of the Militia and Volunteers up to and include ing the rank of captain, except, provisionally, and then these will lapse unleis a satisfactory examination is passed by officers as that prescribed in Volunteer regulations. It, is intended to organise a School of Instruction here, which will be available for all officers personally appointed. ' At* tendance at such will not be compulsory, but will be recommended to officers. Arrangements are to be made at each -,-, principal town for holding an examination', of officers., Officers of Militia, whose commissions were recently revoked, will be invited to elect between being placed on the retired, with former rank and seniority, or re-entering Militia for active service. Those who desire the latter will have to aqply through the officer com" manding the district, and \present certificate of physical fitness, and should he pass the necessary examination within three months, will be placed onactire list with former rank. >