New Zealand Defences.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5098, 20 May 1885, Page 2

New Zealand Defences.

(PEB PBEBS A88OCIATIOK.)

Auckland, This day. Colonel Whitmore has just concluded a contract on behalf of Government with Capfc. Whitney for the manufacture here of half a million rounds of muntz metal snidwr ball ammunition. The price is but a slight advance on the imported article. Whitney has men in his employ with the knowledge of the manufacture of cartridges. It is understood that the powder is to be obtained from Danedin. Col. Whitmore expects to be here till after the Queen's Birthday.

Major Cautley, accompanied by Cap tain Badham and Mr Smyth, proceeded to the J^orth Head yesterday to inspect the fortifications, and Major Cautley expressed himself much pleased with the progress which had been made with the works during bis absence. They subsequently went to Mount Victoria, where the positions for the four 64-pounder guns brought from Sydney have been laid off by the Engineer in charge, Mr Bell. It is expected that during Major Cautley's present visit, permanent arrangements will be made regarding the fortification, the completion of the trenches, and the erection of suitable buildings for material, and the housing of the AC. men who will be left in charge of the guns.

The dai'y drills of the Auckland Garrison Artillery continue to have large musters, upwards of 60 appearing at each parade. Yesterday, the company were practised in firing the, feu dejoie, ia pre» paration for the review on the Queen's Birthday. Colonel Sir George Whitmore was, present for some time at the parade yesterday afternoon, when he made an inspection of the arms, and pronounced them all to be in a satisfactory condition. Before he left the shed, the company was formed into three sides of a square, when Sir George addressed them, and said it gave him great pleasure to come down and see them, He was surprised to see them do so well in their drill, when he was informed that they had only been three weeks at it, and he hoped they would go on progressing in the same man ner.

A powerful electric search lamp has been mada by a Dunedin firm to the order of the Government, ts be used in connection with the defence of Auckland.