One rifle man leapt on the gun.and adieu loudly to our men to surrender, ,ft» -•» haii "_°t*. the gun." Ravner at this -ittpped ihe gun up, and the "man astride it ..went over tlie embankment, and at the same time stretched' out one or two' ol our assailants. Things were getting worse every moment, and we were nearly pinned with their bayonets, and* a desperate re sistance was made with the iron stakes. A squad of rifles came for mc at the double, and being quite unarmed, I seized a spade which was lying near at hand, and swing ing it round* turned Ihe bayonet., but was overpowered eventually, and thrown to the ground with rather needless violence, being seized from behind and nearly choked. There were many other incidents of the fight, but it would take 'too long to relate them. Suffice to say, peace was restored at last, but some serious trouble about the affair followed. It was certainly the very

warmest review* I ever saw". "Before we had any instructor I spent many hours in the night thinking over and studying the Armstrong manual and the drill. I don't think I ever gave such close attention to anything of the kind in my life, but it was not time wasted, and stood mc in good stead. Our Battery was made up from men of all classes and posi tions, but every one in it gave mc every possible assistance and help. Altogether an excellent feeling prevailed, and during our long connection, there were only two occasions when I had to take action for breaches of discipline, and in each instance the offence had arisen partly through want of knowledge on the part of a junior offi cer. I was bound though to support my officers, and the men saw that what was done was right. My relations with the Battery were most pleasing, and on. re moving to Christchurch".. I retained' the captaincy, going to Lytteiton for parades till a serious illness compelled mc to re sign. I have already told you how the Government of the day treated mc. Colonel Packe was then officer commanding the forces in the district, and Major Cecil Rookes was adjutant; both were fine fellows, and Aye got on splendidly. 