was found impossible to replenish the colony's stock of ammunition in that time of emergency. Under the circumstances the late Hon. John Ballance then Minister of Defence, and Sir George Whitmore, consulted Captain Whitney as to the possibility of manufacturing ammunition in the colony, and Captain Whitney agreed to undertake to supply military cartridges of a serviceable quality if sufficient inducement were offered to encourage him to start in such a costly undertaking. After careful consideration, the Government decided not to give a bonus to Captain Whitney, but to pay such a price for ammunition as would gradually recoup the first heavy outlay which was increased by the Government stipulating that the necessary machines be made in the colony. As powder was most difficult to obtain until the supplies cabled for arrived, and as they had to commence the manufacture with the most unsuitable material, Captain Whitney and his sons laboured inconsequence of the Government's stipulation, under the most serious disadvantages; but, nevertheless the succeed in six months in commencing delivering cartridges. The first pattern of cartridges, however,
Mr. A. Whitney.
proved disappointing; only 5,000 manufactured, and these were condemned by the military authorities owing to a defect in the base of the cartridge. The pattern was then altered and a serviceable cartridge produced, so that during 1885-6-7 about 2,000,000 round were supplied to the Government. At this stage, Captain Whitney, with a view to the future requirements of the colony, knowing the quality of ammunition could be improved, and having obtained the consent of the New Zealand government, proceeded to England with Captain Asa Whitney to purchase the very best machinery of the Imperial Government pattern, and engage skilled labour. During 1887-8 negotiations were being carried on wit Victorian an New South Wales Governments to establish ammunition works in the sister colonies, and seeing that the venture was assuming larger dimensions than were originally anticipated, the firm, which has been carried on under the title of Messrs Whitney and Sons, was converted into a limited liability company under the style of the Colonial Ammunition Company Limited, with a large capital. The Colonial Ammunition Company Limited, now has in its employment the
VIEW OF PART OF THE COLONIAL AMMUNITION COMPANY'S WORKS. AUCKLAND, N. Z.