WRIGHT'S HILL FORTRESS

(KARORI, WELLINGTON) LABOUR DAY 25TH OCTOBER 2004

For those who you who haven't been to the Wright's Hill Fortress it is well worth your time.   It is a series of concrete tunnels, bunkers and gun emplacements built during WWII to repel the Japanese.  Its status as a recognized historic site has been recently upgraded and restoration work continues inside. On most open days (which are public holidays) guided tours are available. For more information see: http://www.whfrs.org.nz/ Labour Day consisted of a small Static Display and Volley Firing/Drill, kicking off at 10am and running until 4pm. About 1000 people went through the tunnels that day.

We were joined for the first time by two members of the 1860-era 65th Regt of Foot (http://hicketypip.tripod.com) complete with muzzle loading rifles.

There were several intervals with volley firing from the 65th and the HRS, followed by blank-firing demonstrations of the Bren Light Machinegun, Sten submachinegun, Victory revolver and .303 rifle.

Members of the public who came up seemed to really enjoy the displays and had the opportunity under supervision to handle military firearms.

The next open day at Wright's Hill is 28 December, however there will not be a HRS display until Waitangi Day 2005.  The main event of the year is Queen's Birthday with a HRS battle on the parade ground.