DEFENCES OF AUSTRALIA.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 245, 15 October 1889, Page 5

DEFENCES OF AUSTRALIA.

REPORT-3Y MAJOR-GENERAL EDWARDS.

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDA-i

TIONS.

A RICH AND TEMPTING PRIZE.

Melbourne, this day. The fepoit-'df Major-General Edwards on Australian defences has been published.

He considers the Australian colonies offer a rich and tempting prize, and says if they had to rely upoD their own resources it is certain they would be called upon to fight for independence, and without cohesion, power and combination the position would be one of great danger.

He recommends the federation of the military forces, and to effect this New South Wales and Victoria should, furnish three brigades each, and South Australia and Queensland one each.

A Lieutenant-General should be appointed to inspect and command in the event of war.

These brigades should be so stationed as to protect the coast from Brisbane to Adelaide.

A system of partially paid forces should be provided with conditions of service as stringent as in Victoria, and this would give the colonies a force efficient for present requirements.

The most necessary thing was a uniform railway gauge. No system of general defence could be undertaken unless distant points were connected by rail.

Perth and Port Darwin were a menace to Australia by reason of their isolation.

The isolated position of Tasmania was still more dangerous, and it might be necessary to send troops to defend that colony in time of war.

Its numerous harbours and coal supply were: convenient for the enemy.

The Major-General also recommends a uniform system of organisation and armament, a common Defence Act, the amalgamation of forces with fortress corps, the establishment of a federal military college, the extension of rifle clubs, the establishment of a federal small arms factory, gun wharf, and ordnance store.

Looking at the state of European affairs, he says the defences should at once be placed on a proper footing.