MAJOR-GENERAL SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY, K.C.M.G.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7364, 26 June 1885, Page 5

MAJOR-GENERAL SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY, K.C.M.G.

Dprin'G General Scratchley'ratay in Auckland he carefully inspected the whole of the harbour defences, both at the North Head, Mount Victoria, and at Point Resolution. On Wednesday, accompanied by Colonel Lyon, officer commanding the Auckland district, Majors Cantley and Shepherd, with Mr. Bell, C.E., he embarked in the torpedo boat, and made a tour of inspection of the batteries , from the sea front. While the torpedo boat was runiag down the Rangitoto Channel, an experimental submarine mine, prepared under the direction of Lieutenant Archer and Mr. A. Ladder, R.N., was exploded by electricity with satisfactory results. Sir Peter, who was interviewed by one of the members of our staff, expressed himself as well pleased both with the design and style of construction of the works. He hoped that the authorities would not rest on their oars, now the war scare was over, but push on' the defences to completion, so as to be prepared'for every eventuality, for the altered conditions of modern warfare rendered an attack more formidable now than previously, as well as the feasibility of landing parties and torpedo boat attacks. There was the more necessity for Auckland to be thoroughly fortified, that it was one of the links in the chain of colonial defences, that from its strategical and geographical position, it would be one of the first points of attack of an enemy. Owing to its position, for doek accommodation, obtaining supplies of coal, and facilities for refitting and recruiting, &c., it would be of the utmost value as a fortified port of call or refage in time of war.

Referring to Colonel Whitmore's. scheme of organising a permanent Volunteer Militia, Sir Peter said he had not had time to consider its details, but it seemed to him to be a step in the right direction, and would be the means Of passing through a course of instruction in the use Of arms, and of bringing into a state of efficienly, a large body of men of "the soldier age." The first consideration was to get quality, and then quantity. One of the essential pre-requisites in regard to the local forces, was the continual presence of a body of highly-trained and disciplined troops and good marksmen, round whom could be gathered the less seasoned troops for instruction and drill. A picked body of men skilled in torpedo drill would also be invaluable both for ciervice and as instructors. Mounted infantrymen would also be found to be very useful. Sir Peter also favours drilling the advanced youth of the public schools and of the other educational institutions (without arms), accustoming them to habits of smartness, obedience, and discipline, which would be of great servioo to them hereafter, apart from its value as a means of physical training. Lads so trained would never forget their training, and in time to come (if necessity required) would readily fall into the ranks, and take their places at once. Ho was a thorough believer in the Volunteer forces, and held the opinion that all that was needed was perseverance in drill and attention to discipline to make them fit' for any service required of them.

The General speaks in terms of the highest eulogy of the conduct of the various Australian Governments, in making preparations for self-protection, and is certain the several Parliaments will endorse their action. Everything has been done with earnestness and zeal, and the arrangements for defence are not only remarkably complete as to armaments of fortifications, but also as to the enrolment and discipline of their local forces.

Referring to New Guinea matters, Sir Peter expressed the opinion that no harm could result from the occupation of the .northern coast of New Guinea by Germany. England and Germany would be able to work amicably together. There was no reason to believe that Germany's action was inspired by a hostile spirit, but simply caused by the desire to promote the convenience of her trading stations at New Britain and New Ireland. In a generation the Australian colonies wonld have become so strong as to give them a potential voice in South Pacific affairs, and to put it out of the reach of any foreign Power to injure them. His object in proceeding to Wellington was to consult the New Zealand Government on New Guinea matters, and as to the future, as she was one of the contributories to the cost .of administering the newly-acquired territory, and therefore had a consultative voice in affairs. He would remain at Wellington a week, , and then proceed on to Sydney. • Nothing had yet been done as to the government of New Guinea. When he got back there in November or December it was his intention to devise an economical form of government, and suitable to the circumstances of the case. Sir Peter said he believed that a timber trade could be established, also a trade in beche-de-mer and copra. -It was his intention to aee what could be done by experiment as to the cultivation of tobacco, sago, coffee, sugar, etc,, which wonld be the means of establishing a trade between New Zealand and New Guinea. During bis stay in Auckland Sir Peter paid a visit to the Auckland Tobacco Company's manufactory, and 'expressed his satisfaction both at the extent of its operations, and the quality of the ' cigars and cigarettes, which he practically tested. -Sir Peter left yesterday evening in the Hinemoa for Wellington, accompanied by his Secretary, Mr. Fort, Major Cautley, and Mr. Bell, C.E., who ha 3 been superintending the construction 'of our harbour defences. Sir Frederick Whitaker was also a passenger. The Hinemoa' will call in at Kawhia, in order to take on board Major Take, who is to be landed at New Plymouth.