COLONIAL DEFENCES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2841, 27 September 1890, Page 2

COLONIAL DEFENCES.

REPORT BY THE IMPERIAL COMMITTEE. (liV EI.KCTItrC TKr.KGItAI'H.— COITRIGnT.) Svdxey, September 20 A KKi'Oirr of an important character regarding the question of Australian defence h'.ive been prepared by the Imperial Committee appointed to consider the question of colonial defences. Special reference is made to Major-General Edwaids' leeommendation, and copies of the report are to be furnished to the \nrious Governments. The committee deal with the defences of New Zealand, and his remarks of the 10th April, lSfsS, upon Major General Suliaw's report. While generally concurring with Major-General Edwards' recommendations, the committee depreciate the transference of more than one half of the naval artillery, which appears, judging from its numbers, to be the popular force in the colony, and any reduction should be gradual. The committee consider it would be advisable to introduce a system of a partially paid force, as such would be calculated to give a higher standard of efficiency than is pro-> vided for in a purely volunteer force. On account of the distance which separates New Zealand from Australia, the committee are of opinion that the defences of New Zealand must be dealt with independently. Doubt is expressed as to whether any advantage would be gained by amalgamating- the permanent artillery and the submarine forces in that colony with those of the remaining colonies. The committee also think it is desirable to provide for r better class of weapon than the Snider, but express a belief that a total stand of 8000 arms, instead of 10,000 as was recommended, would amply suffice to meet the requirements of N<jw Zealand.