HARBOUR DEFENCES OF NEW ZEALAND (PAPERS RELATING TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1883 Session I, A-07

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1883. NEW ZEALAND.

HARBOUR DEFENCES OF NEW ZEALAND (PAPERS RELATING TO).

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency.

No. 1. His Excellency the Goveenob to the Seceetaet of State for the Colonies. My Lobd, — Government House, Wellington, 17th January, 1883. With reference to my Despatch, " Separate," of this date, transmitting a report from Major General Scratchley, respecting the progress made in the defences of the principal ports of the Australasian Colonies, your Lordship will observe that no commencement has yet been made in the construction of batteries for the defence of the ports of New Zealand. I propose, therefore, taking up this question as soon as lam able; and Ido not anticipate that any difficulty will arise on the part of my Ministers, in giving effect to any suggestions that I may think it advisable to make on the subject. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby, &c. Wm. P. Dbummond Jeetois.

No. 2. His Excellency the Govebnoe to Ministebs. Memorandum for Ministers. Since my arrival in New Zealand, I have examined the ports of Wellington, Auckland, Lyttelton, Port Chalmers, Dunedin, and the Bluff, with regard to the means to be adopted for their defence; and I consider that, before erecting any batteries upon the recommendations contained in Colonel (now Major-General) Scratchley's report, dated Ist March, 1880, more full consideration is necessary with regard to the works required than it was possible for Major-General Scratchley to bestow in the limited time at his disposal when he visited this colony: indeed, it was, I. understand, with this view that Ministers requested him to pay a second visit to New Zealand. His engagements connected with the defences of several Australian Colonies prevented his complying with this request. He is now in England, and there is no prospect of his being able again to place his services at the disposal of the Government of this colony. 2. It is necessary, therefore, that the assistance of some other officer skilled in military engineering should be obtained. I shall have great pleasure in placing my services, so far as time and circumstances will permit, at the disposal of the colony, with respect to this or any other question with which I may be conversant ; but, for obvious reasons, I cannot undertake executive work in preparing plans and other such matters. 3. I therefore suggest, for the consideration of Ministers, that application should be made to the Imperial Government for the services of an Engineer officer for this duty, to be selected with special reference to his knowledge of matters relating to the design and construction of batteries for harbour defence. 4. The presence of such an officer in this colony would only be required for a few months; but it would probably be desirable to apply for his services for one year, including the time of his passage out and Home. The cost of this arrangement would probably be about £1,000. Wh. I\ Dbtjmmond Jeetois. Government House, Auckland, 14th April, 1883.

No. 3. The Peemiek to His Excellency the Goveenor. Memorandum for Sis Hoceelleney. Mihistees teg to thank the Governor for his memorandum in reference to the defences of the colony. Money has been appropriated by the General Assembly for this purpose, but Ministers have felt some difficulty as to the best mode of carrying out the intentions of the Legislature.

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The Governor's suggestions appear to afford a very satisfactory solution of the difficulty, and Ministers will be glad if the Governor will be pleased to make application accordingly, on behalf of the colony, to the Imperial Government for the services of an officer of Engineers, " to be selected with special reference to his knowledge of matters relating to the design and construction of batteries for harbour defence." Feed. Whitakeb. 16th April, 1883.

No. 4. His Excellency the Govebnoe to the Seceetaet of State for the Colonies. My Loed, — Government House, Auckland, 22nd April, 1883. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a memorandum addressed by me to my Ministers, with reference to Colonel (now Major-General) Scratchley's report, dated Ist March, 1880, suggesting that they should obtain the services of an officer of Royal Engineers to prepare plans for the defensive works required to place the principal harbours of New Zealand in a state of defence: together with a memorandum in reply thereto, addressed to me by my Ministers. In accordance with those memoranda, I have the honour to suggest that application should be made to the Secretary of State for War, to select an officer specially qualified for this dutv ; and that the War Office should be requested to communicate with Sir Francis Dillon Bell, the Agent-General for New Zealand, who will have received instructions from my Government on the subject. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Derby, &c. Wm. F. Dbummond Jeevois.

No. 5. The Peemiee to the Agent- Genebal. Sie, — Auckland, New Zealand, 23rd April, 1883. I have the honour to enclose herewith—(l) A memorandum addressed by the Governor to Ministers on the defences of the colony ; (2) a copy of my reply. The Government of New Zealand will be glad if you will give your best attention to this matter, with a view to give effect to the arrangements proposed to be made for carrying out the intentions of the General Assembly. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, Feed. Whitakee. Westminster Chambers, London.

No. 6. The Agent-General to the Peemiee. Premier, New Zealand. Me harbour defences: Lord Derby promises assistance. Have seen Steward and Seratchley. Steward cannot leave, but discussing another scheme. Bell. London, June 9.

By Authority : Q-soegb Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB3.