A.—6.

10. That a resistance may cause a destruction of property, and a stern refusal to yield may cause an enemy to endeavour to frighten the inhabitants into yielding, and into supplying his needs. 11. That, even if he does fire his guns, only temporary inconvenience to the inhabitants should befall them. 12. That the slightest concession to demands will be sure to be followed by increased demands, and a lot far worse than paragraph 11. 13. Bemembering that, if all supplies are refused, either by force or by the destruction of coal and other stores necessary for the maintenance of his ships, his power to molest other places and other colonies is limited. 14. That, if he expends his ammunition on one place he has all the less for the next place. 15. That, if the system of absolutely securing the denial of all coal and supplies to an enemy is attained, he cannot fail to be greatly hindered. 16. That demands are likely to be made on places that have no defensive works. It is at such places we may rely on the brave hearts of our men and on the courage* of our women, which has never failed in the hour of need. They would in their defence suffer (to their honour) in their property and persons for the public weal as much as for the public good. 17. That it is most advisable to bring this home to all. Therefore, with a view to give force to that great existing national unity which goes so far to command success, I venture to suggest to you whether it would not only be proper, but wise and reasonable, for every colony to agree that, in every case, whether a house, a village, or a town suffers from an enemy because his demands are bravely refused, the loss incurred will be made good out of the general revenue of these colonies. With the view only to propose a system, the sum required might be contributed by each colony according to its population. The squadron under my command, I trust, may be able to do much; but the sea is wide, the coming nights long and dark, and the ships cannot be everywhere; but the proposal, if assented to, would very greatly assist the navy in the performance of the task allotted to it, and I shall be proud, for one, to be permitted to share in the cost of the proposal, whether the contribution is based on income or as otherwise decided. I have, &c, G. Tryon.

Enclosure 2. My deab Admieal, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 4th May, 1885. I thank you on behalf of the Government and people of this colony for this latest proof of your sympathy with our efforts to organize an effective defence of this country, and for the valuable advice which, on this as on all matters in connection therewith, you have so generously furnished to the Government. I shall take the earliest opportunity of inviting the attention of the Governments of all the Australian Colonies to this important subject, with the view of securing that unanimity of heroic action which you have. so ably counselled. This I shall endeavour to accomplish by a circular communication to the heads of the Governments of all the colonies, to which I propose to attach the letter that you have done me the honour to address to me. By a careful perusal of your letter I feel sure that the course of action proposed will commend itself to the patriotism and sagacity of the Australian Governments, and that the object which you desire to attain will be effectually accomplished. I have, &c, William Bede Dalley.

No. 18. The Agent-Geneeal to the Peemiee. Aemed cruiser question deferred until Admiralty submit proposal immediately themselves naval Q.61611CG. 18th May, 1885. _ F. D. Bell.

No. 19. The Agent-Geneeal to the Ministee of Defence. Sib,— 22nd May, 1885, I find I have not yet forwarded to you a letter I sent in to the Colonial Office on the 6th instant, respecting naval defence ; and I therefore transmit a copy of the same herewith. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Defence, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure. The Agent-Geneeal, New Zealand, to the Undee-Seceetaey of State for the Colonies, Sie, — 7, Westminster Chambers, 6th May, 1885. I trust the Earl of Derby will allow me to bring again under his consideration the question of naval defence in New Zealand, submitted to his Lordship in the telegrams from Governor Sir William Drummond Jervois, dated the 22nd and 23rd ultimo, to which his Lordship replied on the 25th. The New Zealand Government are very sensible of the difficulty there must always be in fettering the discretion of a Commander-in-Chief by particular instructions as to the disposition of

8