A.—7

35

self-defence. The problem, therefore, is narrowed to the consideration only of the case of the self-governing colonies— i.e., Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa. (d.) Under the existing conditions of the political constitution of the Empire there is no central authority vested in the Imperial Government which is empowered to draw up in Londom and enforce throughout the Empire a definite uniform organization for Imperial service. We can only make suggestions to the self-governing colonies and rely on the good will and loyalty of their various Ministries to give effect to our suggestions. In making these suggestions, however, we may well call attention to the selfevident fact that in a great war the Empire must stand or fall as a whole, and that therefore in assisting the Empire wherever assistance is needed the colonies will but be defending themselves. (c.) To secure, however, the willing co-operation of the self-governing colonies in establishing a sound military organization for mutual aid it is necessary to have most careful regard to local conditions and developments. So long as essentials are secured, the greatest local freedom should be given as to details. (/.) There are only two conditions really essential: — (i.) That the supreme authority, which is responsible for the defence of the Empire as a whole, should be able to rely with certainty on colonial contingents of definite strength being available for defensive or offensive operations in any part of the world as soon as His Majesty's navy has acquired such command of the sea as will permit of transmarine movement of troops. (ii.) That these contingents should be efficient both in equipment and training. 6. Having regard therefore to these preliminary considerations, it would appear expedient to state briefly the main features of the existing military organization of each group of the selfgoverning colonies, and then to examine how far such organization can be utilised to further the object in view. Australia. 7. The six colonies of the Commonwealth of Australia have each a separately organized military force serving under varying conditions. The whole of these forces were on federation placed under the control of the Federal Government, and, as soon as a headquarters staff has been appointed, the conditions of service will no doubt be assimilated throughout the Commonwealth. Broadly speaking, all six colonies, except West Australia, have three categories of troops — (1) Permanent corps, (2) partially paid or militia, (3) Volunteers. West Australia has only two— Permanent and Volunteers. The following was the existing strength of the force in each colony on the 31st December last :—

All the above forces are recruited by voluntary enlistment, but in the Colonies of Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania every male inhabitant between certain ages is legally liable to compulsory military service in the case of invasion or insurrection. The Permanent forces consist mainly of staff, artillery, and engineers. The pay of privates, sappers, and gunners varies from 2s. 3d. to 7s. per diem. The partially paid forces are enlisted for a short term of years, and their course of annual training comprises a varying number of drills (e.g., in the case of Victoria, fifteen half-days and twenty-four night drills), a period of from four to eight days in camp, and an annual course of musketry. The system of payment also varies. In Victoria, for instance, privates completing all the above requirements receive £7 10s. per annum. In New South Wales payment is made at the rate of Bs. for a full day's drill, 4s. for half-day, and 2s. for each night drill, with an annual bonus of £1 if efficient. In South Australia there is also an annual allowance of from £1 to £4 for the men, and £3 to £7 10s. for the officers. The Volunteers are run much on the same lines as those in the United Kingdom. The Colonial Defence Committee have recommended their abolition, and that, with the exception of a nucleus of Permanent troops, the Australian forces should be composed entirely of partially paid troops. As each colony has at present a separate Military Ordinance or Defence Act, the conditions under which the various forces are liable to be called out for active service somewhat vary in their terms ; but, speaking broadly, there is a general liability, "in the event of war or danger of war," to service in any part of Australia.

Permanent. Partially paid. "Volunteers. Total. New South Wales Queensland ... South Australia Western Australia Tasmania ... Victoria 646 293 43 522 27 389 5,987 3,021 2,889 2,174 262 3,484 3,232 714 1,735 2,462 9,865 4,028 2,932 2,696 2,024 6,335 Total 1,920 17,817 8,143 27,880