296 number of rifles missing.
The fullest and most detailed information should be obtained with reference to query No 7 for, considering that the murder of the Policeman on Pedders Wharf appears to have taken place within a few minutes of the fire breaking out.
The value of the Military query instituted regards absentees depends upon the number, the time occupied in assembling the Regiment, calling the roll and the mode adopted for so doing, and for counting the Rifles in Barracks.
The Governor considers that all these questions upon which the strictest investigation should be established by the Military Authorities, irrespective of any findings which may be arrived at by the several Coroners Inquisitions still pending, and that these investigations depending as they do in a great measure upon accuracy of detail, will be more difficult the longer they are delayed.
(Signed) H. H. Ronnic for the Colonial Secretary