i
:
}
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28. Pages 32 to 51.-The arrangement of Chapter III (E) is somewhat involved, owing to the interpolation of new matter. A rearrangement on the following lines is suggested :-
(E.) Action by C.R.E. (present paragraphs 1 to 3).
(i.) Works (paragraphs 4 and 5).
(1.) Action by Staff Officer, R.E.
(2.) Action by Loan Officer.
Table E (i).
(ii.) Electric lighting and submarine mining (paragraph 6, preceded by a new paragraph describing electric lights; paragraph 7 is unnecessary).
(1.) Action by O.C.S.M.: Electric lights and Brennan torpedo.
(2.) Action by O.C.S.M.: Submarine mining.
Tables E (ii) to (v).
(iii.) Telephones (paragraph 11).
(1.) Action by D.O. Telephones (combining paragraphs 12, "duties,"
and 13, "action").
Tables E (vi) to (xi). Several of these tables will be much simplified on
the receipt of additional instruments from home.
29. Page 32, paragraph 3 (1).—As cases have occurred in other Colonies of maps and plans prepared in connection with the Defence Scheme having been lost sight of and not brought up to date, the Colonial Defence Committee suggest that a footnote should be added to the effect that the plans relating to the 22 projects in Table E (i) were last examined and compared with the Defence Scheme by [name of officer] on [date].
30. Page 33, Table E (i).-This table is incomplete as regards various shelter trenches and gun positions to be constructed in the Northern Section.
The numbers of tools shown in Table E (i) do not correspond with those given in the seventh column in Table H (i). This is presumably due to the fact that the native infantry regiments bring the mobilization equipment of tools and camp equipment which they hold in regimental charge, while the R.E. tools are intended for the fortress company, R.E., and to supplement only, and are taken out on the second day. If these assumptions are correct, an explanatory note might be added in the remarks column.
31. Page 50, paragraph 14. Defects in the telephone systems.-Representations as to insufficiency of personnel or stores should be made in the covering letter, not in the body of the Defence Scheme, which should merely describe the utilization of available resources.
The Colonial Defence Committee understand that all the stores specified have been ordered for issue.
The Committee invite the attention of the War Office to the statement that "the staff for erection and maintenance of telephones in the command is totally inadequate," with a view to an increase of the proportion of trained linesmen in the establishment of R.E. at Hong Kong. Owing to the considerable extent of ground to be occupied in war by the garrison of that important naval base, the full development and efficiency of the command system of telephones is a matter of considerable importance.
32. Page 51, (F), paragraph 2.—A register of suitable civilians might with advantage be kept up in time of peace.
33. Page 62, (G), paragraph 1.-An explanation might be given of the arrange- ments under which certain private practitioners have been registered in peace, and warned of the duties to be assigned to them in war (cf. paragraph 7 of Appendix II to the Committee's Remarks No. 364 R on the 1904 Volunteer Report).
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Exstructed.
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207 Enginment
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