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(C.)--Action by D.A.A.G. (B).
On the outbreak of hostilities this officer will immediately take steps to ensure :
(a.) The accumulation of the necessary supplies.
(b.) The provision of storage accommodation for those supplies, and their efficient protection.
(c.) The organization, maintenance, and housing of a Coolie Corps.
(d.) The provision of all transport required.
(i.) Transport.
The transport requirements for the conveyance of troops, supplies, and stores to the outlying forts and posts would consist of coolies by land, steam launches and cargo-boats by water. It is anticipated that little difficulty would be experienced in obtaining what is required for this purpose.
A Coolie Corps will be formed consisting of six superintendents, six headmen and 200 coolies. The six headmen will be English-speaking Chinamen. These numbers would vary from time to time according to circumstances. The head-quarters of the Coolie Corps would be in buildings temporarily hired in Victoria, where they would be more under the control of the Officer Commanding Army Service Corps, than if they remained with the Sections to which they are told off. Each particular batch of coolies would be employed on the same journey daily, with a view to ensure greater regularity and despatch, as well as to minimize the errors made by illiterate Chinese in the delivery of stores, &c.
The Officer Commanding Army Service Corps is in charge of all army transport, and all requisitions for transport will be addressed to and dealt with by him.
Table (C) shows the detail of transport, permanently required for the delivery of rations, the supply of ammunition, stores, and matériel, the removal of sick and wounded, and for all other transport services.
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Table C.-RETURN summarising the Arrangements for Transport in War.