Page 656
taking the necessary supervision, proof, and inspection (4132).
626
Prospects of Manufacture.-At present the Govern- ment factories are idle, and additional plant is required. Ships are not yet built to carry the new guns, and, therefore, there would be no large orders, even for the Government factories, at first; but if there should be war, they would, of course, be fully occupied (4129). If it were decided to complete the armament of the home defences with the new guns, probably some of the work would have to be given to the trade (4130, 4131).
The War Office vocabulary of prices contains descrip- tions of all kinds of stores, and is accessible to the Colonies. Working drawings and specifications have often been given to the Colonies on application (4141– 4145). It would not be worth the Colonies while to manufacture for themselves (4146); but there would be no difficulty in colonial capitals in keeping their guns in order, if they are prepared to bear the neces- sary expense (4147, 4148).
Conversion of Guns.-The conversion of cast-iron smooth-bore guns into rifled ordnance is not a satis- factory expedient. There is no objection to Colonies that have cast-iron guns converting them on the Palliser principle, but they can never be so good as the guns now being manufactured (4149). Even new guns made on the Palliser principle would be of an inferior type, and would be inefficient against iron-clad ships (4203, 4204).
Uniformity. It is of great importance to secure uniformity of pattern in ordnance and in all military stores to facilitate the supply and manufacture of ammunition (4133-4140). It might even be possible to make interchangeable ammunition for breech-load- ing and muzzle-loading guns of the same calibre (4185– 4187).
Gunpowder. The difference between the new gun- powder and the old lies in the manufacture; the ingredients are the same. It is doubtful whether the new powder would be as durable and stand damp magazines as well as the old (4213-4218), but if kept carefully it ought to remain quite good for eight or ten years, after which it would begin to lose power (4221- 4224). It requires careful handling to avoid the risk of breaking up, but is not subject to deterioration on a sea voyage if placed in proper cases (4225, 4226).
Our experiments have been carried out with pris- matic powder made in Germany, where there are three private factories (4228, 4235, 4236). Messrs. Arm- strong also get their prismatic powder from abroad (4233). The new powder is now being made at Waltham Abbey (4213), but a sufficient quantity for a time of war could not be produced there. Contracts for powder are given to three private firms in England to encourage the manufacture, but they do not care to make the new powder unless they have an order for ten years, which no Government will give. A large reserve of the old description is kept, and in time of war the private factories would be employed to make small-arm powder, leaving Waltham Abbey free to make other kinds (4237-4238). There are three manufactories of powder in India, but they make nothing but common powder. The new powder might be made in India and in Canada also (4219, 4220, 4229-4232).
October 14, 1880. Sir ARTHUR BLYTH, K.C.M.G., Agent-General of South Australia.
Instructions from the Government of the Colony to the following effect were put in :—
Sir A. Blyth's, Instructions. The Government believe that there will be no difficulty in keeping up the present force in an efficient state at the sole cost of the Colony. They will further, as soon as financial arrangements permit, press upon Parliament the neces- sity of providing a sufficient force of permanent artillery to properly man the forts at Port Adelaide.
The Government are unable, at present, to provide regular protection for the numerous ports on the sea-
board of the Colony. In the event of war, they would most likely cause the large stock of coal at Wallaroo to be removed or destroyed.
The Government believe that the Legislature would defray the whole cost of land defences for the protec- tion of ports, and it is understood that the Home Government are content to undertake the general naval defence of colonial commerce. The Government are of opinion that vessels should be provided for local defence. These might be supplied by the Home Government, placed under the orders of the Com- modore, and manned by Imperial forces. No doubt is entertained that the Colony would provide part of the expense of such vessels. There would be many objec- tions against their being provided by the Colony, and there would be great difficulty in inducing the Legis- lature to provide the necessary funds for a vessel entirely under Imperial command, unless the Home Government contributed part of the cost. The Govern- ment invite suggestions from the Imperial authorities, with a view to coming to an understanding.
The Government are not in favour of making any alteration in the command of local forces, owing to the distances of the different capitals from each other, the absence of railway communication, and the consequent inability of the forces of the several Colonies to act in
concert.
It is believed that the present force in South Aus- tralia could be materially increased, and rendered sufficient to defend the Colony against any hostile force likely to land on her shores (4267).
State of Defences.-The statement of the action taken in South Australia, with respect to defences, contained in Sir W. Jervois' Report of 1879, may be accepted as correct (4240).
Estimate.-The military estimates for the year 1880-81 amount to 25,4751. 7s. 6d. (4241).
Ordnance.---Two 25-ton muzzle-loading guns, ordered in 1879, have been procured from Messrs. Armstrong, and sent to South Australia, and it is in contemplation to send out two more with the latest improvements (4310-4318).
Volunteer Forces. The strength of the volunteer forces is a little below 1,000, of whom a large majority reside in and about Adelaide, and of the rifle com- panies a little above 600, making a total of nearly 1,600. The number could easily be increased, in case of war, by calling up volunteers who have retired (4242-4245, 4338, 4339). The volunteer force is
very popular (4246), and efficient (4248, 4249), and there is much zeal among officers and men (4260).
There is at present no permanent force, but as soon as the finances of the Colony will allow, it is intended to establish a force of permanent artillery (4342). An Act has been passed for the purpose, and could be put into operation if there were any expectation of war. One reason for delay has been that the guns have not been mounted (4343-4345).
Officers.-Major Downes, R.A., commands the forces, and another Imperial officer, also seconded and lent for five years, is second in command (4251-4255). The subordinate commissions are held by persons in the Colony who have taken an interest in the force. There are no retired Queen's officers among them (4250). The position of a volunteer officer confers no social advantages, but is useful to a man politically (4256– 4259).
Camps.-Proposals for camps, in which the forces could receive continuous training for short periods, have been made, and received with favour; but have never been carried out (4261, 4262).
Inspecting Officer.--The appointment of an Imperial officer of high rank, who would make periodical visits of inspection, would be favourably received in South Australia; hardly anything would stir up the volun- teers in their attention to drill more than such an occasional visit (4263-4266).
Naval Defence.--Sir W. Jervois recommended South Australia to procure vessels of war to assist in the defence of the Colony, and the colonists would be willing to bear part of the expense of vessels kept ex-
Page 656
Page 656
Page 656