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the ranks, their aid could not be counted upon at the outset of war, the period at which the need would be greatest. The Colonial Defence Committee therefore consider that the filling up of the ranks of the trained forces of the Colony must necessarily take precedence of any development of the Rifle Clubs.
2. The Colonial Defence Committee do not concur in the recommendation of the purchase of a gun-boat, or of the formation of a naval brigade. The first cost and maintenance of the former would entail much expense, and the difficulties of creating and securing the efficiency of the latter, under the conditions of the Colony, are cons lerable. At the same time, the proposal to utilize the Whitehead torpedoes on board local launches appears to be wise in all respects. The approaches to Hobart appear to be admirably adapted for torpedo-boat defence, and the danger of an attempt to enter the harbour by night could be thus averted. The Committee understand that a substitute has been provided for the ordinary dropping gear in the form of a turntable which can be fitted to the bows of a steamer or launch, conferring great advantages in the latitude of direction provided. It will be necessary, in the event of war, to provide a tug or local vessel to patrol the approaches both of the Derwent and the Tamar, and it is desirable to make all arrangements for this purpose at once. The tug to which the local Committee refer as being about to be ordered would be well suited for this service at one of the above ports, and might be fitted to carry a 36-pounder quick-firing gun. An existing local vessel might be similarly fitted for the outpost service of the other port, and both should be held in readiness to receive their armament at short notice.
3. The Colonial Defence Committee strongly recommend that the proposal to block the Derwent by mechanical mines, which are now regarded as applicable in very few cases, should be reconsidered. It is of the utmost importance to the Colonies and to the Empire that the free use of the ports by friendly vessels should be as little restricted as possible. In the case of the Derwent, a few ground mines available for use at night by the aid of the electric light, and supplemented by the torpedo launches which the local Committee has recommended, will suffice for all necessary requirements, and the proposed further provision of mechanical mines estimated to cost 5,1001. might
well be avoided.
4. As regards the proposal to extinguish the leading lights at Tamar Heads, the Colonial Defence Committee consider that the light at Low Head should never be extinguished under any circumstances. On the other hand, lights facilitating the entrance into the harbour might be put out and relighted on a signal from the patrol- vessel intimating that a friendly ship was about to enter.
5. The proposals put forward by the local Committee in respect to armaments necessarily relate to matters which can best be settled in the light of local knowledge. The Colonial Defence Committee desire, however, to submit the following observations for consideration :-
(a.) The main artillery defence of the Derwent should be at Alexandra Battery, and supplemented by a battery above Trywork Point, which is understood to be in contemplation. The proposed site at Jane Point appears unsuited by position and extent for the purposes of an artillery position. The single advantage of guns mounted here appears to be to bring fire to bear on the northern shore of Ralph Bay. The approaches to this bay would, however, be completely commanded by guns at Trywork Point, and if a landing were ever to be attempted, it would probably be on the other side of the Derwent, whence a direct advance on Hobart could be made.
(b.) The site of Queen's Battery, from its retired position, is unsuited to the existing armament of five 64-pounders and two 70-pounders. If it is considered necessary that this work should be armed, long-range and accurate guns appear to be essential. It is suggested, however, that the guns now mounted at Queen's Battery might be mounted on the right bank of the Tamar, where they would be effective at the short ranges there presented.
(c.) The creation of defences on Garden Island appears to be undesirable. The defence of a narow channel, such as the Tamar, should be at its mouth, and the Committee suggest that any guns provided for the protection of this river should be mounted on the ridge to the south-east of Low Head, or at Sheok Point, where the ranges to mid-channel are only 1,400 yards and 600 yards respectively.
(d.) For the defence of the minor ports on the north-east, the proposed provision of quick-firing guns appears to be unnecessary. In such a case machine-guns would be more effective, and cheaper and more easy to place in position. The Colonial Defence Committee recommend the Maxim gun in place of the Nordenfelt. Its cost, with portable mounting and 20,000 rounds of ammunition, would be about 3501.
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