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New Zealand.
The Colonial Defence Committee have dealt with the defence of New Zealand in their remarks of the 10th April, 1888, upon Major-General Schaw's Report. While generally concurring in Major-General Edwards' recommenda- tions, they deprecate the transference of more than half the naval artillery to the rifle companies. The naval artillery appears, judging from its numbers, to be a popular force in the Colony, and any reduction should be very gradual. It would be advisable to introduce the partially-paid system, as calculated to give a higher standard of efficiency than is provided by a purely volunteer force. On account of the distance (1,200 miles) which separates New Zealand from continental Australia, the Colonial Defence Committee consider that the defence of New Zealand must be dealt with independently, and they doubt whether any advantage would be gained by amalgamating the Permanent Artillery and Submarine Mining Force of this Colony with those of the remaining Colonies. They are of opinion that it is desirable to provide a better infantry weapon than the Snider, but they consider that a total stand of 8,000, in place of the 16,000 recommended, would amply suffice.
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The Colonial Defence Committee purposely refrain from marking this Memorandum as "Confidential." Major-General Edwards' Reports have been made public and widely discussed. They consider that their remarks, which refer to large questions of principle rather than to details of defence, should receive equal publicity.
May 16, 1890.
(Signed)
G. S. CLARKE, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T, HARRISON.-
—5/6/90.
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