Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. October 24, 1891.
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CONFIDENTIAL.
50-P
NEW ZEALAND.
Secret. 285/91.
NEW ZEALAND DEFENCES.
Report by Captain A. W. Moore, R.N.
Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.
THE Colonial Defence Committee have considered the valuable Report on the defences of New Zealand drawn up by Captain A. W. Moore, R.N. This subject has already been dealt with by them at various times.
In 1887 Reports were made by Major-General Schaw, C.B., on the works of defence of the Colony and the organization of the personnel, with a view to retrenchment of expenditure. The total force recommended by General Schaw was:-—
Permanent
Volunteers (including 560 honorary)
Total
332
3,982
4,314
In a Memorandum of the 10th April, 1888, the Colonial Defence Com- mittee reviewed these proposals, and, with certain reservations, considered the reduction as justified, having regard to the general conditions of the defence.
They pointed out that, "in view of the local strength of the principal ports, and of the large increase of naval strength which will be shortly available in Australasian waters, the Committee consider that military opera- tions on a large scale directed against New Zealand will be impossible to any foreign Power. At the same time, the comparatively isolated position of the Colony, and the numerous ports which it possesses, demand that the efficiency of the reduced force should be maintained at a high standard as a protection against a raid by one or two vessels undertaken in order to obtain coals or other stores."
In 1889 Major-General Edwards, C.B., reported upon the organization of the forces of New Zealand, and pointed out that although the Returns gave & strength of--
Permanent force Volunteers
Total
·
196 7,691
•
7,887
"the forces generally have not sufficient training to man the works for the defence of the harbours, nor is there any organization by means of which field forces could be created to protect the four centres."
Major-General Edwards urged the adoption of the partially paid system to provide a total force of 4,490 men, including 220 Commissariat, Medical Staff, &c. He further recommended the appointment of a Commandant selected from the regular forces for a term of five years, and a Staff officer "able to give the whole of his time to his military duties."
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