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Defence Scheme.
7. Apart from the few points mentioned above the Scheme may now be assumed to have reached a final and complete form which will in future years only require modifications to meet changes introduced from time to time in the garrison and armament of the place. The increase in the former, which has recently been approved, does away with the infantry reinforcements it was formerly proposed to send from England on antici- pation of war (page 18). The modification of the armament referred to in paragraphs 15 to 17 of the General's covering letter already involve some modifications in the distribution of the artillery personnel, which it is unnecessary to refer to in detail.
A few minor points in connection with the present Scheme which call for Remarks by the Committee are dealt with in the following para- graphs:-
8. Page 25. Action to be taken by Staff and Departments.—The notification that will be sent to the Governor instructing him to put the Defence Scheme partially or wholly into force will be in the form communicated in Lord Knutsford's Circular despatch dated the 2nd July, 1891, and a specific reference to this despatch should be made under the heading "General Measures to be taken " to insure the simple code laid down in the Circular being understood and acted on immediately on its receipt.
The Defence Scheme should also lay down the action to be taken on receipt of the above notification, in accordance with Clause 2, Section 189, of the Army Act, with regard to making the forces in the Colony temporarily subject to the Army Act, as if they were on active service.
9. Page 29, Table B.-The arrangements by which the large body of masons, miners, &c., referred to in the column of remarks are to be taken daily to and from the works, or lodged while the works are in execution near the North-west Position, is a matter which might advantageously be dealt with by the Civil Supply Committees referred to on pages 80 to 82 of the Scheme.
The sign-boards which it is stated should be fixed in the fortress should at any rate be prepared in anticipation of mobilization.
If land mines are to be laid as suggested in this Table, great care should be taken that all proper R.E. stores for the purpose are available, that they are properly under control, and that their danger zones are communicated to all concerned. Experience has shown that their employment under other conditions may be attended by disastrous results.
10. Page 53, Table I (vi), and page 54, Table I (vii).-No demands for camp equipment and ammunition should be necessary. The numbers for whom camp equipment will be required are given in Table J (i) on page 57, and orders to issue at once on mobilization should be in possession of the Army Ordnance Department.
The small arm ammunition to be issued to the various units is calculated in Tables I (vi) and (vii) to the exact number of rounds required to make up 180 rounds per man, but in Table J (i) on page 57 the number of complete boxes is more conveniently stated, and a reference to this information in the latter Table might be made at the foot of the others.
The proportion of ammunition laid down, viz., 180 rounds per man, exclusive of the twenty rounds of service ammunition already in their possession, hardly appears necessary, except for the infantry.
11. Page 55, Table I (viii).-Four forage carts, eight G.S. waggons, two pharmacy waggons, thirty-five ambulances appear from the note to Table I (v) on page 52 to be held in reserve by the A.Ô.D. in peace, but are not shown in column 6 of Table I (viii) on page 55.
12. Pages 57 to 60, Table J (i).—It is observed that a large supply of camp equipment and of stores for R.E. works is to be kept at various forts.
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