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APPENDIX.
Page 81
Sir,
Government House, Brisbane, Queensland, February 23, 1897.
I DO myself the honour to forward, for your information, six copies of the Scheme of Defence for Queensland, corrected to the 15th January, 1897; and I would ask that a copy be supplied to the Colonial Defence Committee.
2. I regret the delay that has occurred in my transmitting the Scheme of Defence, but I have been away a great deal of late paying official visits to different parts of the country, and it has taken me some time to compare the changes under the new Scheme of Defence with former Reports.
3. Before leaving London to take up my duties here, I saw Captain Nathan, Secretary of the Colonial Defence Committee, who furnished me with certain points that the Committee attached importance to. These are all, with one exception, covered by the Remarks of the Defence Committtee of the 3rd February, 1896. The points brought to my notice by Captain Nathan and which are also found in the Remarks referred to were—
(1.) Bringing the peace establishments up to what they were in 1891, ie, about 5,000 men. On P. 6 of the new Scheme, it will be seen that there is an approximate addition of 1,500 men, making the total number 5,000. These figures represent the present strength in time of peace.
At bottom of p. 6
(2.) The formation of a reserve to reinforce in time of war. (i.) it will be seen that an Infantry reserve of 500 is being formed.
(3.) To provide a sufficient reserve of small-arm ammunition. This has not been done as the 303 barrel is about to be introduced, consequently there will be a new stock of ammunition altogether.
(4.) To make the existing gun armaments of Brisbane and Townsville efficient the two 6-inch B.-L. guns of 5 tons at Lytton have been sent home for chase-hooping and should arrive back shortly. The unserviceable guns at Townsville have been dismounted, and mounted for drill purposes only. Two 9-pr. R.M.L. guns have been placed at Magazine Island, Townsville, to replace the unserviceable 6-inch B.-L. guns whilst it is being considered what new guns it may be desirable to order.
4. The point I referred to as not included in the Remarks of the Colonial Defence Committee but mentioned to me by Captain Nathan is noticed in paragraph 1 of the Remarks by the Colonial Defence Committee on the Report by the Commandant for the year 1895-96, dated the 6th November, 1896, which has recently come to hand. This refers to the inadequacy of the strength of the Permanent Battery of Artillery, the total strength of which I am now able to say is 142 of all ranks, a considerable approach to the original strength of 153, and represents an increase of thirty-one members.
5. The recommendations contained on pp. 2 and 3, paragraph 3, of the Colonial Defence Committee, 3rd February, 1896, have been carried out as follows:-
(a.) Permanent paid Adjutants have been restored to the 1st and 3rd Infantry Regiments.
(b.) No additional reserve of equipment has been made.
(c) Neither gun-boat is in commission. Were it possible, I think the Government would like to sell both and get one of more recent construction.
6. In accordance with the recommendation contained in paragraph 4 of the Remarks of the Colonial Defence Committee the Scheme has been revised as directed. Table O (p. 20) has been added. I have suggested the same designation of "A" Battery to be always used. In the present Scheme it appears under a slightly different title in Table A, in places where it is mentioned. In the general body of the Scheme there are no alterations that call for special notice.
7. I may add that the half-battery (North Queensland Garrison Battery) is up to its strength at Thursday Island, and that that at Cairns is soon hoped to be up to strength. The general land armament is satisfactory and sufficient. Quick-firing ammunition is now coming from England, except for the 6-pr. Hotchkiss. (Vule Table M., p. 22).
The Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
LAMINGTON.
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PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY J. W. HARRISON.-29, 6, 97.
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[This Document is the Property of Her Britannic Majesty's Government.] Page 82 of 290
Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. July 20, 1897.