selves be called upon to provide, by the formation of an adequate force of police, or, if necessary, of militia. I instructed you to bring this subject under the immediate con- sideration of the Legislative Council, and under no circumstances to consider yourself authorized to delay sending to New Zealand the force had named.
In my despatch of the 4th of March, 1848, No. 11, Military, I instructed you to inform the Legislative Council of New South Wales that while the right of the Australian Colonies to look for their fair share of that protection which it is the object of Her Majesty's naval and military forces to extend to all parts of the British Empire was fully recognized by Her Majesty's servants, they were of opinion that these colonies have made so much progress in wealth and population, that their inhabitants might reasonably be expected to bear also a part of the heavy charges which, with a view to that protection are imposed upon their fellow- subjects residing in the United Kingdom, and that the smallest contribution towards these charges which ought now to be required from the colonists, was that of providing any addi- tional means of local defence which might be required; and I suggested to you the propriety of inviting the principal gentlemen of the colony to exert themselves in forming a volunteer artillery force.
In my despatch of the 1st of June following, No. 16, Military, after noticing the Report of the Committee of the Legislative Council of New South Wales, on the question how far it might be expedient to make some addition to the police, in consequence of the withdrawal of a portion of the troops, I explained that the force so withdrawn was sent to New Zealand to meet a pressing emergency; and I stated that Her Majesty's Government did not con- template the permanent maintenance of a large regular force in that colony, any more than in New South Wales.
These communications will have fully prepared you for the reduction which Her Majesty's Government find it absolutely necessary to make of the military expenditure of the Australian Colonies, and I have accordingly to acquaint you that Her Majesty's Government propose to transfer to the Colony of New South Wales, the barracks, and all military buildings and lands not immediately required for the preservation of stores, and that the charge of providing, maintaining and repairing quarters for Her Majesty's troops in New South Wales must in future be undertaken by the colony, and that the force to be retained there will be reduced to a guard in the capital of the colony and in the town of Melbourne, which will be the capital of the proposed Province of Victoria. If a greater amount of force is required, the Local Legislature must either make provision for raising a more considerable body of police than is now maintained, or some other description of local force, or else provide for the pay and allowances of an additional number of Her Majesty's regular army, in which case there would be no objection to allow additional regiments to serve there.
In adopting the policy which I am thus called upon to prescribe to you for your future guidance, Her Majesty's Government are swayed by the consideration that New South Wales already possesses Representative institutions; that these will, it cannot be doubted, very speedily be extended to the other Australian Colonies, and that all the restrictions heretofore imposed on Colonial trade by Imperial legislation have now been removed.
It is my duty to apprize you that if the Colonial Legislature should not think proper to make adequate provision for the maintenance of the necessary barracks in a manner in which the health and comfort of the troops will be as well secured as at present, it will be incumbent on Her Majesty's Government to remove them altogether.
I have only further to acquaint you that in giving up to the colony the barracks and other buildings, which are to be transferred to it under the present instructions, it must be distinctly understood that Her Majesty's Government reserve to themselves the right of resuming possession, if at any future time it should, in their judgment, become necessary to do so; some nominal rent must therefore be reserved, as a recognition of the title of the Crown to the property.
You will take an early opportunity of reporting to me the arrangements which you sball make in pursuance of the present instruction.
I have, &c.
(Signed) GREY.
In the meantime, the Civil Government, on the recommendation of the Governor- General, evinced every desire to procure suitable barrack accommodation for the regiment; first, by fitting up, at the expense of the province, the Bousecceur Market-house, and when A Board of Officers reported that it was doubtful whether a still further outlay would render this building fit for habitation during the winter, the Government offered to hire and fit up any building that might be considered eligible for the purpose.
Another Board of Officers then examined the several atores, &c., that were likely to answer, when it was decided that the building in Water Street, with the Government Store House at the Quebec Gate Barrack, and some rooms for married soldiers and their families in the Bousecœur Market, if thoroughly repaired and partially altered, would be preferable to any other arrangement that could be effected,
The Provincial Board of Works have now completed the requisite repairs, and your Lordship will perceive from the annexed copy of a letter from the Secretary, that they will in future defray the entire expense.
The officer commanding the 19th Regiment is quite satisfied with the quarters thus provided for his corps for the winter; but I must add I consider it highly probable that it may become necessary to vacate these buildings during the summer months, and again encamp the troops.
I have, &c. (Signed) W. ROWAN,
Lieutenant-General Commanding,
My Lord,
No. 2
Lieutenant-General Rowan to Earl Grey.
Head-Quarters, Montreal, October 31, 1849. ADVERTING to your Lordship's despatch of the 30th May last (Military, No. 4), addressed to the late Lieutenant-General Sir Benjamin D'Urban, relative to the necessity of abandoning the Water Street temporary barracks in Montreal, I have the honour to acquaint you that on the receipt of your instructions I immediately placed myself in communication with the Governor-General in regard to the best mode of carrying into effect an arrangement for reducing the garrison.
His Excellency being of opinion that it was not expedient to remove any portion of the troops to a distance from Montreal, and several cases of cholera having occurred about that time, I ordered the regiment which occupied the building io question, to encamp on the 1sland of St. Helens, where it remained till lately, enjoying perfect health.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
C.O.
Reference :-
885
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO