CO885(1-2) — Page 94

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show that the defence of that island cannot safely be restel on other means than the regular garrison.

HONG-NONG

This island having been for a short time in British occupation, and the population consisting of a few merchants with their establishments, and of Chinese of a low order, who have been attracted to the island by the expectation of employment, while the defence of the island is amply ensured by the garrison, and by the vessels of war which are or ought to be in the China Seas, it does not yet seem to have been considered how far it might be prac-

ti able to raise a militia in case of need,

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Lord Grey, with the concurrence of Lord John Russell, upon the Governor's proposition, granted some arms and accoutrements to a body of gentle- men in Sydney who were desirous to form a rifle company; and if duly fostered and encouraged, this volunteer corps may be considered as the nucleus of a larger force.

Janumy 14. 1853..

P. S.

AUSTRALIA.

It is in New Zealand only that any militia has been formed.

During the rebellion so ne service was rendered

by a force of this description.

1845.

By an ordinance passed in March 1845, the Cap. 1. March 25. preamble of which states that it is expedient that the European population of New Zealand should be trained to the use of a:ms so as to form an effective military force for the dence of the lives and pro- perty of Her Majesty'»» subjects within the colony, it is enneted that every man between the ages of Is years and 60, being a British subject, and not an aboriginal native, who shall reside within the colony, shil be able to s. rve.

The Auckland battalion is stated to muster above JURI E 4.

But it seems improbable that it may have been dect ad expedient to call out any portion of the milt a for exercise; and with some few exemptions,

a sinar indifference to keep up the efficiency of the rilit a, by periodical training, seems to prevail tho

hot all the colonies.

I sew South Wales there are plenty of clements amation of a militia, and especially of a yemmy force; but the Legislative Council has dise aged any attempt to raise such a force.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

I, I L L k L

C.O.

Reference →

885

1 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO.