CO885(2-3) — Page 514

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOCHABU NA~on |

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

C.O.

Reference :-

.885

3 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

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and, in doing so, has availed itself of the assistance of some of Hor Majesty's regiments in training the officers and men of its own Volunteers and Militia. The reductions which I now propose to your Lord- ship will not interfere with these arrangements.

I should be glad, therefore, to be favoured with your Lordship's opinion, whether it is necessary that any portion of Her Majesty's troops should be

left in the Dominion of Canada, beyond such as it

may be deemed expedient to retain with a view to the training of the Militia and Volunteers, and the maintenance of the Schools of Instruction.

This number would be sufficient in any case of emergency to furnish the garrison of Quebec.

I will take this opportunity of inviting your Lordship's attention to other Colonies where, as it seems to me, it may be practicable to effect reduc- tions of the existing force, or in the case of which, as at the Cape of Good Hope, it is necessary, with a view to the Estimates of next year, that I should

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be in possession of more distinct information than I have yet received as to the numbers to be pro-

vided for.

I find that in January 1867 it was determined by the Earl of Carnarvon that the force at the Cape

was to be reduced at once from five to four battalions

of Infantry, one of these to be divided between Natal and St. Helena, thus leaving three battalions

for the protection of the Cape Colony; that beyond the 10,0001, per annum which the Colony is re quired to contribute towards colonial allowances to the troops, no charge would be made for these three battalions until the year 1868, when payment was to be made at the rate of 401. per man for one of the battalions; that in 1869 payment was to be made

at the same rate for two battalions; and that in three years after 1869, payment was to be made for the whole force in the Colony at the Australian

rate of 401. for every lufantry soldier, and 701. for every Artilleryman.

It was further explained, that if any default were to occur in these payments, Her Majesty's Government would withdraw the troops from the Colony, either wholly, or to such extent as they might deem expedient.

In consideration of the financial position of the Colony, it appears to have been subsequently decided not to withdraw any portion of the there Regiments, notwithstanding the uon fulfilment during 1868 of the condition on which the force was to be maintained.

I shall be glad to be informed whether, in ac- cordance with these arrangements, it will be neces- sary for me to provide in the Estimates for three Regiments at the Cape, during 1869 (one to be paid for by the Colony at the rate agreed upon), and one for division between Natal and St. Helena;

or whether I ought only to provide for two Regi- ments, to which force, unless I can be assured of the certain payment of the contribution, I should propose that the Vote should be limited.

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