CO885(3-4) — Page 229

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Printed for the use of the Colonial Office.

SECRET AND CONFIDENTIAL.

Second Report of a Colonial Defence Committee on the Temporary Defences of the Australian Colonies, Tasmania, and New Zealand.

*

Colonies.

Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, Bart., G.C.B., to the Under-Secretary of State for the (Secret and Confidential.) Šir,

Committee Room, Whitehall, April 12, 1878.

I AM requested by the Colonial Defence Committee to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, their Report on the temporary defences of the Australian Colonies, Tasmania, and New Zealand.

I have, &c.

(Signed) ALEX. MILNE, President.

Second Report.

AUSTRALIA.

WITH regard to the Australian Colonies and Tasmania, the Committee have had the advantage of personally consulting Sir William Jervois, as well as of reading his able reports on the permanent defences of the principal ports, viz., Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart Town, and Launceston.

The Australian Colonies have themselves taken up the question so actively, and have proceeded so far towards the provision of permanent works for their protection, that the means already exist upon the spot for very efficient temporary defences.

Steps have also been taken to organize and equip forces in each Colony (with the exception of Tasmania, where the Committee hope the force will soon be revived) on a scale sufficient to secure the works from attack by land; and, in a short time, these bodies of troops will be quite able to take the field and cope with any force that is likely to be brought against them.

They further have the advantage of the presence of Colonel Scratchley, who accom- panied Sir W. Jervois, and is fully qualified to give any advice with respect to defence, or military questions connected therewith, which may be needful in case of emergency.

The Committee, therefore, do not consider it necessary to make any recommendations with regard to these Colonies. They cannot, however, refrain from expressing their opinion that the greatest credit is due to them for the energy with which they have under- taken measures for their defence, as well as for the patriotic spirit which has actuated them in thus making ample and timely provision for carrying those measures into effect.

With regard to King George's Sound, the Committee have been informed that the Peninsular and Oriental Čompany, who now make it a coaling station, no longer require to

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

4 LIITICO. 885

4 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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