32
generally against privateers or gun-boats (estimated cost, 25,000l.) has not been pro-
vided.
لم
10. The total strength of the local forces proposed was 1,370, composed of Naval brigade, 110; torpedo corps, 90; garrison artillery, 80; field force, Brisbane, 880; infantry for northern ports, 200.
The forces now maintained amount to 1,000; the difference between strength enrolled and that recommended is 370, which is mainly represented by the naval brigade and torpedo corps.
The establishment of these two corps is not at present in contemplation. On the other hand, authority has been given to recruit volunteers to the extent of 28 per cent. of the authorized establishment, this excess not being allowed to claim capitation allowance.
Brisbane, August 26, 1879.
33
sibility has been assumed, and the cordiality with which, in most cases, the recommenda- tions made after careful inquiry have been adopted.
4. There are probably, however, many further points in regard to which the Commis- sion, after considering the detailed local information which you may be able to place at its disposal, may render most valuable assistance to your Government, and I am fully satisfied that the ability and special experience of its members will secure for its recommendations, and for such proposals as Her Majesty's Government may found upon those recommenda- tions, the most cordial and earnest consideration.]
I have, &c. (Signed) M. E. HICKS BEACH.
No. 43.
h
Admiralty to Colonial Office.
No. 41.
Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.B., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach, Bart.-(Received October 18.) (No. 45.) (Extract.) Sir,
Government House, Adelaide, September 6, 1879.
I HAVE the honour to inform you that, on the invitation of Lord Augustus Loftus, I am about, in the course of next week, to proceed to Sydney, to be present at the opening
of the International Exhibition, which takes place on the 17th instant.
2. I
propose, with reference to your telegram of the 22nd ultimo, to take this oppor. tunity of visiting the works of defence in progress both in New South Wales and in
Victoria.
I have, &c.
(Signed) WM. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS.
No. 42.
Circular to the Colonies.
Downing Street, October 21, 1879.
(Secret.) Sir,
I HAVE the honour to transmit to you a copy of a Commission passed under the Royal Sign Manual and Signet,t appointing the Right Honourable the Earl of Carnarvon, the Right Honourable H. C. E. Childers, M.P., Sir H. T. Holland, Bart., M.P., K.C.M.G., Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, G.C.B., General Sir J. L. A. Simmons, G.C.B., Sir Henry Barkly, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., Thomas Brassey, Esq., M.P., and Robert George Crookshank Hamilton, Esq., to be Commissioners to inquire into the state of the defences of the more important colonial ports and naval stations, and the best mode of placing them in a thoroughly secure condition.
2. The Committee appointed by Her Majesty's Government in the early part of last year to inquire and report as to the defences of those ports which might stand most in need of defence in any sudden emergency, made considerable progress in the examination of the subject referred to them, and in pursuance, of their recommendations much has been already done towards the provision of such temporary defences as appeared to be most urgently required; but the larger questions connected with the permanent defences of each place have, in most cases, yet to be considered. The Royal Commission which is the subject of the present communication has been appointed to deal with these questions, and Her Majesty's Government are confident that you will use every effort to insure that any information affecting the Colony under your government which may be necessary to assist the Commission in the prosecution of its labours shall be promptly and carefully supplied.
[3. It is, of course, not the intention of Her Majesty's Government, by the appoint. ment of this Commission, to interfere in any way with the measures already taken in the Colony under your government for providing an adequate system of defence. They recognize with great satisfaction the intelligence and public spirit with which this respon
• No. 16.
+ Inclosure in No. 22, Paragraphe 3 and 4 to Canada, Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, New Zealand, Queensland, and Tasmania only.
Sir,
Admiralty, October 21, 1879. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 17th instant, and to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that my Lords will gladly afford every information in their power to the Commission appointed to consider the defence of the Colonies.
(Secrct.)
ROBERT HALL.
I am, &c. (Signed)
No. 44.
Circular to all Colonies.
Sir,
Downing Street, October 22, 1879. THERE will be no objection to the publication in the Colony under your govern- ment of the Royal Commission, inclosed in my Circular despatch of the 21st October,t appointing the Right Honourable the Earl of Carnarvon and the gentleman named therein to be Commissioners to inquire into the state of the defences of the more important colonial ports and coaling stations, but as it is very desirable that all matters relating to the defence of the Colonies should as far as possible be kept secret, I request that any correspondence on the subject may be marked "Secret-Defence Commission."
Sir,
I have, &c.
(Signed)
No. 45.
M. E. HICKS BEACH.
Colonial Office to the Secretary of the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce abroad.
Downing Street, October 22, 1879. WITH reference to the Earl of Carnarvon's letter of the 9th instant, I am directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you, for the information of the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Ports and Commerce abroad, a copy of a despatch which he has addressed to the Governor of the Cape, requesting him to take steps for the formation of a local Committee to inquire into and report upon the question of the permanent defences of that Colony.§
I am, &c, (Signed) R. H. MEADE.
• No. 39.
+ No. 42.
+ No. 34.
§ No. 44,
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
PETCO. 885
4
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
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