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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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Those taking the former route may pass either by the north or the south of the But / Australian continent, though as a matter of fact the majority go by the south.

steamers destined for New those coming by the Cape, which include the "direct Zealand, must pass by the south, and go comparatively near to the fine harbour and coaling station of King George's Sound.

2. If therefore in time of war this harbour were held by an enemy, he might, acting therefrom, cut off our merchant steamers and ships; whereas, if it were secured to us it would become a base of operations whence British men-of-war could operate for the defence of our commerce.

3. All the Australasian Colonies, including New Zealand, are therefore interested in King George's Sound being efficiently defended, on the same principle as they are interested in the defence of Torres Straits (for which object they contribute to the expenses for New Guinea), and in like manner as hereafter, when the Panama Canal is opened, they will be jointly interested in the defence of a port in the Pacific between New Zealand and America.

4. Queensland may naturally refuse to pay the whole cost of the protection of Torres Straits; it would be unjust to expect that New Zealand should bear the entire burden of the establishment and maintenance of a fortified harbour on some island in the Pacific, and it is out of the question that Western Australia, with a population of 32,000 should be called upon to fortify and garrison a harbour which, although situated within its own boundary, is of Australasian importance. The expense of such defences should be shared by the whole group of Colonics who benefit by them.

5. As regards the annual amount which New Zealand would in this case have to contribute no definite estimate can be given until the precise constitution of the pro- posed military force is determined. Supposing, however, that a certain number of artillerymen and torpedomen with officers were to be permanently stationed on the spot, and that the infantry were only sent to King George's Sound on an emergency occurring, probably the annual cost to New Zealand would be from 2,5007. to 3,000l. a year.

This would be in addition to the share for the expense of works, which, according to the plan suggested by the Inspector General of Fortifications, would only be about 1,000l., i.e. ¦¦ of 6,0001. + (say) 3,0001. for barracks.

6. The adoption of Sir P. Scratchley's plan might be left for future consideration. 7. It will be observed that the Imperial Government undertake to provide the armaments and torpedo stores for the plan recommended by the Inspector General of Fortifications.

8. I would suggest that the Government of New Zealand should in the first place put themselves in communication with the several Governments of Australia, with a view of ascertaining the course which each proposes to adopt.

(Signed) WILLIAM F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. Government House, Wellington, New Zealand,

August 12, 1885.

SIR.

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Premier's Office, Melbourne, August 28, 1885,

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, inquiring the views of this Government in regard to the proposition that the several Australasian Colonies should assist in providing for the defence of King George's Sound, Western Australia.

With reference to this subject I beg to state that this Goverment fully recognises the importance of protecting King George's Sound from attack, and coueurs generally in the views in regard thereto expressed in the Despatch from the Right Honourable the Secretary of State, dated 12th Jung ultimo, referred to in your communication.

While, however, I have no hesitation in saying that full and careful consideration would be given on the part of this Colony to any well matured scheme for the attain- ment of the desired object. I cannot but entertain the gravest doubts as to the possibility of arriving at any satisfactory determination in the matter in combination with the other Governments interested through the medium of correspondence only, whether through the post or by telegram.

Several instances have occurred of late, some of which will doubtless readily present themselves to your mind, illustrating the almost insuperable difficulties which stand in the way of bringing a number of distinct and distant Governments into accord in regard to points of great importance to all, and I am forced to the conclusion that the only solution of the difficulty is to be found in the constitution of somo authoritativo body empowered to deal with matters of general concern to the several communities.

I have, &c., The Hon. the Premier of New Zealand,

(Signed) JAMES SERVICE, Wellington.

SIR,

Premier.

'Colonial Secretary's Office, Brisbane,

August 27, 1885.

WITH reference to Lord Derby's Despatch of the 12th June last, on the subject of the defences of King George's Sound, and to your letter of the 15th instant, I have now the honour to enclose for your information a copy of a letter which I have addressed to Sir Anthony Musgrave, and which expresses the opinions of this Government on the subject of the defences of King George's Sound and Thursday

Island.

I shall be glad to be favoured with your views on the subject.

The Hon. the Colonial Secretary,

New Zealand.

I have, &c., (Signed)

S. W. GRIFFITH.

MEMORANDUM FOR HIS EXCELLENCY.

Wellington, November 7, 1885.

THE Premier has the honour to inform his Excellency that the Government has given the most careful consideration to the question of the defence of King George's Sound, referred to in Despatch of the 12th June last, and his Excellency's Memo- randum of the 12th August which accompanied it, and has very reluctantly arrived at the conclusion that it is a subject on which they are unable to offer an opinion until Parliament has been consulted.

They did not submit the matter to Parliament last session as they had not received answers from the various Colonies with which they had communicated, but next Session they shall advise his Excellency that all papers bearing on the subject be presented to Parliament for consideration.

(Signed)

ROBERT STOUT.

SIR,

Premier's Office, Hobart, August 27, 1885.

In reply to your letter of the 15th instant, requesting to be informed of the views of this Government on the question of the defence of Albany, King George's Sound, I have the honour to forward herewith, for your information, copy of a memorandumt which I addressed to his Excellency the Governor of this Colony in connexion with the proposals of the Secretary of State on this subject as set forth in his despatch of 12th June last.

I have, &c., (Signed) ADYE DOUGLAS.

The Hon. the Premier,

Wellington.

* Enclosure in Appendix D., page 310.

Enclosure in Appendix E., page 311.

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