4. It will be seen, from the enclosure to this despatch, that a force of Infantry Militia is proposed at St. Helena, and Artillery Militia at Bermuda; in all other cases it is proposed that the Militia Force should consist of Submarine Miners, who, I apprehend, must be closely affiliated to the Imperial troops. In Crown Colonies possessing an Imperial garrison, I am disposed to think that this force should be treated as a military, rather than a purely civil force, such as the Volunteers. Subject, therefore, to what you may say on the question, it would seem to me desirable that in such Colonies the force should be administered, as far as possible, by the General Officer Commanding, and closely affiliated to the regular troops.
As regards pay, it may be practicable to arrange that the actual payments, though made out of local funds, should be made through the regimental paymasters acting as agents for the Colonial Government, and on the authority of the latter.
5. The Volunteers, on the other hand, would be free to leave the service on giving suitable notice, except during a period of actual hostilities. They would receive no pay, but a capitation grant would be earned to meet the expenses involved. Their administration in time of peace would be dealt with by the Governor.
6. Before steps are taken to raise the forces contemplated, I desire to obtain your opinion upon the general question of the organization best suited to the conditions of the Colony.
7. Among the matters to which I would specially direct your attention are the following:-
(1.) The legislative action (if any) necessary to enable the auxiliary forces to be raised, and to confer upon the Governor power to embody them permanently in the event of emergency.
(2.) The conditions of service, bearing in mind that all such forces should be subject to the general provisions of the Army Act when embodied for actual service.
(3.) Uniform and equipment generally.
(4.) Pay of Militia and rate of Volunteer capitation grant sufficient to meet necessary expenditure.
(5.) Any measures, such, for instance, as the grant of special privileges or exemptions, calculated to render the service popular and secure the efficient maintenance of the auxiliary forces.
On the above matters, and any others which may occur to you in connection with the special conditions of the Colony under your command, I shall be glad to receive an early report, in order that no time may be lost in developing the local personnel. It will be desirable for you to consult the General Officer Commanding, or the Senior Officer Commanding Her Majesty's Troops, and to ascertain his views in relation to the general question of organization and equipment.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
KNUTSFORD
... for Hongking ... Artillery ... full development, say Militia "Future Miners;"
425
200
150
4. It will be seen, from the enclosure to this despatch, that a force of Infantry Militia is proposed at St. Helena, and Artillery Militia at Bermuda ;
in all other cases it is proposed that the Militia Force should consist of Submarine Miners, who, I apprehend, must be closely affiliated to the Imperial troops. In Crown Colonies possessing an Imperial garrison, I am disposed
to think that this force should be treated as a military, rather than a purely
have civil force, such as the Volunteers. Subject, therefore, to what you may to say on the question, it would seem to me desirable that in such Colonies the force should be administered, as far as possible, by the General Officer
Commanding, and closely affiliated to the regular troops.
As regards pay, may be practicable to arrange that the actual payments, though made out of local funds, should be made through the regimental paymasters acting as agents for the Colonial Government, and on the authority of the latter.
it
5. The Volunteers, on the other hand, would be free to leave the service on giving suitable notice, except during a period of actual hostilities. They would receive no pay, but a capitation grant would be earned to meet the expenses involved. Their administration in time of peace would be dealt with by the
Governor.
6. Before steps are taken to raise the forces contemplated, I desire to obtain your opinion upon the general question of the organization best suited to
the conditions of the Colony,
7. Among the matters to which I would specially direct your attention are
the following:-
(1.) The legislative action (if any) necessary to enable the auxiliary forces to be raised, and to confer upon the Governor power to embody them permanently in the event of emergency.
(2.) The conditions of service, beuring in mind that all such forces should be subject to the general provisions of the Army Act when embodied for actual service.
(3.) Uniform and equipment generally.
(4.) Pay of Militia and rate of Volunteer capitation grant sufficient
to meet necessary expenditure.
(5.) Any measures, such, for instance, as the grant of special privileges or exemptions, calculated to render the service popular and secure the efficient maintenance of the auxiliary forces.
On the above matters, and any others which may occur to you in connection with the special conditions of the Colony under your command, I shall be glad to receive an early report, in order that no time may be lost in developing the local personnel. It will be desirable for you to consult the General Officer Commanding, or the Senior Officer Commanding Her Majesty's Troops, and to ascertain his views in relation to the general question of organization and
equipment.
Volunteers
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
KNUTSFORD,
For Hangking
chunter Artillery Nobis full develo
ment, say
Militia Futuarine Muners;"
425
200
150
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