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Baltic fleet, such as it is, and I do not apprehend that its defences are of a character to enable it to withstand a spirited attack made by a couple of heavily-armed gunboats, which, from a distance wholly unattainable by any batteries at present mounted on the island, could shell it into submission within a few hours from the opening of their fire. Nor is the Coast-guard force actually at the disposition of the Lieutenant-Governor suffi- ciently numerous to prevent the landing of such a body of marines or man-of-war's men as could be easily conveyed thither from the Baltic immediately after the formal pro- mulgation of a declaration of war between Russia and England, supposing an expedition. for that purpose to have been prepared and kept in readiness to start from the most con- venient point at an hour's notice. Heligoland, unless provided with armaments of a far more powerful description than those of which it can now dispose, is really at the mercy of our possible enemy, and could be carried by a coup de main with but small risk of loss to the attacking force. A few heavy guns, with artillerists to serve them from shore or cliff batteries, and a British gunboat to cruize in the neighbourhood of the island, thus averting the possibility of a surprise, would amply suffice to allay the apprehensions of the inhabi- tants, and to guarantee "Holy Land" against capture by anything the Russians would be likely to send against it with suddenness and rapidity enough to be effective. It might be as well, too, that an engineer officer should be attached as aide-de-camp to Colonel Maxse, who is, with one exception, the only Englishman on the island. accident might happen to the Governor, who, being a British soldier, would certainly occupy the post of chief danger were Heligoland attacked, and there is at present no one at his disposition to whom he might delegate his authority, or who could take his place under such circumstances. Heligoland is only a large red rock with a green top and nearly perpendicular sides; every house on it is exposed to fire from the sea, and could be shelled into cinders with the greatest ease by gunboats posted behind the dune or strip of isolated sand fronting its inhabited side, and to which those amongst the annual holiday visitors who practise sea-bathing are compelled to cross in open boats from the rocky island upon which they eat, drink, dance, and sleep. The islanders, sturdy Frisians and good fishermen, are by no means gifted with a heroic temper, and I should be sorry to have to count upon them for resistance à outrance to a landing force unless they were kept well in hand by Englishmen.

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The possession of Heligoland, at all times valuable to us, would be more than ever so in case we should be compelled to engage in a war against Russia. Its importance as a coaling station for our fleet, and as a depôt for stores and munitions of war, entitles it to the most careful protection at the hands of our Government. The expenditure involved in. making that protection presently and thoroughly effectual is hardly worth talking about, and I feel convinced that the attention of the proper authorities has only to be directed to the somewhat forlorn condition of what is practically our extreme outpost-our sentinelle perdue in northern waters-for all that is needful to be done at once, so that the “red rock" shall be put into a proper state of defence. Prevention is better than cure. lost Heligoland we should doubtless retake it with extreme promptitude; but on the whole it is preferable that we should not lose it, even for an hour.

If we

No. 49.

The Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart., to the Marquis of Normanby.

Downing Street, April 25, 1878.

(Telegraphic.) (Secret.)

A COMMITTEE of experienced officers has been appointed to consider the question of the immediate defence of the Colonies in the event of war, and they pronounce that the naval defence of New Zealand is impracticable. The Committee recommend, against attacks by sea, for Auckland, batteries on both sides of Judges' Bay; for Wellington a battery between Barrel Beacon and Dorset Point, and, if possible, submarine mines, which will necessitate a small pilot steamer; a battery between Port Lyttleton and the Heads. For Otago harbour and Dunedin, a battery near to Harrington Points. A local force at each of the four mentioned towns and Nelson in order to repel land attacks. Total cost estimated at 44,000l. For works, 26,4001. For guns (11 7-ton, and 11 64-pounders), 17,600. Will New Zealand undertake expense?

Details will be forwarded by despatch.

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