CAB7-4 — Page 429

Page 429

Page 429

217

Page 429

←

401

The force to be divided into three classes, called the First, Second, and Third Reserves.

The First Reserve to consist of those men who have not completed three years' training, The Second Reserve, those who have completed three trainings, but have been enrolled under six years.

The Third Reserve, those who have been enrolled between six and twelve years.

The force to be raised by annual enrolments of 200 men each, and service in it to be for twelve years. Thus, allowing for vacancies, &c., at the end of twelve years there would probably be 2,000 trained men available for defensive purposes, and by continuing the yearly levy of 200 men there would always be this force available, in addition to any of those who, having completed twelve years' service, might choose to volunteer in the event of war.

The working of such a system would be as follows:-

Appendix No. 4.

NEWFOUNDLAND). First Reserve.

Second Reserve.

Third Reserve.

Mode of raising force

First year, 200 men to be trained for three months, say during November, December, and Working of proposed January.

system.

Second year, 200 more men to be trained for three months as above, and those of the first year to undergo six weeks' training, in two parties of 100 men each.

Third year, 200 more men to be trained for three months, as before mentioned; the second year's contingent to be trained in two parties of 100 men each for six weeks, and the first year's contingent to undergo training for three weeks in four parties of 50 men each.

Thus, at the end of the third and every succeeding year, there will be a total of 350 men under- going training at the same time during the whole of the three months.

42. Second Reserve.

Fourth year.

The men of the first year will have completed their training, and will form the Second Reserve. Second Reserve. Those of the second year will take their places in the First Reserve, and 200 more men will be raised to complete the number in the First Reserve.

Fifth year. Second Reserve.

The same as above, but the second year's men will join those of the first year in the

Sixth year. The same, and at the end of the training the whole of the original First Reserve will have joined the Second Reserve, their places in the First having been filled by new enrolments.

43. Third Reserve.

Seventh year. The men of the first year will join the Third Reserve, and continue in it until they Third Reserve. have completed twelve years' service, when the Colony will no longer have any claim on them.

This system will continue, the Colony raising 200 men every year to take the places of those who

have completed their service. Thus at the end of three years the force will be as follows:-First Force at end of three Reserve: 200 men with 22 weeks' training; 200 men with 19 weeks' training; 200 men with 13 weeks' years. training.

At the end of six years the Second Reserve will consist of 600 men who have all undergone Force at end of six 22 weeks' training; and the First Reserve, 600 men who have gone through trainings varying from years. 22 to 13 weeks each.

At the end of twelve years the First and Second Reserves as above, and Third Reserve of Force at end of twelve 1,200 men, all of whom have had 22 weeks' training.

Thus, allowing for casualties, &c., there would probably be about 2,000 men available for the defence of the Colony at the end of the first twelve years. It is suggested that the main reliance should be placed on the men of the first and Second Reserves, and every exertion should be made to keep these thoroughly efficient by a system of deferred pay.

There can be little doubt that, during a war, and with a large seafaring population like that of Newfoundland, many men would be thrown out of their usual employment who would be only too glad to accept service in the Reserves, and therefore it is very improbable that those who have been enrolled would fail to appear when summoned.

years.

It is suggested that the force should be called out by Proclamation of the Governor, under the Mode of calling out same conditions as the present Army Reserve.

As it is most essential that the force should consist of the finest and best-conducted men of the seafaring classes, it will be necessary that the Colonial authorities should offer such inducements to men to enrol themselves as will insure their having a large number to select from each year to make up the usual levy of 200 men. By giving a comparatively high rate of pay whilst under training, with a small additional sum as deferred pay during the first six years' service, it is quite possible that every year there will be a large number of candidates to select from, and that in the course of time Newfoundland might possess a reserve force for its own defence which will be highly creditable to the Colony, and prove a valuable auxiliary to Imperial arms.

It is suggested that the force should be raised as much as possible from the out-harbour popula- tion, and should invariably be approved by Imperial officers.

the Reserves.

The course of instruction on board the training-ship generally should be very similar to that of Course of instruction. the Royal Naval Reserve; but the longer period which it is proposed the colonial force should be under instruction will admit of a still more extended course.

The instruction should be confined to sufficient drill to enable them to be moved in bodies without confusion, and to the use of the rifle; but as the object is to provide efficient gunners for the batteries, after having completed this elementary course all further instruction should be confined to the working of the heavy guns on board the training-ship and in the batteries on shore, also in the management of field and mountain guns.

During the second year's course the men might occupy the barracks on Signal Hill, and for the Second year.

[1103]

5 K

Page 429

Page 429