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Inclosure 13 in No. 1.

265

Sir,

Colonial Office to War Office.

Downing Street, March 13, 1882. I AM directed by the Earl of Kimberley to transmit to you, to be laid before Mr. Secretary Childers, a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Western Australia,* with its inclosures, respecting the post of Inspector of the volunteers of the Colony.

I am to request that you will move Mr. Childers to select an officer for this appointment, at the salary of 2501., with 50%. allowance; or, if it be impossible to procure a suitable officer on these terms, at the salary of 3001, with 501. allowances.

In connection with this subject, I am to refer you to two other letters† which have been addressed to you to-day respecting the defence of Freemantle.

Appendix No. 7.

AUSTRALIA.

Inclosure 14 in No. 1.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

JOHN BRAMSTON.

My Lord,

Governor Sir W. Robinson to the Earl of Kimberley.

Government House, Perth, January 21, 1882. REFERRING to my despatch of the 20th instant, in which I solicit your Lordship's assistance in procuring some heavy guns for the defence of Freemantle, I have the honour to state that there is another point in connection with the question of defence which has for some time occupied my attention.

2. Since Colonel Harvest left the Colony, the volunteers (except for the short interval during which Lord Gifford held the position of Commandant and Inspecting Field Officer) have been deprived of any competent inspection, and as I clearly see that the various corps which were left by Colonel Harvest in an efficient state will rapidly deteriorate unless a military officer be appointed to command and inspect them, I have the honour to request your Lordship's good offices in the matter.

3. There is no special salary voted in the Estimates for an Inspector of Volunteers, but the Volunteer Vote is placed at the disposal of the Governor in a lump sum to be expended as the service may require, and the accompanying Minute from Lord Gifford will show you how I propose, by retrenching elsewhere, to provide for the Inspector's salary.

4. Lord Gifford suggests a salary of 3001. a-year, and 571. 15s. for incidental allowances; but, as this would leave no margin at all on the amount which I propose to save by the reductions enumerated, I shall be glad if your Lordship will kindly endeavour in the first instance to select an officer at 2507. and 50%. allowances, although the larger salary of 300l. and 50%. allowances may be given should it not be possible to procure a suitable person for the smaller salary.

5. The officer selected should be of sufficient standing and experience to command the respect and confidence of the volunteers. At the same time, he should be active and energetic in his habits, as he will have to move about the country inspecting and drilling the men. May I ask that, if possible, your Lordship will be so good as to select an officer who has lately retired or is about to retire from the army, in order that he may be well up in the latest drill and discipline.

6. The Inspector will be in direct communication with and will receive his orders from the Governor as Commander-in-chief.

7. The usual passage allowance of 1007. will be allowed.

8. The office, not being created by Statute or specially named on the Estimates, will come under the head of what is known here as the Provisional and Temporary Staff, meaning that the office may be abolished at any time without pension or compensation; but at the same time, I may mention that, if the Inspector proves himself useful and efficient, his appointment will be practically a permanent one, and, in fact, will grow in value to the service as the Colony increases in population and importance.

9. I attach, for convenience of reference, a Return of the armed land forces extracted from the Blue Book for 1881.

I have, &c. (Signed)

WILLIAM C. F. ROBINSON.

Inclosure 15 in No. 1.

Lord Gifford to Governor Sir W. Robinson.

January 10, 1882.

WITH reference to your Excellency's remarks this morning relative to procuring a Commandant for the West Australian volunteers, unless it is decided to do away with inland corps the only other way to provide for one is as follows:—As I understand, I am to confine myself to the present vote of 1,300Z Abolishing the allowance to Staff Officer, 50%.; ditto allowance to Staff or Drill Instructor, 1771. 158.; ditto ditto for bands except at head quarters, 1307, this would leave a balance available of 357. 15s. For 300%. I believe an excellent officer, fitted in all respects for the proposed post, could be obtained from England, and one that would bring the volunteers into an efficient and reliable state.

* Inclosure 14.

[1108]

+ Inclosures 2 and 3.

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