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Hong Kong, Mauritius, and the Cape of Good Hope, where the bulk of the population is not of British origin, nor necessarily well affected to British rule, Imperial troops must form a large proportion of the garrison. The stations far distant from the United Kingdom, and in close proximity to the stations of foreign Powers, are liable to sudden attack, and cannot be reinforced without long delay; their garrisons, therefore, must be kept up to war strength.

158. We think that local levies should be raised where they are likely to prove trustworthy and efficient. In the West African Settlements, the West Indies, and other places, native soldiers have done good service. We are also of opinion that the practice of employing Imperial soldiers in duties hardly distinguishable from those of police-especially in the smaller Crown Colonies should be discontinued as soon as possible, as their withdrawal on the outbreak of war might, as we have before pointed out, give rise to disturbances.

159. In the course of our inquiry it has come to our notice that at many places in your Majesty's dominions there are obsolete fortifications and ordnance. Defences of this nature may be useful for some purposes, as, for instance, against a native rising; but they are useless against modern ships of war, while themselves inviting attack. We think that these cases should be carefully considered, with a view to the removal of the guns, and the demolition of the works, where they have ceased to serve any useful purpose.

160. It is not as yet possible to define with accuracy the conditions upon which to determine the relative apportionment of the burdens as between the mother-country and her Colonies, and though the principle may be here- after fixed, the relative proportions of payment will necessarily vary from time to time. The maintenance of the Royal Navy has hitherto fallen, and must, for the present, whatever we may look to in the future, fall upon Impe- rial funds, as also a large portion of the charge of fortifying and garrisoning those positions which it is essential to maintain, in order to enable your Majesty's ships to hold the seas. On the other hand, speaking generally, the Colonies, we think, ought to undertake the local defence of their commercial ports, and contribute towards the protection of the naval stations upon which the security of their territory and trade so largely depends. The Australian Colonies have already recognized this principle, and are taking effectual measures for the defence of their principal ports.

161. The relations between Great Britain and her Colonies in regard to the general defence of the Empire must alter as time goes on. The growth of the Colonies in wealth and population will, in all human probability, be relatively more rapid than that of Great Britain; and their power to take a fair share of the defence of the Empire will be constantly on the increase. cond Report, paragraph 136. In our second Report we have pointed out how small at present that share is, though we did so in no grudging or reproachful spirit. We are fully sensible of the immense and increasing value of the Colonies to the Empire, and we appreciate as much as we respect their loyalty and patriotism. There is no sign of unwillingness on their part to assume as large a portion of the Imperial burden as their strength will enable them to bear. The free-and constant communications which are maintained with the responsible Colonial Governments on all matters of common interest will contribute powerfully to keep up a sense of partnership and mutual dependence, and to strengthen the bonds of affection between the mother-country and her Colonial Empire.

162. We must once more submit that many individual opinions were expressed to us in evidence on the understanding that they would not be published. As regards the publication of the evidence in general, we desire to draw special attention to the third paragraph in our first Report. In obeying your Majesty's commands, we have been compelled to give details as to many military positions, which, in our opinion, it would be clearly inexpedient to communicate to the general public or to foreign Govern- ments.

163. We have, in conclusion, only to add that our recommendations are a statement of what, in our deliberate judgment, is essential for the defence of

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