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urged by the Commandant, and the supply of a reserve of rifles. They point out that the new pattern small arm for the army has long been decided upon, and they fully concur in the opinion that the present reserve of rifles in the Colony is insufficient. They therefore regard the supplying of these deficiencies as a first necessity to which available funds should be applied.
As regards the question of transport for the field force, the Committee agree with the views of the Commandant. The extension of railway communi- cation in the Mornington Peninsula has rendered superfluous the large amount of road transport laid down in the original scheme of defence.
In conclusion, the Committee desire to record their satisfaction at the exceptionally high standard of preparation attained by the Colony of Victoria. The supply of the wants pointed out by the Commandant, as funds become available, and the perfection of the scheme of mobilization, are the measures to which future efforts should be mainly directed.
May 23, 1892.
(Signed)
G. S. CLARKE, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
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PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T, HARRISON.—24/5,92.
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