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cation with the mainland is not contemplated," and thus it can scarcely be requisite to lay in such an extensive provision as three months' supply of flour and groceries for the garrison, or at least two months' supply of preserved meat as shown on pp. 23-24. The provision of seven days' preserved meat in each work for its garrison, as proposed on p. 22, seems ample to meet all requirements of this latter sort, in view of the statement that the supply of fresh meat is unlimited and accessible.

The supply of medical comforts to be laid in is given in vague terms: the quantities of the various articles required should be specified, as also the sources whence they are to be procured.

17. The Transport, as shown by the Table on p. 26, is calculated on an extravagant scale. Fifty-one vehicles, of which thirty are General Service waggons, are given as requisite for the force of 1,400 men at Wynberg. This force being primarily intended for the defence of Cape Town and Simon's Town, any extended operations far afield are most improbable. Even should circumstances arise calling for the use of a portion of it as a flying column, transport for it on such an extensive scale could scarcely be necessary, and it would be a measure devoid of economy to maintain it permanently on such a remote chance of its ever being required.

18. On the other hand the provision of transport for the purpose of getting troops and stores into position has been overlooked. For instance, the Ordnance Store portion of the Scheme discloses a considerable distribution of ammunition and stores which will undoubtedly demand transport arrange- ments.

The Scheme should show the transport which it will be necessary to employ on the mobilization of the defences to get troops and stores into position, its distribution, and whence it is to be obtained. The transport which it is necessary to permanently maintain for ordinary duties, such as the conveyance of the sick, distribution of supplies, &c., should be dealt with separately. It may be observed that the Return Q, p, 26, is intended to be used merely as a summary of the detailed arrangements, not instead of these arrangements themselves.

19. The Table on p. 28, giving the issues of small-arm ammunition and camp equipage which the Senior Ordnance Store Officer is to make does not show how the articles that are not in store are to be procured. It is observed that the Table does not include the camp equipage which the Principal Medical Officer (in Table M, p. 33) reckons on the Ordnance Store Department to provide; also that the numbers of the Wynberg force to be placed under canvas and in barracks respectively do not agree with the details of accommodation given under Section III on p. 14. Possibly, if it be found practicable to house a portion of the troops of Section I, as suggested above in these remarks, the issues of camp equipment can be diminished.

There is nothing to show the Senior Ordnance Store Officer what arrange- ments have been made for the distribution of these stores.

An ammunition column figures on p. 28, but is nowhere else mentioned. 20. The Table on p. 30 shows that only 100 rounds of ammunition per gun is maintained, whereas the regulation quantity is 200 rounds per gün. All that is required in connection with the Senior Ordnance Store Officer in regard to this matter is that the issues of gun ammunition to be made by him on mobilization should be laid down for his guidance. The responsibility for the maintenance of the requisite number of rounds per gun, and for its proper distribution, rests (under the General Officer Commanding) with the Officer Commanding Royal Artillery. As before mentioned at paragraph 11, the Scheme is silent regarding the details of the action to be taken by the Officer Commanding Royal Artillery.

21. The medical arrangements provide for two field hospitals in Cape Town, and a base hospital at Wynberg, all under canvas. The circumstances under which the defence of the Cape Peninsula is being considered do not necessitate this. What is required is that provision should be made for the first dressing and treatment of the wounded, and for their early removal to the base hospital or hospitals. These hospitals would most probably be placed in Cape Town or Wynberg, in the former of which it should be possible to take up some suitable buildings for the purpose. These buildings should be specified, and also any arrangements requisite for supplying them with extra

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