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CONFIDENTIAL.

IS K

Local Scheme of Defence.-Report by Sir J. Lorimer, &c.

VICTORIA.

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee bave carefully considered the papers laid before them, viz:—

(a.) Scheme of defence received by Secretary of State for War from Sir J. Lorimer in May last, and apparently complete to the 31st January, 1887. (b.) Report, dated January 1887, addressed by Sir J. Lorimer to the Governor, Sir H. Loch, replying to Colonial Office Circular Memorandum of the 18th November, 1886.

(c.) Memoranda on the defences of the entrance to Port Philip, by Lieutenant-General Sir A. Clarke, Rear-Admiral Sir G. Tryon, Lieutenant- General Sir W. Jervois, and Major-General Schaw.

The scheme of defence for Victoria has been drawn up with the greatest care, and the highly satisfactory position of the defences of the Colony, as well as the advanced state of the preparations for resisting attack, reflect the utmost credit upon the Defence Department, and afford striking proof of the patriotism and energy of the Colonial Government.

The Colonial Defence Committee suggest that the following remarks should be forwarded to the Governor for the consideration of the Defence Minister:-

1. It would be advisable to add an estimate of the time required to mobilize the forces of the Colony, and to organize the transport necessary for their supply.

2. A serious attempt against a port so strongly defended would require a large hostile force, which would scarcely be collected and launched against the Since, Colony without considerable preparation and consequent warning. therefore, circumstances might arise which would preclude all immediate prospect of attack in force, it may be desirable to consider the measures necessary for such a partial mobilization as would serve against desultory attempts against the defences. The strain upon the Colony of a continuous mobilization of the whole militia force might thus be avoided until necessary.

3. The defence of Western Port, which is rightly regarded as the only probable landing-place for a large force, has been ably dealt with. It appears desirable, however, that estimates of the time and labour required for the construction of the works should be prepared, if this has not already been done. The Colonial Defence Committee have no means of knowing what is the nature of the proposed field defences.

4. The utilization of mines or even dummies for the defence of Western Port appears worthy of consideration. The mere report of the existence of such mines might suffice to delay an enemy's operations, by which valuable time would be gained, or even to induce a landing outside of Sandy Point, which would be highly advantageous to the defence.

5. The landing-place of the Tasmania cable might with advantage be moved further up the Western Port, and the practicability of this measure should be locally considered.

6. The Colonial Defence Committee desire to call attention to the impor- tance of the proposed extension of the railway from Frankston in relation to the

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