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10. The above recommendations for electric defence lights are somewhat an infringement of the principles which have been laid down to govern their provision, but the Colonial Defence Committee consider that in the cases of both Simon's Bay and Table Bay there are circumstances which justify a departure from the general rule.

The principles which have governed the omission of electric lights in previous cases have been-

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(1.) That when the port is only liable to attack by second-class torpedo- boats, men-of-war are responsible for their own protection, aided by their own electric lights.

(2.) That no electric light is to be provided for what may be termed police" purposes, or for any purpose which is not directly of a defensive

nature.

Simon's Bay is not only a coaling station, but is the naval base of our squadron on the Cape Station, and as such it must be frequently used by our war-ships to replenish their stores and ammunition, as well as to make good small defects. It may, and probably will, often happen that such ships lying in the bay will be unable to use their electric lights in consequence of a break- down, or the overhaul and repair of boilers or steam-pipes, which would be taken in hand on coming into port.

Again, in the absence of all the ships of the squadron, there is sure to be much valuable property afloat in the bay, or within easy reach in the Dockyard, which it would be possible for an enemy to destroy by a night raid.

For these reasons it is submitted that the case of Simon's Bay is special, and that electric lights are necessary to its defence.

In the same way, though in a less degree, Table Bay will be a naval base when a ship of the squadron occupies the dock, and the importance of giving full security to it as the docking place of Her Majesty's ships in these waters makes it also a special case; while its claim to be regarded as such is strengthened by the magnitude of the number of merchant-ships and mail- steamers which it is to be expected will use the port in war-time in consequence of the added risks or complete stoppage of the Suez Canal route.

The Colonial Defence Committee recommend that the Local Joint Naval and Military Committee should be asked to reconsider their Report in the light of the foregoing remarks.

December 11, 1894.

(Signed)

W. PEACOCKE, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

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