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Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. March 1888.

:

CONFIDENTIAL.

17-R

Report by Major-General Schaw, C.B.

NEW ZEALAND DEFENCES.

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee have had under consideration a Report on the defences of New Zealand drawn up by Major-General Schaw, C.B. No scheme of defence has yet been received from this Colony, and its preparation has possibly been deferred pending the reorganization which may be effected on the lines of the Report in question.

The Colonial Defence Committee are aware of the necessity a retrench- ment of the military expenditure of New Zealand, and they have, therefore, merely to consider how far the proposed reduction and reorganization are desirable and safe in view of the requirements of the Colony.

The only foreign Power which possesses a base of operations within striking distance of New Zealand is France at Noumea, New Caledonia. The French naval force on this Station is greatly inferior to the existing British Australasian squadron, and is about to be permanently reduced. On the other hand, Russian policy points towards an increase of force in the North Pacific, but the nearest base of operations is Vladivostock, more than 6,000 miles distant from Auckland. The increase of the Australasian squadron by seven ships, which resulted from the Conference, and of which Major- General Schaw appears to be unaware, will be effected in two years, and, under the terms of the Agreement between the Imperial Government and the Australasian Colonies, two ships will be always stationed in New Zealand waters. Thus, in a short time, the British naval force in these seas will possess an immense superiority over that of any possible enemy, or of France and Russia combined.

Under these circumstances, it seems clear that no serious attempt could possibly be made in force against the harbours of New Zealand, and the general reduction of the land forces recommended appears to be justified.

On the other hand, the Colonial Defence Committee desires to draw attention to the following points, with a view to their reconsideration:-

1. The total force recommended by Major-General Schaw is as follows:-

Кто

Permanent

Coast Brigade Rifles

Volunteers

Coast Brigade

Field force

Honorary volunteers

General total

252

80

332

902 2,520 560

3,982

4,314

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Thus the Permanent Militia Rifles, numbering at present 107, are proposed to be reduced to 80 by transfers to the Coast Brigade, and by not filling up vacancies. The Colonial Defence Committee consider that it is inexpedient

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