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In the face of these reports the Government have now further reduced the establishment of "A" Battery from 131 of all ranks to 111. At the date of the Report now under consideration, only 98 men appear to have been serving. The Commandant reports that it will not in future be possible to relieve the garrison of Thursday Ísland, and anticipates that the health of the men there will suffer accordingly. He also reports that owing to the reduced numbers of the garrison battery their instruction during the year was less complete than it otherwise would have been.
5. The Colonial Defence Committee, while recognizing that the financial condition of the Colony may be such as to necessitate retrenchment in military expenditure, cannot think there is justification for retrenchment in a direction which seriously impairs the efficiency of that part of the garrison of Thursday Island that is paid and maintained at the expense of the Colonies contributing to the defence of this important station.
M. NATHAN, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
November 21, 1895.
(Signed)
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PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON,- - 22/11/95.
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