CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 342

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. November 1895.

SECRET.

121-R

NEW ZEALAND.

Page 342

NEW ZEALAND.

No. 17856.

Report by Colonel Fox on New Zealand Defences and Defence Forces for the Year 1894-95.

Remarks by the Colonial Defence Committee.

THIS Report shows the local forces of New Zealand to be in a most unsatisfactory state. Colonel Fox in 1893 disclosed the existence of very serious defects, but his views of the strategical conditions applicable to New Zealand defence were so sound, and his recommendations for meeting the requirements of that defence so pertinent, that the Colonial Defence Com- mittee, in their remarks on his Report of that year, took a hopeful view of the prospect of an early reformation of the military system of the Colony. It appears, however, that since then little has been done with regard to the large and important question of organizing existing resources.

2. Until effective action is taken in this direction the Colonial Defence Committee consider it useless to remark on the details of the New Zealand forces as set forth in the Report now before them. They would observe, however, that it shows great zeal on the part of both officers and men, except in the Province of Auckland, so that when the grave defects of the present system are amended there is every reason to hope that the Colony will have a defence force adequate to its requirements, and in a position to utilize to the best advantage the fortifications, stores, and equipment which have been liberally provided.

3. The following are suggested as the main lines that the reform of the military system should follow :—

(i.) A Commandant should be appointed, responsible to the Defence Minister.

(ii.) The District Commanders should be made entirely responsible to the Commandant for all troops, works, and armaments in their districts, and should form the only channels of communication between units in their districts and the Commandant.

(iii.) Inspecting officers should be appointed to ensure uniformity in the training, equipment, stores, &c., of the different arms.

corps whose

(iv.) The several arms should be properly organized, and the titles do not correspond with their functions should be renamed.

(v.) Local Reserves should be formed of men who can be absolutely relied upon to increase the peace cadres at time of mobilization.

(vi.) Provision should be made for the thorough practical training of

all arms.

4. It would appear that the object sought by existing arrangements has been to fit in corps that have sprung into existence in a somewhat haphazard

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