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Such cruizers suddenly appearing off an undefended port might attempt to seize coal or other stores, and to destroy merchant-vessels lying there. They might even threaten a bombardment in the hope of obtaining a ransom, but such a bombardment could not be effectively carried out, and any possible damage which could be inflicted would be trifling in comparison with the ransom which would be demanded. They would be quite unable to land a force in face of any organized opposition on shore, and their commanders would have little time at disposal, knowing that Her Majesty's ships might arrive at any moment.

Thus local measures of defence are necessary, but they may be of a moderate nature, and merely designed to resist the only probable form of attack. Since it is at the outset of war that such an attack is most to be apprehended, the local defences should be so organized as to be available at short notice.

Under these circumstances, the Colonial Defence Committee desire to offer their remarks on the following points dealt with in the Report before them :-

1. It is understood from the recent Returns that the strength of the existing forces is-

POMEROLON, PAN / R

Officers.

Men.

Station.

Artillery-

Permanent

Militia, unpaid

154

25

8850

Hobart.

90

90

Launceston.

Total artillery

10

205

Torpedo Corps

Infantry militia, unpaid

Rifle Clubs

22

222

64

Hobart.

462

Launceston.

29

950

Various.

Exclusive of machine-guns, the following existing armament has to be manned:-

6" B.L.

8" R.M.L.

ייד

وو

80-pr. R.M.L.

39

70-pr. 64-pr. 40-pr. R.B.L. 13-pr. B.L.

7-pr. R.M.L.

Total of all natures

:

•

***

3

5

2*

2*

2*

22

}

Thus the strength of the artillery force, assuming it to have received adequate training and to be available for duty at short notice, appears to be sufficient for present purposes, but will require slight augmentation when the proposed new guns are obtained.

As regards infantry, however, the Colonial Defence Committee consider that the existing numbers do not meet the requirements. It is desirable that there should be an available infantry force at Hobart and Launceston of 500 and 400 men respectively, Thus, unless a large proportion of the present members of the Rifle Clubs can be regarded as available for the defence of these two ports, there is a deficiency of about 450 men. The Colonial Defence Committee, therefore, strongly recommend that full consideration should be given to the opinion expressed in the Report before them, that 'Government should hold out such inducements to men to join as will insure the ranks being filled up." At the same time, they desire to point out that Rifle Clubs, however valuable in themselves as promoting efficiency in shooting, cannot be regarded as taking the place of organized Militia or Volunteers. There would be no obligation on members to serve in the event of war; they would have no uniform, and no training or real military organization. Thus, even if they were willing to serve in.

* Morable armament.

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