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They therefore propose that the existing arrangements should be modified by removing the present restrictions as to entering the port, and by throwing the responsibility of "bringing" to every arrival from seaward on to the examining vessel, which will carry out her duties of identifying ships as far outside the "examination line," referred to hereafter, as the state of the weather and other circumstances will permit. Should the stranger, from ignorance or treachery, attempt to evade the examining vessel, the latter would signal to the batteries, and they, irrespective of any examination line, would “bring her to" either by a signal, or, if this was ineffectual, by firing at her.

In the event of no signal being received from the examining vessel, or in her temporary absence, any ship proceeding at speed towards the examina- tion line may be presumed to be hostile, and must be brought to by the batteries, and as soon as she is on that line, treated as an enemy. The examination line should therefore be drawn from a battery to prevent any mistake as to the position of the approaching ship, so that the crossing of the line may be instantly followed by the fire necessary to stop or sink her. The line might start from one of the guns at the Inner South Head, and be given a bearing somewhat west of north, so as to pass inside the anchorage opposite the Quarantine Establishment, where ships would most conveniently lie while waiting to be passed through the friendly channel.

Similar general arrangements should be made with regard to the exami- nation of vessels at Botany Bay, Newcastle, and Wollongong, but as in the case of the last named port it would seem that there can be no question of the defences being turned, an examination line appears unnecessary.

3. (H.) Q.F. Armament.-In the former Report of the Local Joint Naval and Military Committee certain proposals were made in connection with Q.F. gun defence. These were concurred in by the Colonial Defence Committee, who further suggested that a proportion of machine-guns should be associated with the mine-field defence. In the present Report it is proposed to associate a proportion of the Q.F. guns with this defence. Quick-firing" guns has probably been written for "machine-guns" in

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error.

4. (J.) Electric Lights.-The Colonial Defence Committee have recon- sidered the question of a fixed dispersed beam directed from Middle Head on Inner South Head. As this beam bears across rather than down the entrance channels, and will only appear as a faint light to ships in the fair- way, distant over 1,000 yards from the source of light, the Committee with- draw their objection to this beam.

5. (K.) Botany Bay. With regard to the objections urged by the Local Committee to the mine-field at Botany Bay, suggested by the Colonial Defence Committee in their Remarks of the 15th February, 1895, it is observed that the water is only about 60 feet deep, the channel about 1,000 yards broad, and the velocity of tide 11⁄2 knots. These conditions are considered to be more favourable for mine defences than is the case at the generality of harbours now protected by such means; further, experience has shown that unless mine defences are thoroughly prepared in time of peace, they will be of little value in time of emergency.

6. (L.) Newcastle and Wollongong.—Although the navigation into these harbours is-as pointed out by the Local Committee-of great difficulty at night time, still it would appear to be by no means impossible, and it is considered that search lights should be provided as already recommended. Field search lights might possibly be used in these cases.

May 31, 1896.

(Signed)

M. NATHAN, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.-2/6/96.

App by, the sec ? of State for War and Lords Come of the Oidmiralty

16.1.97.

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