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commands. There are to be four infantry districts and two artillery divisions split up into nine sub-districts. It is not stated whether these districts coincide, or how it is proposed to handle the forces; nor does there appear to be any provision for a reserve.

3. The treatment of the question of commissariat and of transport must be more fully treated. The possibility of enrolling 800 coalheavers for fatigue purposes and some skilled labourers for engineer service is alluded to, but the measures necessary for the purpose are not laid down. Similarly, no definite provision is made for the issue of rations to the civil population, nor is any statement given as to the possible commissariat requirements; while the important questions of water supply and of lighting are not dealt with. Again, though the "establishment of issuing stations for Government stores is mentioned, these places are not defined.

4. More detailed arrangements for the discharge of the medical services are urgently needed.

The above are the principal defects which present themselves to the Colonial Defence Committee in considering this Report, but there are other omissions of scarcely less importance. The spirit, intention, and objects of a local scheme of defence do not appear to have been grasped, and the Com- mittee suggest that a printed copy of the Report should be sent to the General Officer Commanding with their remarks, and with instructions to prepare an amended scheme as soon as possible. At an Imperial fortress which, if threatened at all, would probably be attacked at the outset of war, there should, in their opinion, be clearly laid down on paper a statement of the lines of action proposed to be adopted in the event of emergency, and well- developed plans of the organization necessary.

Nothing connected with the defence of a fortress should be left to "await the turn of events."

January 30, 1889.

(Signed)

G. S. CLARKE, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

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PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.—31/1/89.

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