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converted into an artillery position for the defence only with much labour and expense, and, on account of the comparative blindness of the country in front, it would be even then of little value. On the other hand, its occupation would be perfectly useless to an enemy even if it were possible for him to place guns in position there.

The Committee consider, therefore, that as urged by the Inspector-General of Artillery the defence should be drawn in to the line of the peninsula. Further, as it appears that with ordinary economy Chain Lake contains a three months supply of water for the town of Halifax, the defence of the dam of Long Lake becomes a matter of minor importance.

In the unlikely event of a land attack, it should be the object of the defence to prevent an advance along the roads by passive obstructions and also by strong detachments with field-guns, which in such a country might be pushed far out to the front, and could operate with great effect in checking an enemy. Even if a larger garrison were available than is here contemplated, the Committee would prefer to utilize it in this way rather than to create an unnecessarily extended position, which would entail great time and labour.

The most important work to be undertaken appears to the Colonial Defence Committee to be the creation of a field position across McNab's Island and the redoubt on the hill above Ives Point Battery. It does not appear, however, to be necessary to make this redoubt capable of resisting naval guns, since the works may be effectually screened from view by trees. At present McNab's Island and Ives Point Battery appear to be the most vulnerable portions of the defences, and if the latter could be secured by a small work an immediate advantage would be gained. As soon as the new battery on MacNab's Island is completed and armed the rôle of Ives Point will become subordinate.

Under the scheme, the defence is divided into six sectional commands and into four Engineer Divisions. It appears to the Colonial Defence Committee that this arrangement would give rise to practical difficulties in working, and they suggest that it might be possible to reduce the number of the sections of the command, and to make the Engineer Divisions coincide with them.

The details of the submarine mining arrangements appear to be well worked out; but the Committee understand modifications have been introduced into the scheme, and that it will be possible to provide a small defence for Herring Cove with existing resources. In any case, they do not agree with the proposal to carry on work at the outer and inner minefields simultaneously after the first three days. The outer minefield should, in their opinion, be completely laid before work is begun on the less important inner line. It is not clear what arrangements have been made to block the Eastern Channel by sinking hulks, what time would be needed for the operation, and under whose directions it should be carried out. Although, in their Memorandum No. 35, the Colonial Defence Committee have laid down the general principles which should guide the management of ports during war, they desire to emphasize the great importance at such a station as Halifax of being able to admit friendly vessels by night. In the local scheme this point does not appear to have been sufficiently considered, nor is there any provision for an effective steamer patrol of the approaches to enable vessels approaching to be boarded previous to admission. As is pointed out by Captain Jackson, R.N., the presence of the fleet cannot be counted upon. All arrangements in which naval assistance is desirable should therefore be made on this understanding.

The Report alludes to the desirability of employing mounted scouts, in which the Colonial Defence Committee entirely concur; but it is not stated whether such a force could be locally provided or what steps would be necessary for the purpose.

The question of the management of the population appears to require fuller handling. It should be stated who would be responsible for carrying out the several duties enumerated, and it will probably be desirable to consult with those persons as to the necessary steps. A draft Proclamation should be

drawn up embodying the necessary instructions.

It appears from the Report of the Senior Medical Officer and of the Senior Commissariat Officer that each expects an increase to his establishment in the event of war. No reinforcements other than those stated in the War Office letter of the 24th June, 1887, should, however, be counted upon, and the

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