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tions in the European sense, and no disadvantage appears to be entailed by this arrangement. While thus including the police in the armed strength of the Colony, it appears desirable that the measures which would be necessary to temporarily enrol constables capable of performing their civil duties in the event of war should be carefully considered.

The annual inspection of the local forces by the General Officer Commanding in the West Indies, as suggested by the Acting Governor, appears to be highly desirable. An arrangement for this purpose might be concluded with the War Office, and the General might be directed to furnish identical Reports to the military authorities at home and to the Governor of the Colony.

(b.) Armament. In their Memorandum of the 22nd December, 1887, the Colonial Defence Committee recommended that, in addition to the required small-arms, four 40-pr. breech-loading guns should be presented to the Colony free of charge, in accordance with the Report of the Local Committee of the 7th March, 1887. Major-General Goodenough suggests an additional arma- ment, either of 6-inch breech-loading guns, or of 9-inch muzzle-loading guns, mounted for high-angle fire. On the other hand, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir A. Mackworth recommends merely that four additional 40-prs. should be obtained, making eight in all.

Having in view the basis of defence of Port of Spain, which is restated above, the Colonial Defence Committee do not recommend any addition to the artillery armament specified in their previous proposals. In consequence, however, of the receipt of Sir W. Robinson's despatch of the 22nd April, 1889, asking for the grant of "slightly heavier guns" than the 40-prs. originally suggested, application was made to the War Office for 64-prs. The Colonial Defence Committee are informed that the Treasury has sanctioned the grant of 500 stand of rifles, 200 carbines, and four 64-pr. guns, on the conditions laid down in their Memorandum of the 22nd December, 1887, viz., that "the Colony will maintain the armament in a serviceable condition, raise and maintain the necessary local force of volunteers, and provide a qualified instructor both for infantry and artillery, and one of these should be trained as an armourer." The charges referred to in that Memorandum are estimated at 1557. for completing the equipment of the four guns, and 2001. for improve- ments to the mountings, in addition to freight.

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The Colonial Defence Committee recommend that this offer should be accepted, and that the four guns should be mounted in simple earth-works, two at Fort George, and two at St. David's Tower site.

The provision of four Maxim rifle-calibre machine-guns on portable mountings* would, however, be a material aid to the defence against a landing; and, if the finances of the Colony permit, the Colonial Defence Committee consider that this provision, or a portion of it, might be made with advantage.

The Colonial Defence Committee have above expressed their opinion upon the various questions raised in the papers before them, and they recom- mend that a copy of these Remarks should be forwarded to the Governor for his consideration and that of the Local Committee. If their proposals are adopted, they believe that the Colony of Trinidad will obtain a sufficient measure of defence for present requirements without incurring any undue burden on its resources.

G. S. CLARKE, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

(Signed)

February 5, 1890.

* The cost of each of these guns, with 20,000 rounds of ammunition, is about 3507.

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Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. March 4, 1890.