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The same principles apply to the Colony at large. It should be decided what ports will be defended; forces should be specially detailed for each port, and the duties of the several units clearly laid down; all questions of transport, supply, and relief, if necessary, being fully considered, so that the distribution of the troops might take place smoothly, and with the minimum of disturbance to the civil life of the Colony.

Again, it appears of the utmost importance that the system of commands should be laid down, and that the responsibility for carrying out special measures should be attached to individual officers or civil officials.

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The Colonial Defence Committee do not think it desirable to criticize in detail the local Report at the present stage; but they strongly urge that a copy of their remarks should be forwarded to the Governor, and that the great importance of dealing definitely and in peace time with such points as they have referred to may be impressed upon the Government of Queensland. They are confident that, if the necessity for the preparation of a clear and detailed scheme of defence, enabling the available resources to be at once turned to account in the event of emergency, is more fully realized, the Colony of Queensland will not be satisfied until the work is accomplished.

(Signed)

G. S. CLARKE, Secretary, March 3, 1890.

Colonial Defence Committee.

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FRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.—1/3/90.

1985;

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