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future the Colonies will secure economy, efficiency, and simplicity at the same time.

The most important question with which the Colonies have to deal is that of organisation, and the Colonial Defence Committee concur with Major- General Edwards in considering that the brigade unit is most suitable. They are, however, of opinion that the population basis cannot well be adopted as fixing the relative strength of the forces of individual Colonies, and that as regards New South Wales and Victoria, it will suffice for present requirements if each of those Colonies furnishes two brigades.

The basis of the organization should be a nucleus of permanent troops and a

partially-paid" force, capable of expansion, and it appears most desirable that the conditions of service and training, and, if it can be arranged, the rates of pay should be common to all the Colonies, and that the same general standard of efficiency should be maintained. The principle of a small cadre battalion proposed by Major-General Edwards appears sound; but the Colonial Defence Committee are unable to regard the rifle companies as at present fulfilling the conditions of a reserve; for while it is undoubtedly most desirable to encourage proficiency in rifle shooting by means of these companies, they appear in some cases to be only private associations assisted by the Colonial Governments, and not under a general obligation to serve in the ranks in case of need. It would be a doubtful expedient to flood the small battalions with untrained men at the outset of war, and rifle companies can only be looked upon as a practicable reserve on condition of receiving some drill and training, possessing uniforms, and being accustomed to discipline.

It is, therefore, for serious consideration whether a real reserve could not be formed of men who have passed through the ranks of the partially-paid forces, and might receive a small retaining fee;* or whether the organization of the rifle companies could be placed on a partially military basis.

The amalgamation of the artillery and submarine mining services appears desirable in principle, if difficulties arising from differences in rates of pay, &c., can be overcome; but "Australian Coast Corps" would seem a more desirable designation than "Fortress Corps" in the case of a portion of the Empire where fortresses are not required and could not under any circumstances be maintained.

The Colonial Defence Committee consider that all the mounted forces should be organized and trained as mounted infantry. Cavalry, in the European sense, are not required to meet the probable conditions under which any Australian force would be employed.

The

The general assimilation of uniform, as proposed by Major-General Edwards, is most desirable, and a service-dress should be adopted. decision as to pattern is a matter for joint consideration; but the Colonial Defence Committee agree with Major-General Edwards in deprecating the choice of red as the colour. The adoption of smokeless powder, which will certainly shortly take place, renders it more than ever necessary that troops should not be clothed in a dress of conspicuous colour.

The provision of a joint Colonial Military College would be a great advantage, as pointed out by the Royal Commission of 1882. Such an insti- tution would promote uniformity of training, and would serve to focus problems of Colonial defence, and lead discussion into proper channels.

Turning to the specific recommendations made by Major-General Edwards in regard to individual Colonies, the Colonial Defence Committee desire to offer a few remarks in certain cases.

New South Wales.

For the reasons above given the Committee do not consider that it is necessary to provide against "the attack of a powerful squadron" upon Sydney. They are, however, strongly impressed with the need of an organi- zation which would enable the ports of New South Wales to be adequately defended at short notice. Such an organization appears to be more needed than increased works and armaments.

* Such a reserve has already been established in Victoria, but does not at present appear to be entirely successful.

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