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and Wynberg be permanently established in peace time, and they understand that this subject is now under consideration of the War Office.

25. Page 19, paragraph 98.—With regard to the proposal of the Commission that a road should be constructed in continuation of the present Simon's Town road as far as Smiths Winkel Bay, the Colonial Defence Committee note that in the latest revision of the Cape Defence Scheme an attack on Simon's Town from this Bay is not referred to as a probability against which provision should be made. Also that the evidence of the Senior Naval Officer to the effect that "there is always just a chance of a boat slipping in anywhere on the beaches round here, and it would be just as well to have a road for guns" is not greatly in favour of the proposed road, as an attempt on Simon's Town is unlikely to be made except by a force of some size that could be expeditiously put on shore in the vicinity of its objective. In these circumstances, the Colonial Defence Committee consider that the proposed road is not of such military importance as to justify Imperial expenditure. If for local civil reasons it is decided to make the road, it might be possible to lessen the expenditure on it by the employ- ment of military labour, as suggested by General Goodenough.

26. Page 19, paragraph 99.-The Commission propose that the 800 men of the Garrison Artillery "should be organised in ten companies, each under the command of a Captain, so as to allow for the provision of ten officers of that rank to meet the requirements of the Defence Scheme as laid down in the Return furnished by direction of the General Officer Commanding."

The Colonial Defence Committee observe that the approved chain of artillery command requires ten Battery Commanders for the works at Cape Town and Simon's Town. They see no reason, however, why these posts should be held necessarily by officers of the rank of Captain, nor why it should be assumed that Imperial officers would not be available to take some of the battery commands. It would probably be found a more economical arrangement to have fewer companies of greater strength.

The remaining proposals in this paragraph are concurred in.

27. Page 22, paragraph 113.-It is considered that lieutenants should for efficiency certificates be examined on the same lines as officers of Volunteer Artillery in England, i.e., on the subjects laid down in Appendix IX. to the "Regulations for the Volunteer Force, 1895.”

28. Page 22, paragraph 115.-It is considered that the artillery specialists who are to receive extra pay should, in addition to their work at drill with the company, be tested periodically to see that they are keeping themselves efficient in their special duties.

29. Page 22, paragraph 116.-The Colonial Defence Committee concur in the recommendation of the Commission that a conspicuous distinction should be made from the dress of the Royal Artillery and Royal Marine Artillery in the uniform of the Cape Artillery and Cape Garrison Artillery, but they would suggest that the dis- tinction should take the form of some definite badge or decoration on, or some special form or colour of the head-dress which should be common to all the troops of the Colony. The men of each corps should have the name of the corps or its initials on the shoulder-straps, and the present distinctive badges of all corps should, in so far as they desire it, and in so far as it is possible, be retained.

30. Pages 22 and 23, paragraphs 121 to 135.-The Colonial Defence Committee Reserves. consider that the suggestions of the Commission for the organization of "regimental reserves" are very suitable, but they recognize with the Commission that any system for this end must be looked upon in the first instance as experimental. The experience of the Australian Colonies shows the matter is one full of difficulty requiring the most careful attention from the officers responsible for enrolling the reservists and seeing that they maintain their efficiency.

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The proposal to form a reserve defence force from men who have seen active service in the Colony, and who register their names as willing to bear arms in its defence whenever required, also commends itself to the Committee.

31. Page 25, paragraphs 136 to 142.-The Colonial Defence Committee observe Departmental that the latest revision of the Defence Scheme for the Cape of Good Hope counts on Corps.

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