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24. Page 66, 2nd paragraph.-The Colonial Defence Committee in their Remarks, dated the 13th August, 1894, on a Report of the Local Joint Naval and Military Committee of February of that year, in dealing with the defensive measures required to meet the possible contingency of a first-class torpedo-boat attack, stated that "a boom to close the entrance of the harbour could be improvised at short notice.” In the present revision of the Defence Scheme it is laid down that a boom should be prepared, and that the Commanding Royal Engineer should collect materials for the

purpose.

The Colonial Defence Committee would now point out that until a dock has been made, or there is some other form of valuable Government property exposed to the attack of hostile torpedo boats, it would appear to them that an electric light and well placed light Q.F. guns were sufficient defence without a boom.

25. Page 67, paragraph 2.—The instruction to the Division Officer R.E., to demand cutting and intrenching tools from the Army Ordnance Depart- ment should not be necessary. That Department should know what tools are required on mobilization and should issue them without further instructions.

26. Page 69, paragraph 8.-It is not clear to what "anything else" in the 2nd line of this paragraph refers. If to Ordnance Stores, they should be obtained from the Army Ordnance Department.

27. Page 73, paragraph 3 (b).—It is here proposed that the Assistant Surveyor should purchase stores that the Army Ordnance Officer is unable to supply on demand.

This procedure does not appear convenient. The A.O.D. is charged with provision of stores and such as are wanted should be obtained through it. Otherwise several departments may be competing in the market to buy the same article.

28. Pages 83, 84, and 86.-In the Tables of medical material required one water-bottle should accompany each field companion and each surgical haversack. Separate water-bottles are not required in addition.

29. Pages 88 and 90.-From the Tables on these pages it appears that a large amount of ammunition and other stores that would be required at St. Lucia on mobilization is still retained at Barbados.

The Colonial Defence Committee understand that the Ordnance Depart- ment buildings at St. Lucia are now complete, and they would draw the attention of the War Office to the advisability of at once transferring there all stores except those actually required for the troops still stationed at Barbados.

30. Pages 90 and 91.-The Committee understand that the question of the provision of the stores, that it is stated are not available locally, is now under consideration of the War Office. (With regard to uniform for native levies see paragraph 33 below.)

CHAPTER V.

31. Page 124.--Under " Instructions for Ordnance Officer at St. Lucia," certain stores are detailed which are to be issued without waiting for requisitions. Similar orders should hold good for all issues on mobilization.

CHAPTER VI.

32. Page 128, Notices I and II.-The policy of advising that the town of Castries should be vacated as far as possible on outbreak of war and of

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