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(2.) Attack by second-class torpedo-boats (see paragraph 7, p. 2, Report IX).

(d.) The Committee would point out that the greater portion of the instructions in the two named Reports have been embodied in the Local Scheme of Defence prepared by the Local Defence Committee.

(Signed) J. V. O'LOGHLIN, President,

Local Defence Committee.

Sub-Enclosure 1.

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Sir,

Largs Bay, July 1, 1896.

I HAVE the honour to report as follows upon Confidential Report IX issued by the "Joint Naval and Military Committee on Defence," and dated the 7th December, 1893, which, however, did not come before the Local Defence Committee until the 12th June, 1896.

This Report comprehends all previous recommendations on general principles which, in the Joint Committee's opinion, should govern the defence of ports, harbours, and anchorages.

On p. 2 of Report IX, and under the heading of "General Principles," are set forth the views of the Joint Committee (in paragraphs 1 and 2) upon the importance of defensive measures that will in no way impede trade and commerce, and in paragraph 4 the Committee advise on the basis of Traffic Regulations in war time.

It is satisfactory to note that the local regulations drawn up by your Committee have closely followed the principles set forth in paragraphs 1 to 4 inclusive.

The substitution of the electric lighting for the present oil system in use on the Port River will render quite unnecessary any tampering with fair way lighting in war time, even had such been meditated; with the electric installation the whole river system can be extinguished and re-lit at will by the usual switch.

The probability of an attack of the nature mentioned in paragraph 5, "in force by heavily armed ships" is still more remote in Australasian waters.

It would, however, be imprudent to regard the governing condition- "existing naval strength"-as immutable in a country that is without arsenals, and has not the means of manufacturing heavy artillery for an efficient resistance, should the governing condition disappear.

The probability, although extremely remote, is still deserving of con- sideration, in view of consequent results.

Paragraph 6. "Raiding attack by torpedo-boats" refers to torpedo-boats of the larger type acting independently from an enemy's base, need not be considered. We are, in Australia, beyond possibility of such an attack.

But the outer anchorage is specially favourable to the attack mentioned in paragraph 7: "Second-class torpedo-boats carried by large cruisers." Such attacks could be delivered from vessels carrying two or more such torpedo-boats and steam-launches extemporized to act as such from a distance.

Paragraph 8. I cannot conceive of any circumstances that would make this caution applicable to our conditions.

Paragraph 9 deals with a danger already alluded to in my Remarks upon paragraph 7, and defensive measures have been considered in our Scheme of Local Defence to comprehend both attacks.

(A.)Examination Anchorages and Regulation of Traffic.

The general directions contained under the heading of "Detailed Instruc- tions" have been embodied in the local regulations for the government of traffic in war time.

That foreign Consuls may be duly advised as directed, it will be necessary to forward copies to the Colonial Office that neutral Powers may be informed of the position of examination anchorages.

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