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the defence requirements of the Colony as regards numbers will be fully met.

They observe that the present Defence Scheme is based on a force of 3,681 of all ranks (Table (F), p. 18), which number includes the regular and militia forces (with reserves), the volunteers, and some police, but does not include members of rifle clubs. They would like to be informed what use it is proposed to make of these clubs, and how their members would be organized.

3. Paragraph 3 (2).-With regard to the reserve of 490 infantry and 10 submarine miners referred to in this sub-paragraph, and at the foot of p. 6 of the Scheme, the Committee call attention to their request, contained in paragraph 2 of their Remarks (No. 149 R) dated the 6th November, 1896, and in paragraph 3 of their Memorandum (No. 92 M) dated the 1st February, 1897, to be informed as to conditions of service.

4. Paragraph 3 (3).-The Colonial Defence Committee concur in the decision of the Queensland Government not to renew their stock of 45 ammu- nition pending the rearmament of the forces with a 303-inch arm. The Committee have now the question of small-arm rearmament of all Colonies under consideration, and hope to be able to suggest an arrangement by which 303-inch small-arms may be provided economically throughout the British Empire.

5. Paragraph 3 (4).-The Committee note with satisfaction that the armament for the defence of Brisbane will shortly be again rendered effective by the remounting of the two 6-inch B.L. guns that have been chase-hooped in England.

With regard to the armament for Magazine Island to replace the two unserviceable 6-inch B.L. guns formerly mounted there, the Committee have recommended, in their Remarks (No. 149 R) dated the 6th November, 1896, the purchase of two 4-7-inch Q.-F. guns.

6. Paragraphs 4 and 5 (a) and (b).-The increase in the permanent artillery, and the appointment of paid Adjutants to the 1st and 3rd Infantry regiments are satisfactory. The purchase of reserve equipment for field service recommended by Sir Henry Norman in paragraph 5 of his despatch dated the 14th November, still appears to be a pressing requirement.

7. Paragraph 5 (c).-It is suggested in the Governor's despatch that the Queensland Government should sell the two gun-boats "Paluma" and "Gayundah" now in their possession, and purchase one of more recent construction.

In view of the latest Report of the Naval Commander-in-chief on these gun-boats, the Colonial Defence Committee do not recommend that this suggestion should be adopted. The boilers of the two vessels are said to be in excellent condition, and their equipment kept properly efficient. They at present supply a means of giving protection to places which have no fixed defences, and as probably no part of their armament would be suitable for a modern vessel, the expense of the substitution proposed would be very great.

The Committee consider, however, that in view of the age and out-of-date armament of the second class torpedo-boat "Mosquito" she is no longer of any practical value, and might be disposed of and not replaced.

8. Paragraph 7.-The statement here made as to the strength of the new North Queensland Battery at Thursday Island and Cairns, and the war distribution of this battery shown in Table (D), p. 13, of the Scheme between Magazine Island, Townsville, and Milman Hill, Thursday Island, gives the information called for in paragraph 5 of the Colonial Defence Committee's Memorandum (No. 92 M), dated the 1st February, 1897.

9. Before passing to the consideration of the utilization of existing resources embodied in the Defence Scheme, which may be conveniently dealt

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