RE-DISTRIBUTION OF TROOPS IN AUSTRALIA.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 1921, 2 July 1869, Page 2

RE-DISTRIBUTION OF TROOPS IN AUSTRALIA.

We are indebted to the Tasmanian papers for a copy of a circular despatch, on the subject of the future policy of the Imperial Government with respect to the distribution of troops amongst the Colonies.

“ Downing street, March 25, 1869. “Governor Du Cane, Tasmania. “ bir, —Her Majesty’s Government have hail recently under their consideration the distribution of Her Majesty’s troops among the British Colonies, and the rate of contribution to be paid to the Imperial exchequer bv the colonies in which they are placed. They have come to the conclusipn the force at present so stationed is capable of considerable reduction, and such a reduction is almost forced upon them in the cam of Australia by the total withdrawal of Her Majesty’s troops from New Zealand, which renders it no longer possible to station the detached wing of a regiment in Central Australia. Orders have therefore been given to withdraw from Australia all the infantry in excess of a single regiment. “ In the distribution of that regiment it is the desire of her Majesty’s Government to consult the convenience of the different colonies, so far as it is consistent wjth the requirements of military discipline. I shall gladly receive any information from you which, after consultation with the neighboring Governments, you think likely to assist me in effecting this object. In the decision I am forced to adopt without such consultation, I have considered the probable desires of the different colonial Governments, as wel ! as I can, subject to any reconsideration which further information may render expedient. Her Majesty’s Government have decided that the head-quarters of the Australian command should remain in Victoria, where it is at present, but the head-quarters of the regiment at Sydney, where tl,e largest number of will eoiifcinue fo be stationed.

“The allotment of troops will be as follows :—New South Wales, four companies ; Victoria, two companies ; South Australia, two companies ; Queensland, one company j Tasmania, one company. “A battery of artillery will remain at Syd. ney, and if the Victorian Government sboidd wish it another battery will be sent to Melbourne.

“All these troops, will, for the present, be paid for at the rates now agreed on. But you must be aware that this rate must he considered temporary. The principle that the colonies should pay the full expense of their own military defence must now be*oousidered as established in general, and as it is actually applied to the two Crown colonies of Ceylon and the Straits settlements, no reason can be alleged why it should not be equally applied to the flourishing colonies of Australia, and I think it necessary to inform you that a careful inquiry will shortly be instituted into the expense of the troops employed in the different British possessions ? with the object of ascertaining a rate of colonial payment which will cover the full cost of these troops. Von may, therefore, at no distant date, expect a proposal founded on this inquiry, and it will be for the Australian colonies to consider whether or not it is worth their while to pa}" this increased cost for the presence of a small body of her Majesty’s t*,oqpg. ’’ 1

<f In any such consideration it must bo remembered that no fraction of a regiment can be allotted to Australia, and that at least four companies must be stationed in one of the principal cities where there is adequate barrack accommodation. I also desire you to inform your Government that whether or not the Colonies should be will* ing to pay the increased cost of these troops, and fye able tq come tq such understanding as would enable Her Majesty's Government to station a regiment in Australia, the Secret tary of State for War will afford them all possible assistance for the employment, at their own expense, of such commissioned and non-commissioned officers—whether of cavalry, artillery, or infantry—as they may find useful for organising and instructing any local force which they may choose to maintain for the construction, inspection, or maintopauee of fortification, or for any

other matter* connected with military defence. The War Department will also be ready, when practicable, to furnish them at cost price with such arms, ammunition, or military stores as they may need, and in case the Colony should desire to employ any well-conducted privates in their police force, about tbeir works of defence, or, indeed, iu any employment under Government, soldiers will be allowed to quit the service for such purpose, under, regulation, of which I enclose a copy. “ Lastly, I have to state the opinion of Her Majesty’s Government, that the period is at band at which Tasmania should cease to enjoy the advantage hitherto conceded of receiving the service of Her Majesty’s troops without payment. The new arrangement will, therefore, apply to that island, and the Government should become a party to any consultation which may take place on the future arrangements for the military defence of the Australian Colonies. “ I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, (Signed) “ Granville.”