MILITARY DEFENCES IN VICTORIA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5156, 1 October 1877, Page 3

MILITARY DEFENCES IN VICTORIA.

(From the Argus, Sept, 19.) The return of Sir William Jervois to this colony reminds us that it is now nearly two months since he sent in his first report, giving sufficient details of the plan he considered suitable for the defence of this colony from attack, and yet, nothing lias been done in the matter. On one festive occasion the Chief Secretary promised that the Government would promptly give effect to the recommendations of the gallant officer, and when his financial statement was under consideration he informed hon. members that he would shortly give them an opportunity of dealing with the question. There can be no doubt that such an important matter ought to have been brought under the notice of Parliament long ago. Not a moment should have been lost, after receipt of the report alluded to, in obtaining the necessary authorisation to commence the works suggested, and to obtain from Home everythin:' necessary to their effective equipment. No steps, however,, were taken then, and none have been taken since, and no one, seems to have had time to deal with such unimportant things as the defensive arrangements on which the safety and honor of the community may at any time depend. Some people, who never can make up their minds to do anything for which they do not see a present necessity, are comforting themselves, under the inaction of which we complain, by the thought that, do what we would now, the war must be over before our preparations could be made. This may be so, aud it may not, but in either case it does not constitute a justification for delay. Unfprtunately, warfare will not cease throughout the world when the struggle now, going on between Russia and Turkey has been brought to a conclusion, and we know not how soon or how often England may be embroiled within the next ten years. The affairs of Europe are in such a critical state that the slightest spark may kindle a general conflagration. Owing to the turn events have taken, it is possible that fortifications . vigorously pushed on now 'might be in order by the termination of the existing war, when the Mother Country will he concerned in the delicate aud perilous operation of arranging the terms of peace in accordance with her° interests. But whether this might be so or not, we should not lose a day unnecessarily in providing for our defence against all probable gangers, from whatever quarter they may coifle. This is a matter about which there should be no trifling, delay, or penuriousness, and we trust it will be at once taken in hand in a proper spirit.