DEFENCES OF AUSTRALIA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1957, 17 October 1889, Page 3

DEFENCES OF AUSTRALIA.

Melbourne, Oct. 15. The report of Major-General Edwardes on the defences of Australia has been published. He consideis that tho Australian colonies offer a.rich and tempting prize to a hostile country, and says that if they had to rely on their own resources as regards defence thr-y would certainly be called upon to fight for their independence, i»nd, without cehesion of power and combination their position is one of great danger. He recommends federation of the military forces, and to effect this New South Wales and Victoria should each furnish two brigades and South Australia and Queensland one each ; a lieu-tenant-general to be appointed, whose duty would be to inspect these brigades in time of peace and command them should war break out. The brigade?, he considers, sbou'd be stationed to protect the coast line from Brisbane to Adelaide. He favors the adoption of a system of partially-paid forces, provided the conditions of service are as stringont a* those now in force in Victoria. He would also giye each of the colonies a force sufficient for present requirements. MajorGeneral Edwardes thinks it most, necessary to have a uniform railway ga'Jge, and that co general defence can be undertaken unle3B the distant points are connected by rail. Perth and Port Darwin, he says, offered a menaca to Australia by reason of their isolated position. The isolated position of Tasmania was even irore dangerous, and in time of war it might be found necessary to send troops there to defend it. The numerous harbors of Tasmania offered every convenience as coal depots for an enemy. He also recommends a uniform system of organisation and of armament for common defence; the amalgamation of forces into frontier corps; the establishment of a federal military colloge ; the extension of rifle clubs; the establishment of a federal small armß factory, a gun wharf, and ordnance store. In conclusion Major-General Edwardes says :—" Looking at the present situation in Europe, the defences should at once be placed on a proper footing." Sydney, Oct. 15. Sir Henry Parkes. the Premier, in a circular letter to the other colonies, asking for a conference to meet, consider, and carry out Major-Qeneral Edwardes' recommendations for a federal army, emphasises the latter'a reference to united action being taken without delay.