Colonial Defence.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3607, 19 July 1880, Page 2

Colonial Defence.

The report of Colonel Scratchley on the defence of New Zealand amounts to about the same rerdict as given gratuitously by a retired officer in, our midst. The defence of, a colony by a judicious disposition of its ordnance to its strongest, natural position, is an important part of mi^tary science, and to explain the principles on which fortified parts should be established in a new country is plain and, unmistakeble. The' establishment of such posts becomes a means of rendering the conquest of a sea-girt country- if not impossible, at all events most difficult. One of the maxims of Napoleon was that '•* fortified places are useful for. defensive as well as' for offensive war; but they oannot serve instead of, or dispense with an army." A. nation should not carry its defensive system so far as not to leave troops enough, after the garrisons are detailed,, to form a powerful force in the field. Better experience led Napoleon to this sage conclusion. It is for us to profit by his, and the experience, bought by other notable soldiers. If an invaded country has carried its system pf defence i. c. —permanent fortifications—so far as to be unable to keep a well organised army in the field, she will without question run the risk of being beaten like Napoleon in a detailed war of fortifications. It is not, therefore, desirable or necessary that every accessible point on our. coasts should be occupied by a fortress. The best method will be (as Colonel Scratchley recommends) to fortify strong positions adjacent to our chief centres of population and wealth. To establish batteries along the contour of the isles of Southern Britain would be impolitio with our limited military resources, if ever it were possible; we must depend on the skill and vigilance' of steam cruisers m the event of any great war endangering the safety of our coasts. Naval and Artillery Volunteers should form the defence corps in our sea ports, whilst Engineers and Infantry should be equally encouraged by a wise Government in bur interior districts and towns. .Roads or railways should be constructed, or those already formed should be improved along the acceitsable. parts of our coast jn order to allow ordnance to be conveyed' rapidly to points at which.an enemy might make a landing, in order to repel attack or prevent its being. made. This mode of defence would be far preferable to that of con* structing costly fortification, for the latter might be turned to the invaders by dint of^prepondering forces. The estimated cost of the works recommended jby Col. Scratchier is £40,000. It remains to be seen how far the Ministry will feel disposed to carry out the soheme in its entirety. ',