A—4,

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that are available for defence; and having discussed the requirements of each locality in detail, together with the description and strength of the forces which are necessary for the system of defence which is recommended, I will recapitulate the several recommendations and defensive measures which are proposed in this report :— I. The four principal harbors of the colony (Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers) to be defended against naval attack by batteries armed with the ordnance, now in the colony, supplemented by spar torpedo boats which are to be purchased. 11. Additional guns and submarine mines to be added, in the future, as the places increase in importance. in. The protection of Dunedin from bombardment off Ocean Beach to be effected by a battery—armed with guns available for the purpose —a second battery being provided at some future time; or, if money is not available, the construction of these batteries to be deferred for the present, and reliance to be placed on the battery of field artillery, attached to the field force, which it is proposed to maintain at Dunedin. iv. The cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin to be protected, against attack by land, by means of field forces, maintained for the purpose and organized from the existing Volunteer Force. v. The protection of Bluff harbor by local defences to be deferred, and a field force to be maintained instead at Invercargill—which would be ready, in time of war, to be moved by rail to the Bluff—for the purpose of repelling any attempt made by an enemy to land, with the object of destroying the shipping. vi. If it should be decided to defend the minor harbors and settlements along the coast, local companies of infantry, with field guns, to be maintained for the purpose. vii. Naval brigades to be formed at Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers, and a company of volunteer artillery at Dunedin if required. vin. The infantry corps at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin to be consolidated into battalions, and field forces organized at those places. ix. A torpedo corps, and a school of gunnery for the constabulary, to be established at Wellington. x. Additional field guns, a torpedo equipment for experimental purposes, and four electric lights to be purchased.