5

H.—lo.

Military Districts. The military districts are too numerous, and they should be rearranged in four, corresponding to the four centres. The officer commanding should also be the lieutenant-colonel of the regiment in his district, with a major in command of each battalion. An annual camp of instruction should be formed in each district. Appointment of Officers. Discipline and efficiency cannot be maintained if the selection of officers is left in the hands of the members of the Volunteer corps. The officers of the partially-paid force should be appointed on the joint recommendations of the officer commanding the battalion or corps, the officer commanding the district, and the Commandant of the colonial forces. Arms and Ammunition. The ammunition for the Bin. and 6in. H.P. guns should be increased to 150 rounds per gun. For the 7in. there should be 200 rounds, and for the 64-pounders 300. That for the 6-pounder Nordenfelt should be increased 400. The quantity of ammunition for the field guns is too small; it should not be less than 400 rounds per gun. The Snider rifle is now obsolete, and should lie replaced by rifles of more modern date; 16,000 are required, so that after the forces have been armed there should be a reserve in store to meet unforeseen contingencies. The rifle ammunition in store, should be increased, as, although Messrs. Whitney and Company have established an ammunition factory at Auckland, it would probably tax its resources to meet your requirements in time of war. Under these circumstances, 150 rounds per rifle should always be in store in time of peace. The supply of arms and ammunition will be greatly simplified when a federal ordnance store is established for the Australian Colonies, through which New Zealand could be supplied. There should be one pattern of rifle and a common field-gun among the whole of the Australasian Colonies. I forward, herewith, a memorandum on the organization of the forces of the Australian Colonies, in which allusion is mr.de to many points which also concern the forces of New Zealand, such as the amalgamation of the permanent forces, the "partially-paid" system, rifle clubs, dress, education of officers, the appointment of an Inspecting General, a federal small-arm factory, and an ordnancestore. On many of these points, combined action between New Zealand and Australia would lead to economy and efficiency ; and it is a question for consideration, whether the forces of New Zealand should not eventually be federated with those of the Australian Colonies, so that they maybe prepared to mutually assist each other. I would, however, strongly recommend that your Government join with them, in obtaining the services of a General Officer to inspect your forces annually, and advise it on all military questions. 2

Garrison guns.

Field guns.

Rifles.

Rifle ammunition.