51

H.—9

Badges.

I recommend —(1) That a silver badge be given to each Volunteer at the end of a year's efficient service ; (2) that if a man gains badges for three successive years he should be given a gold badge, the silver ones of the two previous years being withdrawn ; (3) that a Volunteer should forfeit his previously-earned badges if he is inefficient during any year, unless on account of sickness; (4) that badges of silver and gold under the above rules should be given to gunners and submarine miners who have obtained certificates. Small Aems. I recommend that the Forces shall be at once armed with Martini-Henry rifles. Ammunition. A reserve of ammunition should be created of—(1) at least one million rounds, provided that a colonial company be able to supply the annual requirements ; (2) at least two and a half million rounds if the ammunition is purchased outside the colony. Each Volunteer should receive a free allowance of a hundred rounds annually, and should have the privilege of buying another hundred rounds from the Government at ss. per hundred. Defence Office Cleeks. I am of opinion that the pay of the Defence Office clerks should be increased as shown in my estimates. These officers have very great responsibility, and are paid less than officers doing similar work in other departments. Infantby Sebgeant-Instbuctobs. I recommend that of the present staff of infantry sergeant-instructors four be retained, and that 'six sergeant-instructors be obtained from the Imperial service; these men to be bachelors, and only engaged for a period of three years, when they should be replaced. Defence Engineeb. I recommend that the Defence Engineer should be placed on the estimates of the Defence Department. Staff Offices. I recommend that a staff officer should be brought out from England on a three years' engagement. He should have the special duty of instruction in military matters. Estimates. I recommend —(1) That the estimate of yearly expenditure now submitted be passed for a period of three years. I beg most strongly to urge this. A very great deal of the difficulty which has arisen in Volunteer affairs in the past has been due to the want of settled conditions. (2) That the estimate of works be spread over three years, as shown. Commandant. The present scheme must be regarded as experimental. Only experience can dictate the regulations which will eventually govern it. If it be approved, and if the control be left in my hands, I firmly believe that at the end of three years I shall be able to hand over a very sound defence to the colony. I recommend that this course be adopted.