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forces, the colonial authorities are apt, in some cases, to overlook an important point—viz., that they act independently in selecting their ordnance, small arms, and warlike material, and obtain supplies of other than approved patterns of the Imperial service. This independent action on the part of the colonies might lead to serious embarrassment in the event of war, as the local forces would not be in a position to render such effective assistance to the Imperial troops as might be expected if their armaments were uniform with those in use at Home, and, as regards reserves, there would be a difficulty in providing, on an emergency, from Home or elsewhere, the necessary supplies to keep up their equipments. Sudden demands for materiel of patterns not in use might entail on the colonies requiring them in an emergency great expense, which would be considerably reduced if they were able to draw on the large reserves kept by the Imperial Government. This subject was specially mentioned in the letters from this department referred to in the margin (24th July, 1878; 6th and 25th February, 1880), and Mr. Childers suggests, for Lord Kimberley's consideration, that the subject might with advantage be referred for the opinion of the Royal Commission on Defences for the Colonies. I have, &c., F A. Campbell, Major-General, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Director of Artillery and Stores.

Enclosure 4 in No. 30. Extract from a Letter from the Colonial Office to the War Office, dated 31st July, 1880. I am directed by the Earl of Kimberley to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th July, drawing his Lordship's particular attention to the serious embarrassment which is likely to occur in the event of war from colonial Governments occasionally selecting for their local forces warlike stores which are not of the same pattern as those in use in the Imperial service; and you state that the Secretary of State for War would suggest that the subject should be brought under the consideration of the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad. In reply, I am to request that you will acquaint Mr. Secretary Childers that Lord Kimberley entirely concurs in the opinion that it is most important that all colonial armaments should be of such a description as would enable them to be used with the service stores and ammunition in time of war; and he will cause a copy of your letter under reply, and of the previous War Office letter of the 24th July, 1878, respecting the supply to the Government of the Transvaal of military stores of other than the approved pattern, to be laid before the Royal Commission.

Enclosure 5 in No. 30. The War Office to the Colonial Office. Surveyor-General's Department,, War Office., •Sir,— 12th November, 1880. I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd ultimo, relative to a proposed communication to the colonies possessing Parliamentary Governments, on the subject of the desirability of securing uniformity of armaments in the Imperial and colonial services. In reply, I am to acquaint you, for the information of Lord Kimberley, that Mr Childers fully concurs in such communication being made, and he would especially observe upon the importance of carrying out the suggestion of the lloyal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad —namely, that, before proceeding with orders for guns and other warlike equipments which are liable to change and improvement, the colonial Government should communicate with the Home Government, so that this department may have the opportunity of assisting with information and advice as to the latest approved patterns. In accordance with the request contained in your letter, I am to forward herewith six copies of the latest priced Vocabulary of Stores used in Her Majesty's service; also six sets of the periodical lists of changes in patterns (issued since January, 1878), and of the Treatises on Ordnance Carriages and Ammunition respectively, which contain valuable information relating to these several branches of warlike equipment. Additional copies can be furnished, if required, and arrangements could be made for the supply of future issues and editions, as published, either direct to the colonies, or through the Colonial Office, as Lord Kimberley may desire. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. H. G. Deedes.