3

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reduced to that number. The batteries paraded for my inspection drilled well, and the men took an intelligent interest in their work; but more complete arrangements should be made for the provision of horses and harness. The guns, however, are of an obsolete pattern, and should be replaced by others of later date. The Engineers are a fine body of men, and their trades are those which are useful for this branch of the service ; but they require more instruction in field engineering. The formation of Cadet Corps should be still further encouraged, and a < proper system established for their instruction under the supervision of the district staff; this does not appear to be the case in some of the districts. Organization. The troops required to man the batteries of the four centres should be separated from those which would form the field forces, and placed under the command of an officer who would be responsible to the officer commanding in the district for their efficiency. 670 Artillery and Submarine Miners are sufficient for the service of the batteries and mines—as they could be rapidly increased in war, from the Government service, which contains many men who have been trained in the Permanent Militia. They would be distributed as follows: Auckland, 220; Wellington, 210; Lyttelton, 110; and Dunedin, 130. Besides these, small local corps of infantry will be required for the immediate defence of the batteries and positions in rear of them. In order to create efficient field forces, regiments must be established, but on a different footing from those recently dissolved. They should be small in peace, but capable of great expansion in war. The peace establishment of the field force to be created at each of the four centres would be as follows :— Infantry : A regiment of two four-company battalions —each battalion 300 strong .... .... .... .... (;oo Three companies of mounted infantry .... .... .... 180 Battery field artillery, 6 guns .... .... .... 90 Company of engineers .... .... .... .... .... 30 Commissariat, medical staff, &c, &c. .... .... .... 55 Total .... .... .... .... 95.5 Provided a sufficient number of rifle corps or clubs are established throughout the colony, this field force could easily be raised to 2,500 men, each battalion being made up to 1,000 ; but before it can be placed on a proper footing, something more reliable is required than, the present Volunteer system, and I recommend the "partially-paid" system, which has been adopted by the Australian Colonies. The condition of service can then be made more binding, and cadres can be established, into which the Volunteers from the rifle clubs can be drafted to raise the forces to war strength. In the Australian Colonies the rates of pay vary from £6 to £12 a year for attending a certain number of whole or half days' instruction, or night drills. The higher rate of pay has been adopted by Victoria and New South Wales, and it is found to give a much more efficient force than the lower.

Engineers.

Cadet < orpa.