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SIR PETER SCEATCHLEY'S PAPERS
AUSTEALIAN DEFENCES
AND
NEAV GUINEA
COMPILED FEOM THE PAPERS OF THE LATE
MAJOR- GENERAL
SIR PETER 8CRATCHLEY, R.E., K.CJ.G.
Defence Adviser to the Aitstndasutn t'ulunies
find
Her Majesty's Special Commissioner for New Guinea
BY
C. KIXLOCII COOKE, B.A., LL.M.
0/ the Inner Temjj/e, Barn.iler-al-l.aw
WITH AX INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR
1L n iJ n
M A C :\I I L L A N AND C 0.
AND NEW YOKE
1887
All li'jhtt reseri-t-d
PKINTKD BY
SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE
LONDON
I DEDICATE THIS BOOK
TO
LADY SCEATCHTjEY
IN AFFECTIONATE EEMEMBRANCE
OF HEE LATE HUSBAND
>4C'^.'!r;BVi
PEEFACE.
I HAVE endeavoured in these pages to place on record
the work done by the late Major-General Sir Peter
Scratchley, in connection with Australian Defences,
and as Her Majesty's Special Commissioner for Xew
Guinea.
The opinions of a man, whose suggested System of
Defence for our Australasian Colonies has been, in its
salient points, actually adopted, can scarcely fail to
be of public interest in the mother-country ; and I
am authorised by the Colonial Secretary of State to
say tliat he fully recognises Sir Peter Scratchley's im-
portant services to the Empire, more especially those
in connection with the defences of Australia.
The account of New Guinea not only gives the most
recent and accurate information respecting a compara-
tively unknown territory, but affords an insight into
the opinions of one who possessed both experience and
knowledge of the people and politics of Australasia.
The Memoir includes extracts from Sir Peter's
X PREFACE.
Crimean and Indian Mutiny Diaries. In these he makes
many interesting allusions to his friend General Charles
George Gordon, and other Engineer Officers who took
part with him in those campaigns.
My thanks are due to many of Sir Peter Scratchley's
friends and brother officers wlio have given me valuable
advice and assistance. Amongst them I would mention
Field Marshal Lord Napier of Magdala ; the Hon. Sir
Arthur Gordon ; Major-General Sir Charles Warren ;
Major-General Sir Henry Gordon ; Sir Eobert Herbert ;
Sir Frederick Abel; Major-General Nicholson; Major-
General Clive; Mr. Henniker-Heaton, M.P. ; the Rev.
James Chalmers ; and Mr. G. Seymour Fort, Sir Peter's
Private Secretary. For the information contained in
New Guinea Notes I am indebted to Mr. G. E. Askwith.
By the kind permission of Mr. Knowles, the Editor
of the Nineteenth Century, I am able to reproduce the
Chart which was designed to illustrate an article con-
tributed by me to that Eeview.
And finally, I would especially thank Mr. Philip
Scratchley for material aid in the composition and con-
struction of the Memoir, and for his kind help in revising
the matter relating to his uncle's work in New Guinea.
C. KlNLOCH CoOKE.
2 Garden Court, Temple :
AprU 1887.
CONTENTS.
PAGB
MEMOIR OF SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY, AND EXTRACTS FROM
HIS CRIMEAN AND INDIAN :MTTTIXT DIARIES ... 1
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
CHATTER
I. GENERAL DEFENCE ......
II. NAVAL DEFENCE ......
III. COAST DEFENCE ......
IV. TORPEDO DEFENCE (DEFENSIVE AND OFFENSIVE)
V. LOCAL FORCES (") •
VI. LOCAL FORCES (/>)
VII. NEW SOUTH WALES ......
VIII. VICTORIA .......
IX. SOUTH AUSTRALIA ......
X. QUEENSLAND .......
XI. WESTERN AUSTRALIA . . . .
XII. TASMANIA . . .
XIII. NEW ZEALAND .......
XIV. TORRES STRAIT ......
XV. THURSDAY ISLAND ......
39
58
76
83
103
122
M.')
l.nO
177
18;i
19o
213
224
243
2:-)0
CONTENTS.
NEW GUINEA.
I IIAPTER
XVI. THE POLITICAL SITUATION'
XVII. EARLY DIFFICULTIES
XVIII. England's new colony
XIX. SIR PETER's DIARY
XX. NEW GUINEA NOTES .
TAGX
•261
271
280
303
359
APPENDICES.
A. PAPERS RELATING TO AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES
B. PAPERS RELATING TO NEW GUINEA .
375
410
MAPS.
THE AUSTRALASIAN COLONIES AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS . Frontispiece
to face page 261
148
THE NEW GUINEA PROTECTORATE .
PORT JACKSON
PORT PHILIP .....
THE ENTRANCE TO PORT PHILIP
BRISBANE ......
KING GEORGE SOUND
HOBART ......
LAUNCESTON AND PORT DALRYMPLE .
AUCKLAND ......
WELLINGTON . . . i .
TORRES STRAIT AND THURSDAY ISLAND.
160
161
187
196
215
217
230
231
246
NEW GUINEA AND ADJACENT ISLANDS, SHOWING THE POLITICAL .
DIVISION OF TERRITORY BETWEEN GRK.\T BRITAIN, GERMANY,
AND HOLLAND ......... 263
AUSTR.\LL\ & THE PACIFIC ISLANDS
1
MEMOIE.
Peter Hexry Scratchley was the youngest son of the
late Dr. James Scratchley of the Royal Artillery, and
was born in Paris on August 24, 1835. Dr. Scratchley,
after serving for many years in India and other quarters
of the globe with the distinguished corps to which he
belonged, was appointed Inspector of Military Hospitals.
Being, late in life, required to proceed in liis turn to
tlie West Indies, he decided, having at that time a
wife and young family, to retire from the army, and to
start in private practice. Dr. Scratchley had already
attained to eminence in his profession as the writer of
various medical works, of which one became famed
as the ' London Dissector,' and went through numerous
editions. While considering where to settle down, it
was sufjo'ested to him that Paris, the Paris of 1830,
offered a good opening for an Enghsli medical man.
Thither he accordingly proceeded with his family, and
as consulting physician to the Embassy, and holding
other official posts, speedily found himself in an exten-
sive and lucrative practice.
Of himself and his early life Peter Scratcliley's
Diary contains the following record : —
Arthur [his elder brother] and Peter Chitterbuck Avere
2 MEMOIR OF
my godfathers. Peter Clutterbuck gave papa oOOZ. for having
made him my godpapa. About eight years old I had the
typhus fever, during which I was sixteen days dumb, caused, as
mamma always said, by my having sworn very much once
during mv delirium. I continued ill for thirtv-three davs. I
was a miserably thin and slight boy and very short. About
this time my eyes got bad, and 1 suffered from ophthalmia for
two years, when I went to a French school kept by a M.
Lemeignan-Mathe, Rue du Faubourg St.-Honore. I was only
a day boarder, and used to go to the ' College Bourbon.' While
at college I never worked at all. and used to be set to do lines.
I used to sit up till twelve o'clock working at them. I remember
also how we used to throw books at the masters' heads when in
school. I was only ten years old when I went to school. I re-
mained there till the year 1847.
Di\ Scratchley died in the early part of 1848, at a
time when the whole of France, and especially Paris
as its centre, was convulsed by political changes. On
the death of her husband Mrs. Scratchley returned to
England, where she had two elder sons settled, one
in the Church and the other as an Actuary. The
question soon arose as to what was to be done with
the boy Peter. His mother wislied him to enter a
civil profession, but fortunately, as it turned out, the
wiser counsels of an elder brother prevailed, and it was
decided to remind Lord Palmerston of an offer he had
previously made, to recognise Dr. Scratchley's profes-
sional services by obtaining a nomination for one of
his sons to Woolwich. Lord Palmerston and James
Scratchley had been in the same form together at
Harrow, and the Prime Minister, who had already
shown his warm friendship for his old schoolfellow,
promptly responded to the request made to him, and
SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY. 3
young Peter Scratcliley, Avhile still under fifteen years
of age, received his nomination as a Gentleman Cadet
at the Woolwich Academy.
Peter Scratchley is described by his friends as being
at this time a somewhat reserved and thoughtful boy,
not prone to say much, but quick and observant, and
one who displayed in a striking degree that marked
attachment to duty, which may justly be said to have
been his distinguishing characteristic through life. An
instance of the influence which this instinct (for so it
may be called) had on his character, was shown in the
untiring devotion with which, at the early age of twelve,
he tended a dying elder brother through a long and
painful illness.
Owing to delicate health he was decidedly back-
ward, it is said, at the age of thirteen, knowing little
but French, which, however, he spoke with fluency and
a true accent. Before entering the Academy he was
sent to study with a tutor at Woolwich, Dr. Bridgman,
and made rapid progress. No doubt he formed at an
early age the habit of steady, resolute work, which
continued with him tliroughout his life. In liis Diary
he states : —
I passed fourteenth in my Probationary or entrance exami-
nation, and joined the Academy on February 1, 1850. The first
half-yearly examination I passed fifteenth or sixteenth from the
Fourth Academy into the Thhd. I remained in the Third
Academy during this second half-year, and got up to second.
The third half-year (1851) I passed second into the Second
Academy. I remained there during the fourth half-year and
gained my place up to third. In the fifth half-year I passed
third into the First Academy. Kemained there two half-years
B 2
4 MEMOIR OF
(1852), and in February 1853 I passed third into the Practical
Class or Arsenal. There I remained for one year. The second
half-year in the examination I gained one place, so that the list
stood thus : Wrottesley, Scratchley, Watson, Hale, Rideout, &c.
Towards the end of bis course at the Academy, he
was prevented from reading for a considerable time by
an accident, which nearly cost him the sight of an eye,
and confined him to a darkened room for many weeks.
Xot withstanding this serious drawback, however, to his
studies, he passed out of the Academy at the head of
the list (April 1854), and obtained a commission in the
Royal Engineers. He thus speaks qf the occurrence in
his Diary :
On September 6, 1853, I was out at drill, and in playing
with my sword I struck a stone, and it flew up and I was
blinded. My eye continued bad for three months. I remained
in the Cadet Hospital, where Dr. Jarratt attended me, and I then
went up to London and consulted Dr. Alexander, Oculist to the
Queen. In Februar}' 1854 I returned to the Academy, and was
placed first on the list, but was told I must keep my place at
the head. I did so, and we got our commissions as follows : —
Scratchley, Kelsall, to Royal Engineers ; De Winton, Hamilton
&c., to Royal Artillery. By this illness I lost four places, as
Hale, Dumaresq, Longley, and Lempriere got their commis-
sions in the Engineers before me. I was gazetted on April 21,
1854, and on June 20, 1854, 1 was promoted to Fu'st Lieutenant.
From Chatham I proceeded, by order of the A. A. G., to Dover.
I was then ordered to the Crimea, where 1 kept a regular diary.
At the Academ)' he contracted many friendships,
some of them destined to be lifelong, with men who
afterwards became distinijuished officers. Amon^jst
them was Charles George Gordon, with whom that
early acquaintance ripened, in subsequent years, into
SJ/^ PETER SCRATCHLEY. 5
intimate friendship. Although Gordon was Scratchley's
senior by some two years, they had many traits in
common which naturally disposed them to a mutual
liking, and as years passed on and the slight difference
in age (which at the Academy was not without impor-
tance) practically vanished, they came to hold each
other in high esteem. Their paths in hfe, however,
were widely different. The career of Gordon was
brilliant and meteoric, almost eccentric in its orbit,
terminating in a violent death ; that of his friend was
less conspicuous, but none the less marked by stead-
fastness of purpose and devotion to duty.
Lieutenant Scratchley was attached to the 4th
Company, Eoyal Engineers, with which he also served
later on during the Indian Mutiny. He left England
on July 24, 1855, for the Crimea, where he arrived on
August 13 of that year, and remained until June 11,
1856, being present at the siege and capture of Sebas-
topol. Although barely twenty years of age, his work
in the trenches before Sebastopol was characterised by
coolness and skill, qualities whicli were equallj^ notice-
able at the final assault upon the Eedan, in which he
also took part.
Soon after the retreat of the Eussians from Sebas-
topol, Lieutenant Scratchley was employed in surveying
the enemy's works and destroying their dockyard esta-
blishments. He was then selected to accompany the
expedition to Kinburn, on the Black Sea, and "was
present at the capture of that fortress with his Company.
Subsequently he was engaged in constructing defensive
works for the better protection of the British troops,
6 MEMOIR OF
in which he was occupied when peace was concluded.
For his services in the Crimea he was awarded the
Crimean Medal, with clasp for Sebastopol, and the
Turkish War Medal.
His experiences during the Campaign are modestly
narrated in the Diary he kept at the time, and will be
best described in his own words : —
CRIMEAN DIARY.'
August 13, 1855. — Amved at Balaklavaat 6 p.m. Anchored
outside the harbour. Saw flashes, resembhng those of lightning,
caused by the firing of guns at SebastopoL
' List of Officers R.E. and Assistant Engineers doing duty at my time : —
Lieut.-Gen. Sir H. Jones, K.C.B., went home Sept. 15; Lieut. Cowell,
A.D.C., went borne Sept. 15: Lieiit.-Col. Chapman, C.B. (Col.), went home
Oct. : Major Bfnt (C.B., Lieut.-Col.), Director L attack ; Capt. Keane
(Major), home Oct., returned: Major Bouchier (C.B., Lieut.-Col.), B.M.
and A.A.G. : Capt. Browne (C.B. Major), wounded, home, D.R.A. ; Capt.
Montague (Major), prisoner, returned Sept. ; Capt. Cooke (Major), Survey
and Director, R.A.H. ; Major Staunton (Lieut.-Col.), home Oct., returned
Feb. ; Capt. De Molejns (Major) ; Capt. Ewart (Major), B.M. and Adjutant ;
Capt. Nicholson (Major); Capt. Sedley (Major), home, wounded; Lieut.
Ranken (Major) ; Lieut. De Yere (Major), home Oct., returned Feb. ; Lieut.
Brine (Capt.), sick list Sept. 8; Lieut. Fisher, telegraph (Capt.); Lieut.
Elphinstone, wounded 8th, home (Capt.) ; Lieut. Cumberland, two days
before 8th not present ; Lieut. XeviUe, after 8th A.D.C. Gen. Barnard ;
Lieut. Lennox, after 8th Adjutant R.L.M. : Lieut. Leahy, D.A.Q.M.G. ;
Lieut. Anderson, Constantinople, after 8th returned ; Lieut. Graham
(Capt.) ; Lieut. Gordon (went to Turkish boundary) ; Lieut. Edwards, two
days before 8th ; Lieut. Donnelly, after 8th A.D.C. to Lieut.-Col. Lloyd ;
Lieut. Somerville, died Aug. ; Lieut. Dumaresq ; Lieut. Scratchley ;
Lieut. Kelsall, constant aft«r 8th ; Lieut.-Col. Lloyd, C.R.E. after Jones's
departure ; Col. Gordon, C.B., C. R.L.M. after 8th ; Lieut. James, returned
from prisoner Dec. 28 ; Capt. Lambert, Jan. 15 ; Capt. Barry, Jan. 15 ;
Capt. Schaw, Jan. 15 ; Lieut. Stopford, April 10 (Capt.) ; Lieut. Goodall,
April 10 ; Lieut. Gossett, April 10.
Assistant Engineers: — Capt. Anderson, 31st, killed Sept. 5; Capt.
Wolseley, 4Gth, wounded Sept. 8 ; Capt. Penn, R.A., returned to duty
Sept. 13; Major Campbell, 4Gth, returned to duty Sept. 1.3.
SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY. 7
Angvist 14. — Landed and went into Balaklava, but remained
during the night on board ship. The crowded harbour looked
very extraordinary, especially as everything was so very new
to me.
Augxist 15. — Landed and went up to camp. Slept in
Dumaresqs tent. Our camp within the range of the Russian
guns.
August 16. — Got up. Went to see the field of the battle of
Tractir, fought between the Russians, French, and Sardinians.
The Russians were severely defeated, leaving many wounded
and dead. Saw the poor fellows lying all over the plain — very
shocking, bnt was not so much moved as I expected. War is a
stem necessity.
August 17.— Bombardment commenced at 8 a.m. Xever
heard such an infernal noise in all my life. The shot and shell
came poming into our camp last night. Far from pleasant.
However, slept soundly. On duty in the trenches to-night.
Went down at 4 p.m. Fire not very hot. Found my way
down to the general hut. Elphinstone of ' ours ' on with me.
Did not witness any casualty.
Avugust 18. — Remained in camp, being tired of my night
work. In the evening the Ruskis fired tremendously as they
expected an attack.
[August 19 and subsequent days were passed on duty, chiefly
in the trenches, but without incident, except he records that he
bought three horses at an auction for 557. 1(3^. the lot.]
August 26. — Poor Somerville very ill. Stopped with him,
and went, in the afternoon, with him in a litter to Balaklava to
see him on board the Imperador steamer going to Scutari. I
am afraid he will not be able to return, although, poor fellow, he
wishes sadly to do so. Hea^'y firing in the evening.
August 27. — Camp duty. An attack expected against the
' Sardines ' at Baidar on the Tchernaya, and a sortie against the
French.
August 28. — Nothing extraordinary except that the Russians
destroyed a French magazine in the Mamelon. (It was originally
a Russian one.) It is reported the French lost 200 men and
8 MEMOIR OF
600 wounded. The explosion was terrific and woke every-
body all over the camp, and destroyed some of the French
batteries, and wounded twenty-five of our men. Some of the
timbers were seen to fly to an immense distance into our Right
Attack.
August 29. — On duty in the trenches in the evening. A
few casualties and a heavy fire of musketry and shells. Eecon-
noitred with Elphinstone in advance of the breaking out of the
fifth into the sixth parallel, and found the ground very rocky.
Proceeded with two men about fifty yards, and were just return-
ing when a Russian picket of half a dozen men fired on us and
wounded one of the men. We were only about fifteen yards
from them, and if they had not been frightened we should have
been taken prisoners, or perhaps been killed. Of course we re-
turned to the trenches, and they ceased firing. The working
party were obliged to be withdrawn on account of the casualties.
Had two or three narrow escapes from shells bursting.
August 30. — As I thought, the Ruskis made a small sortie
on the Right Advance. Dumaresq, who was on duty, says that
the picket that was in advance retired immediately, and so did
the working party, and the Ruskis of course filled up the trench.
A few men were killed, and they retired.
August 31. — The Ruskis made another attempt at a sortie
on the Right Advance. The trench was again destroyed.
Sejjtemher 1. — I went to see a theatre in the sailors' camp.
It was capital, though I hardly thought it was quite right to
have it.
September 2. — I was on duty in the trenches in the day-time,
and also on camp duty. Firing very heavy against the quames.
Left Attack and the French did not fire a bit. A magazine in
the flag-staff battery blew up. I should not think this was
Sunday, as eveiythiug goes on in the same way, except the
morning service. Another sortie in the evening and the men
ran. Reports confirm my opinion that the men are beginning
to lose their hearts underneath these failures and this overwork.
September 4. — An attack from the lower picket ravine ex-
pected on our Right Advance. Anderson of the 31st, an
SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY. y
Assistant Engineer, killed last night. Poor fellow, I liked liim
very mucli.
Seftemhev 5. — Bombardment commenced this morning. On
duty in the trenches to-night. Firing very light. Very few
casualties. Got on very well with the advanced sap, and
amused myself firing with Jones of the Artillery at the Russians
in the ravine.
Septemher 6. — Bombardment was much slacker last night
from want of ammunition, Buckley of the Guards killed in
advance of the Bight Sap. It is becoming absolute madness to
venture out.
Septemher 7. — Bombardment continued. It is expected the
French will attack to-morrow. On duty in the trenches with
Stanton. Heard that poor Bill [Somerville] died of fever at
Scutari. Wrote home.
Septemher 8. — To-day was fixed for the assault of the Redan
and MalakofF. It began at 12.15 p.m., when they began firing
as hard as they could. I was in front of the ' Lime-kiln.' The
Malakoff was taken, as the Russians did not expect an assault,
and ran. We attacked the Redan, as a feint, and after hard
fighting were repulsed. The French were repulsed at the Little
Redan, Central Bastion, and the Bastion-du-Mat (Flagstaff),
and the Quarantine Bastion. They lost about 12,000 men, we
2,000.
September 9. — The Russians during the night evacuated the
Redan, and we took possession at 6 a.m. It is disgraceful how
the attack of yesterday failed. The Highlanders, who were the
supports, were on the third and fourth parallels, and the Guards
were in reserve, in rear of the ' Lime-kiln,' and it would have
taken them one hour to march up.
Septemher 10. — On duty in the Redan. Put out severfil
fires that were near magazines. Buried thirty or forty Russians
who were lying dead. Went out into the town barracks and
flooded a magazine, which they had intended to blow up. Our
soldiers were not allowed to take an}' plunder, so the French
took it all.
Septemher 11. — A very windy rainy day. The place one
lo MEMOIR OF
mass of mud. Tlinnder and lightning at night. There are a
good many incendiaries picked up here and there. They say
they are Russian criminals who are promised pardon if they
keep up the work of devastation. Five of them were found by
Rideout after the explosion of one of the magazines in the
Redan. Three of them were dead — two alive — having been
buried by the fall of the earth. A general order came out to-
day congratulating the army on its success, and a brigade order
from Jones [laeut.-General Sii* Henry Jones, K.C.B.] thanking
us for the way we had done our duty. I expect we will get a
year's pay for our trouble. I am sure I hope so. The Russians
sank theii" remaining steamers.
Sefpiemher 14. — I marched eighty-five men of diflferent regi-
ments to ' Mother Seacole's ' on the railway with two sergeants.
They were all drunk, and I never had such trouble. However,
I harangued them and appealed to their feelings as British
soldiers, and I managed to get them there safe.
September 16. — I believe we are never going to do any-
thing. I cannot say I look forward to spending the winter
here.
September 18. — Left camp for Sebastopol Dockyard with
fifty-six men, four non-commissioned officers, and one bugler.
September 20. — Set the men to work at the shafts. The
masonry of the docks perfect, but the stones very soft, and
would wear away in short time.
September 21. — Same hard work looking after men. Got
up at 5 A.M. like yesterday, and worked till night. Dined
yesterday with General Wyndham, Governor of Sebastopol.
September 22. — To-day the siege train marched in. In the
usual way that we do things, they came in with colours flying
and drums beating and in broad daylight. The consequence
was the Ruskis began firing. The second shell killed a man in
the Buffs.
September 25. — Lost a rifle found in the Redan. Stolen by
a Frenchman.
September 26. — I am very sorry I lost my rifle, as it is the
only thing I had worth having out of Sebastopol.
SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY. ii
September 27. — An explosion in one of the creek magazines
to-day, killing and wounding some men.
October 1. — Eeports flying about that the Ruskis are in full
i-etreat and Czar Alexander dethroned. I hope the former is
true, as it will save us much trouble next spring.
October 2, 1855. — Ordered to hold myself in readiness for
embarkation at Balaklava with the fourth company. Captain
Nicholson, Charlie Gordon; Major Bent, R.E., to be C.R.E.
October 4. — Started from camp at 7 a.m. Embarked that
morning on board the Indian s.S.
October 11. — Odessa is a very fine town, with large massive
buildings. The people seem very busy, and I have no doubt
very much frightened.
October 12. — It was intended that we should start last night
to arrive at Kinburn Foi't and land there, but the sea became
very rough. The wind, however, went down, so we might have
landed this morning. To-day was very fine.
Sunday, October 14. — Got under way about 7 a.m. with the
Arabia in tow. The fleet proceeding towards the north of
Kinburn, and we to the south.
Monday, October 15. — Landed at 10 a.m. We pitched our
tents by 7 p.m.
Tuesday, October 16. — Last night I entrenched the sixty-
third on our left ; made a pretty good trench. The night was
very dark. To-day made small redoubts to the right and left,
advanced pickets, each to be armed with two guns en barbette.
Worked till late at night.
Wednesday, October 17. — Continued the redoubt. At 8 a.m.
the fleet bombarded the fort, and after a terrific fire of six or
seven hours it gave in. It was a splendid sight ; the finest I
ever saw in all my life. The garrison, twelve to thirteen hun-
dred, surrendered with the honours of war. They were most of
them small men — young and old — evidently the worst part of
the Russian troops. To-day I also worked at our entrenched
position. An attack expected from the Imperial Guard, who
marched from Warsaw intending to proceed to Sebastopol ; but
hearing of the ' fall," they were expected here.
12 MEMOIR OF
Thursdai/, October 18. — Continued the redoubts; but the
completing of our intrenched position was discontinued.
Fridaif. Octoher 19.— Shifted our camp to the village ; the
English taking the south and the French the north side (which
is the best).
Saturday, Octoher 20. — To-day almost all the allied troops,
with the exception of 2.000. went on a reconnaisance of six
days. Chai'lie Gordon went on the Q.M.G. staff. I would
have liked to have gone.
Staiday, Octoher 21, to Sunday, 28. — Employed in Kinburn
Fort., repairing the buildings to convert them into barracks.
The French officers were very cinl. To-day we embarked on
board the Indian.
Sunday, Xovernher 11. — Landed at Razatch, and slept (in
camp) on shore.
Monday, Kovernher 12. — Marched up to camp from Razatch.
A long march, only took two and a half hours. Had a bad
toothache.
Thursday, November 15. — Memorable day. About 2 p.m.
a magazine in the French right siege train, by the windmill,
blew up. Our shell magazine was destroyed. Eight artillery-
men killed and many wounded. All the huts and tents round
about were blown down, and the shell and shot flew up in
all directions. A truly magnificent sight. I believe the French
have lost a great many men.
Friday, November 16, 1855. — We turned out at 5 a.m. ex-
pecting an attack. The fire at the Right Siege train went out
in the right. I went over with the 4th Company to repaii-
damages, but had such a bad toothache that I returned, getting
Charlie Gordon to do my work. Had tooth out.
Til ursday, November 22. — Winter commencing ; still under
canvas.
Saturday, November 24. — ]SIoved into my quarter-of-an-
officer's hut, next to Ranken. A good change. Received my
Crimean medal.
December 2, 1855. — Went into Sebastopol to meet ^lon-
SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY. 13
tague about making sections of Russian works for a report to
be sent in.
Wednesdai/^ December 19. — My hut is fearfully cold, 8*^
during sunrise. My sponge, ink, &c. frozen — in fact, every-
thing. I had hardly had my bath when the sponge I had been
using got as stiff as possible.
Friday, Becemher 21.- — Armed with a French pass I went to
the Quarantine Fort and took some angles for the surv^ey. Fort
Constantine appeared unpleasantly close. Wrote home.
Christmas Day, 1855. — Took the Communion. In the
afternoon took a walk over to Inkerman. We were five or six
walking, and the Ruskis fired two or three shots at us. We
had a dinner up in our new mess hut. It passed off very well.
Thirteen at dinner.
Monday, December 31. — Surveyed from Fort Artillery to
Quarantine Fort. Sat up to see the new year in and the old
year out.
Friday, January 11, 1856. — Went out triangulating. Left
off the Left Siege attack and commenced another. Wrote home .
Went to the theatre. Yesterday went out on a paper hunt.
Had a fine run.
Monday, January 21. — Sketching by Kamiesch Lines.
There are two reports flying about :
(1.) That peace is nearly settled by Russia accepting the
proposals of Austria (doubtful !).
(2.) That a battle was fought at Baidar between French
and Ruskis. Ruskis, 30,000 men, defeated — 400 prisoners
(veiy doubtful !).
Tuesday, January 22. — Drawing indoors, weather being
bad. Peace news confirmed to-day.
Wednesday, January 23. — Went out sketching. In the
evening we had two live generals to dinner — Generals Barnard
and Crauford and A.D.Cs. Peace news certain.
Thursday, January 24. — Did not go out sketching. Peace
said to be certain.
Tuesday, February 19. — Yesterday was a oold, miserable day,
blowing a fierce gale N.E. There were thirteen at table, viz.
14 MEMOIR OF
Gordon, Bent, Ewart, Cooke, ' Nick,' Ranken, Scliaw, Charlie
Gordon, Dumaresq, Gimlinton, Combe, Lennox, and myself —
an unlucky number (as it turned out, poor Ranken was killed at
the docks afterwards).
Friday, February 22. — Corps meeting to-day about monu-
ment to be erected to the fellows who have fallen during this
war. Great discussion, and, as generally happens on such
occasions, nothing was agreed upon, and the meeting was ad-
journed.
Sunday, February 24. — To-day the army (25,000) was re-
viewed. A splendid sight. The Highlanders and Guards
looked splendid.
Monday, February 25. — Packed up preparatory to moving to
Cossack Bay, between Balaklava and Karance. Went to the
1st Division Theatre — very good.
Tuesday, Feh'uary 26. — Marched down to Cossack Bay with
8th Company. Fine day for the march. Slept in a single
tent. We had a snowstorm that night. Tent not very
cold.
Wednesday, February 27. — Had my tent covered with
another, which made it much warmer. Selected position for
Lines.
Friday, February 29. — Poor Ranken was killed last night
while employed destroying the ' White Buildings.' He was
crushed by the fall of one of the building walls. He was not
found till 5 a.m. this morning. Poor fellow, I liked him ex-
cessively. He is a fearful loss to us.
Saturday, March 1, 1856. — The preliminaries of an armis-
tice were settled on Friday, 29, and it was to be until the
31st. Works of defence to be continued and destruction of
Sebastopol.
Wednesday, March 5. — Miserable work for tents. Went
round to Balaklava. Some parts of the hills waist-deep with
snow.
Thursday, March 6. — Nasty day. South-west wind turned
into a gale in the morning. Expecting my tent to come down
every moment.
S/J? PETER SCRATCHLEY. 15
Monday^ March 10. — Change in the weather — warm spring
day.
Wednesday, March 12. — Beautiful fine warm day. Spring
regularly set in, I hope. Laid out the Batteries, &c. to-day,
and sketched the ground around them. Peace news expected
to-morrow.
Thursday, March 13. — Telegraphic message came to-day to
suspend all work at the lines. Reason not known. Nothing
known about the peace.
Monday, March 17. — Commenced working at wharf at
Leander Bay.
Tuesday, March 18. — Still working at wharf.
Suiiday, March 23. — -Rumoured that Lord Panmure has
resigned, and that Lord Hardinge retires, and that the Duke of
Somerset becomes Minister of War.
Monday, March 24. — This day there were races on the
Tchemaya plain. Went to see them. It was a beautiful day,
and I should think that from 50,000 to 60,000 men were pre-
sent. The Russians were invited, but General Luders declined
on the plea that peace was not settled.
Tuesday, March 25. — Reported that peace had been signed.
Working at big plan.
Wednesday, March 26. — General McMahon's (French) "Corps
d'Armee ' was inspected to day.
Tuesday, April 8. — Moved to ground on the west of the 82nd.
Camp above Balaklava, so as to be nearer to the works in
Balaklava.
Thursday, April 10. — Charlie Gordon is repairing the old
Inkennan bridge that was burnt when the Allies came. Our
fellows went over to the north side and invited the Russian
sapper officers to come and dine with us. They come on
Saturday and are to cross over at Fort Paul, where we are to
have horses ready for them.
Saturday, April ^ 2. — The Russian Engineers dined at our
mess to-day.
Thursday, April 17. — General review of the army before
1 6 MEMOIR OF
General Luclers Staff. The French Anny was reviewed in
the morning.
Wednesdai/, April 23. — I was ordered yesterday to take over
the command of the 8th Company R.E.
Saturdat/, May 3. — To-moiTOW I hope to start on my trip to
the interior of the Crimea.
Friday, May 23. — Stopford takes the command of the
Company from me — rather a bore, as I lose contingent.
Saturday, May 24. — Queen's birthday. Review of part of
the army and distribution of part of the French war medals.
May 28. — Gave over command of 8tli Company to Devere,
my old captain. Saw Colonel Crauford. He is an old friend
of the family. Stopford came down to our camp to command
3rd Company.
May 31. — Went to the Alma with Lennox and Leahy.
June 1. — Returned from the Alma early, having slept in
an orchard on the banks of the river — slept in the open.
June IL — Embarked on board S.S. Peninsula for England
at 10 A.M.
Sunday, July 6. — Arrived at Spithead.
After his return from the Crimea, Lieutenant
Scratchley was employed on engineering works at
Portsmouth for over twelve months.
Upon the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny in 1857
he was ordered to the front mth the 4th Company,
R.E., and embarked for Calcutta on October 2 of
that year. On arrival he at once proceeded with his
Chief, Lieutenant-Colonel Harness, R.E. (afterwards Sir
Henry Harness, K.C.B.), to Cawnpore to join General
Wyndham, who had been left behind by Sir Cohn
Campbell to keep open communication while the last-
SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY. 17
named officer was relieving Sir James Outram at Luclv-
now. Lieutenant Scratcliley served throughout the
Oude campaign from October 1857, and was present at
the actions near Cawnpore as Acting Adjutant of Eoyal
Engineers under General Wyndham. The following
extracts are taken from his Diary : —
Nuvemhcr 29 to Decemher 1, 1857. — Shut up iu Cawnpore
Fort with the enemy bombarding. Sir Colin Campbell arrived
with his army and formed camp on the other side of the Ganges.
The enemy shelled the camp. Some of the 93rd were killed, and
Colonel Ewart (our Ewart's brother) wounded.
Decemher 2. — Left Cawnpore Fort with the C.R.E [Colonel
Harness] for headquarters' camp (Sir Colin Campbell's).
Becemher 5. — The Gwalior force sent about 300 men across
-the Canal, and made a demonstration on our left. The cavalry
of the army and three batteries moved out, and a cannonade
ensued for two and a half hours or more. Very unsatisfactory
work. One gunner and one horse killed. Returned to camp.
Sunday, Decemher 6. — Present at the Battle ot Cawnpore
and defeat of the Gwalior Force. This morning, at 8 a.m., the
tents were struck and the army prepared to attack the Pandies.
The ball was opened by a violent cannonade from the intrench-
ment (where General Wyndham, with the force under him, was),
which was not answered by the enemy. We advanced steadily
until we came upon the enemy's camp, which was deserted,
tents, &c., being left standing. We halted for a short time. In
the meantime the cavalry, with some artillery, had been sent to
turn the enemy's right flank. The pursuit was continued on to
the Kalpee road. During the pursuit the C.R.E. was ordered
to take a message to Brigadier Grant (who had been detached
with a small force to attack the ' SubaddarTank,' and cover our
communication with the rear), and I went with him. After
advancing several hundred yards we got into a road which led
up to a mudhouse. When within fiity yards or so of it, the
Pandies commenced firinor at us. We retreated unhurt. I can-
1 8 MEMOIR OF
not praise them for their shooting. As we were going I heard
a great deal of firing from two Companies of the 38th, who had
been sent to attack the three guns annoying them. When we
returned these guns had been taken in style. Sir Colin and the
column returned about 6 p.m., and we bivouacked in the open.
Becemher 13. — Took command of the Company from yester-
day, Nicholson being made Chief Engineer to Head Quarters on
that date.
Lieutenant Scratchley served with the 4tli Company
E.E., in the subsequent operations with the Com-
mander-in-Chief's army, and accompanied the columns
under Brigadier-General Walpole through the district
of Stayah as Commanding Eoyal Engineer. He was
attached to a Company of Eoyal Engineers during the
operations before Lucknow and the defence of Fort
Jellalabad, and accompanied the storming party Avhich
attacked the Begum's palace. He was Orderly Officer
to General Sir Eobert Napier (Lord Napier of Magdala),
Chief Engineer, during tlie siege and capture of Luck-
now. He served during the subsequent operations
with General Grant's Force in Oude as Adjutant of
the Engineer Brigade, and was present at the action of
Baree. As Commanding Engineer, he accompanied the
flying columns that were sent to clear the country of
the rebels, under the command of General Wetherall,
and was present at the famous assault whicli resulted in
the capture of the strong fort Kussin Dampoor. During
later operations in Oude, 1858-9, he commanded the
4th Company E.E., under General Grant, and took
part in the passage of Gofra. He was specially men-
tioned by Lord Clyde, General Wyndham, and General
SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY. 19
Wetlierall in tlieir despatches, and included by General
Napier in the list of officers deemed deserving of Honour-
able Mention. He was awarded the Indian Medal and
Clasp for Lucknow at the close of tlie Campaign.
In October 1859 Lieutenant Scratchley was promoted
to the rank of Captain, and in January 1860, General
Napier offered to make him his Aide-de-camp ; but this
offer he was compelled to decline, for the reasons ex-
plained in liis Diary : —
January 13, 1860. — Received a telegram from Brigadier-
General Sir Robert Napier, K.C.B., about coming on his staff as
A.D.C. Telegraj^ilied back to Gwalior tliat I could not leave my
Company as I commanded it. In fact an A.D.C-ship would have
suited me admirably, if I had not been going with the Company.
January 21. — About five miles from Doomree, Brigadier-
General Napier and Captain Lumsden came up to the Train.
I got out and walked to the Dak Bungalow with them.
General Napier was veiy civil to me. I explained to liim about
the A.D.C-ship. He seemed to agree with me He spoke very
kindly.
Captain Scratchley was much disappointed when he
found that his Company was not to go with the expe-
dition under General Napier to China, as his Diary
records : —
February 11, 1860. — I received the unpleasant news that
the 4th Company has to go to ]Mauritius ; of all places the one
I dislike most, wlien war is going on in China. I wish Napier
would give me another chance of going with him.
Lord Napier thus speaks of him in a letter to Mr.
Philip Scratchley : —
38 Cornwall Gardens, S.W. : April 13, 1886.
Dear Mr. Scratchley, — I often heard of Peter Scratchley 's
visits to my mother, who was much attached to Doctor and
2
20 MEMOIR OF
Mrs. Scratchier, but did not meet him till he came to Lucknow
with his company of sappers for the duties of the siege in
1858.
He acted during the short siege as my orderly officer. He
was most punctual and strict in the performance of every duty,
and impressed me with the assurance that he would be found
thoroughly reliable and trustworthy in the performance of any
difficult duty, and I considered him able and clever.
He was very reserved indeed, and apparently severe in dis-
position.
I believe I must have applied to have him included in the
China expedition of 1860, for which he was at first ordered;
but a demand for his company was made in another direction,
and when I was on my way to Calcutta I passed him on the
road with his company of sappers ; he was disappointed, but,
with characteristic self-control, turned to his new duty without
a word of complaint or regret.
I was very gi-eatly pleased to read of his appointment to be
the High Commissioner of Xew Guinea.
The corps and the country have lost a very valuable officer
by his untimely death.
Believe me, dear Mr. Scratchley, yours sincerely,
(Signed) Napier of Magdala.
About this time (1860) the Government of Victoria
applied to the Imperial Government for an officer of
Engineers to superintend the erection of defences in that
Colony, and Captain Scratchley, then twenty-five years
of age, was selected for this important post. He
says :—
March 13, 1860. — Received orders thus: — 'Captain Scratch-
ley with a detachment, to be taken principally or wholly from
the 4th Company, will proceed to Melbourne, Victoria, and
report his arrival to the Governor for emplo\'ment on the
Colonial Defences.'
S7J? PETER SCRATCHLEY. 21
For three years and a half Captain Scratchley was
actively employed in devising a system of defence for
Victoria, during which period he also took a prominent
part in the Volunteer movement, and acted as Honorary
Lieutenant-Colonel of the Volunteer Artillery and En-
gineers. His evidence given before the Royal Local
Commission, appointed to report upon the best means
of defending the Colon}', shows that he had correctly
grasped the situation. The works he advised failed to
secure the sanction of the Victorian Parhament, owing
to a change in the jVIinistry, and he consequently re-
turned to England at the end of 1863. The following
correspondence shows how highly his services to the
Colony were appreciated : —
Victoria Volunteer Office: Melbourne, September 18, 1863.
Sir, — I have the honour to express my regret at losing the
services of Captain Scratchley, R.E., now under orders for
Europe. Captain Scratchley organised and trained the Volun-
teer Engineers, and has been since 1861, Honoraiy Lieutenant-
Colonel of the Royal Volunteer Artillery. The large portion of
his time which Captain Scratchley has given for the benefit of
these portions of the Force makes me anxious that his services
should be recognised. I desire therefore to place on record my
thanks for the valuable assistance he has, as an officer of the
garrison, been allowed to give me in connection with the duties
of the Force under my command.
(Signed) W. A. D. Anderson, Colonel-Commandant
of Volunteers.
The Major of Brigade, &c., Melbourne.
Government House : Melbourne, September 24, 1863.
Sir, — I have the honour to request that you will convey to
Captain Scratchley, of the Royal Engineers, the thanks of the
2 2 MEMOIR OF
Militarv Department of this Goverrimeut, for the ' services he
has rendered in devising and controlling Works of defence for
this colony, and in the establishment of a Colonial Military
Store Department.' It will also be very satisfactory to the
Government, if you will make known the opinion it entertains
of Captain Scratchley's services to His Eoyal Highness the
Field -Marshal Commanding-in-Chief.
(Signed) C. H. Darlixg.
Brigadier- General Chute, Commanding H.M, Forces.
Melbourne: September 25, 1863.
Sir, — This letter will be presented by Captain Scratchley,
R.E., who is returning to England to rejoin his corps, after
carrying out his plan of fortifpng Port Philip as far as the
Local Government has decided to do so for the present.
It was my intention, had I continued a few days longer in
the administration of the Government, to have forwarded, on
receiving Captain Scratchley's final report, a full account of the
armed system of earthworks he has constructed around the
shores of Hobson's Bay, and to that end I had paid them a
special visit, but under pi'esent circumstances I shall confine
myself to stating that in my opinion, and in that of all military
men whom I have consulted, they are well devised for mutual
support, and as complete and effective as the means placed at
his disposal admitted.
I may add, having just returned from Sydney, that notwith-
standing the far superior facilities for defence afforded by Port
Jackson, Captain Scratchley appears to me to have accom-
plished for 30,000^. (exclusive of the armament) more than has
been effected there with double or triple the expenditure.
The Victorian Ministry have, I understand, requested my
successor to communicate to the Imperial authorities the high
sense they entertain of the services rendered by Captain
Scratchley to the Colony, and I have no doubt Sir Charles
Darling has written accordingly" ; but as I am, of course, better
cognizant both of the value of these services and of the many
difficulties with which he has had to contend whilst rendering
SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY. 23
them, I have thought it only proper to write these few lines
in support of any recommendation which the Duke of New-
castle may think proper to make to the War Department in his
favour.
They will serve at the same time to introduce an officer,
who can give His Grace the amplest and most recent informa-
tion on many questions connected with the Defence of the
Colony of Victoria.
(Signed) Hexry Barkly.
C. Fortescue^ Esq., JI.P. mc.
War Office : April 22, 1S64.
Sir, — I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to
transmit to you, for the information of His Eoyal Highness the
Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief. the accompanying copy
of a letter which has been addressed to the Under Secretary
for the Colonies by Sir Henry Barkly, late Governor of Victoria,
in which he expressed his sense of the great value of the ser-
vices rendered by Major Scratchley in the construction of the
Fortifications at Hobsons Bay.
(Signed) Edward Lugard.
The Military Secretary, Horse Guards.
Referred to the Dej)uty Adjutant-General of Eoyal En-
gineers, who is informed that H.R. Highness has expressed to
the Secretary of State for War, his satisfaction at receiving so
favourable a report regarding Captain Scratchley.
(Signed) W. F. F.
Horse Guai'ds : April 29, 1864.
Noted, returned to the Military Secretary, Major Scratchley
having been informed of H.E. Highness the Commanding-in-
Chief 's satisfaction at receiving this report.
(Signed) Fred. E. Chap:man, Colonel Deputy Adjutant-
General, Royal Engineers.
Horse Guards : April 29, 1S64.
lu the foUowiug year (1864) Captain Scratchley
24 MEMOIR OF
was promoted to the brevet-rank of Major for liis
services in India. During the next six months lie
commanded a Company of Sappers at Portsmouth, but
at the end of that period the Government, wishing to
secure his services at Headquarters, appointed liim
Assistant Inspector of Works for the manufacturing-
department of tlie War Office under Col. Inghs, RE.
After a short time he became Chief Inspector, which
office he held for twelve years. Major Scratchley was
in that capacity much associated w^ith Sir Frederick
Abel, C.B., F.E.S., the Chemist to the War Department,
in a great variety of work. The latter writes of
him thus : —
I had not come in contact with Scratcliley since he was my
pupil at the Royal Military Academy in 1852-4 until he entered
upon his duties at Woolwich in 1864. As a Cadet I had found
him industrious, hut extremely reserved in manner. On renew-
ing my acquaintance with him in 1861 I found that this natural
reserve, which had certainly not diminished, led those who only
knew him superficially to consider him haughty and ahnost
unsociable. But he was just and considerate to all employed
under him, his reserve vanished with the formation of friendships,
and those who learned to know him became warmly attached to
him. The important and very extensive duties which he had to
discharge as the Director of Construction and Engineer officer-
in-charge of many important works connected with the War
Office manufacturing establishments at Woolwich, Enfield, and
Waltham, the School of Gunnery at Shoeburyness, &c., were
performed by him with marked ability and success. He was
associated with me in several subjects of enquiry of very special
nature, such as the disposal of sewage by irrigation in connection
with the Government establishment at Enfield, and the elabora-:
tion of a system of manufacture of hydrogen gas for balloon-
service in the field, and he devoted himself zealouslv to the
S/J^ PETER SCRATCHLEY. 25
acquisition of the special scientific knowledge essential in dealing
with such matters.
Colonel Scratchley was the first Officer to avail himself of
an arrangement made between the War Office and the Mint for
the instruction of Officers of the Royal Engineers in assaying.
He spent several months of the year 1875 in the Royal Mint
Laboratory, and Professor Chandler Roberts-Austin, the Chemist
to the Mint, says, ' he entered upon the work of assaying, which
demands the exercise of minute accuracy, with singular zeal
and interest, and acquired considerable skill as an assayer.'
In 1874 Major Scratchley was promoted to Lieu-
tenant-Colonel, and in 1876 was selected by Lord
Carnarvon, upon the recommendation of the Secretary
of State for War, to act in conjunction with General Sir
William Jervois ^ in the important work of advising the
Australasian Governments upon the best means of
defending the Colonies against foreign aggression. Li
o 00 Co
1878 Sir William Jervois became Governor of South
Australia, whereupon Colonel Scratchley was appointed
Commissioner of Defences,^ and remained in Australia
until the beginning of 1883, visiting the different
Colonies from time to time. The position, although
responsible, was one scarcely to be envied, as he was
continually harassed by the ever shifting policy of the
Colonial Governments. It happened more than once
that after he had taken much trouble to prepare a
scheme of defence, which was approved by the party
in power, the Government went out of office, and the
next ministry refused their sanction, unless the esti-
mated cost was reduced. Sometimes fresh plans were
^ Now Governor of New Zealand.
'•^ In New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, :md South
Australia.
26 MEMOIR OF
insisted on, and when, after much trouble and delay,
these were made, the original scheme was selected.
The choice depended upon the caprice of legislators
and the ebb and flow of public entliusiasm.
In 1879 Colonel Scratchley was awarded a C.M.G.
' for his valuable services in connection with the Defences
of Tasmania,' and was afterwards (1885) made K.C.M.G.
for services in Australia. These services are referred
to in the following Dispatches : —
Governor Weld fo the Earl of Carnarvon.
Tasmania, Government House, Hobart Town : Jan. 19, 1878.
My Lord, — I have the honour to report for Your Lordship's
information that His Excellency Sir William Jervois and Lieut. -
Colonel Scratchley, R.E. an'ived in Tasmania on the 30th
ultimo in order to report upon the Defence question.
I should also be gratified should your Lordship see fit to
express in the proper quarter our appreciation of the services of
Colonel Scratchley, who whilst here was indefatigable in examin-
ing into everything connected with the Defence Department,
and who made many valuable suggestions.
I trust that his services may be permanently retained by
the Australian Colonies to superintend the carrying out of
works recommended by Sir William Jervois.
I have &c.
(Signed) Fred. Weld, Governor.
The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon.
Downing Street : March 21, 1878.
Sir, — I am directed by the Secretary of State for the
Colonies to transmit to you for the information of the Secre- .
tary of State for War a copy of a despatch (No. 1. Jan. 19,
SIJi PETER SCRATCHLEY. 27
1878) from the Governor of Tasmania respecting the recent
visit of Sir W. Jervois, R.E., and Lieutenant-Colonel Scratchley,
R.E., to report upon the Defences of the Colony.
I am to call attention to the remarks of the Governor in
respect of the services rendered by Colonel Scratchley on this
occasion.
I am &c.
(Signed) W. R. Malcolm.
The Under-SecrotaTy of State, War Office.
Horse Guards, War Office: April 17, 1878.
Sir, — I am directed by the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-
Chief, to inform you that a letter has been received from the
Colonial Office covering a copy of a despatch from the Governor
of Tasmania, respecting the valuable services rendered by you
in reporting upon the Defences of that Colony, and to acquaint
you that His Royal Highness has been pleased to express his
great satisfaction at receiving so favourable a report.
I have &c.
(Signed) J. Grant,
Deputy Adjutant-General, R.E.
Lieut.-Colonel P. H. Scratchley, R.E., Melbourne.
War Office : April 17, 1878.
Sir, — With reference to your letter of the 21st ult., cover-
ing a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Tasmania re-
specting the valuable services rendered by Major-General Sir
W. Jervois, K.C.B., and Lieut.-Colonel Scratchley, R.E., in
reporting upon the defences of that Colony, I am directed to
acquaint you for the information of the Secretary of State for
the Colonies, that both Secretary Colonel Stanley and H.R.H.
the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief have expressed their
great satisfaction at receiving so favourable a report, and the
officers have been informed accordingly.
I have &c.
(Signed) Ralph Thompson.
The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office.
28 MEMOIR OF
111 1881 Colonel Scratchley visited Thursday Island
at the request of the Imperial authorities. Some
details connected with his visit, given in the following
letter written to his son Victor, then a boy of eleven
years, are interesting : —
Tt.M.S. Cliyebasga, at sea, Nov. 18, ]8S1.
My dear Boy, — I left Thursday Island yesterday. It was
Very hot ou the second day, because the wind from the south-
east, which blows steadily for nine months in the year, had
dropped. I spent the day on board a ketch, which is smaller
than a schooner. We sailed about for nearly eleven hours, and
were very tired on getting home. I wish you had been there, as
you would have enjoyed seeing the crew working the sails and
ropes. The water was quite calm, and the breeze steady, except
toward the evening, when I think it must have taken ns two or
three hours to go six miles. We had to tack when going against
the wind. We had a crew of four men. The ketch had a
tonnasfe of twelve tons. The old man who owned the boat
showed us a letter written some forty years ago by a sailor who
was the only survivor from a murderous attack made upon the
crew of a ship he was in by the natives on the coast of Queensland.
It described the attack by the natives, the way they got on board,
and by pretending to come to trade, they deceived the captain
and crew. They suddenly rose upon them and tomahawked all
except this man, who described in the letter how after being
wounded he hid himself below. The daughter of the native
chief saved him. He lived for some time on their island, then
he was rescued. We were also told of the emigrant ship, that
was bringing 300 or more Chinese to Victoria in 1858, during
the gold fever, which was attacked by a large number of natives
in canoes. The ship was captured, and the Chinese taken on
shore. They were surrounded by a stockade, and it is believed
that the whole of the wretched men were eaten. Each day a
few were killed, roasted, and eaten. This was done in the sight of
the survivors. One Chinaman escaped ; it is supposed that the
SIR PETER SCRATCHLEY. 29
natives did not think lie would be good eating. Of course
things are not so bad now, as the natives have been very severely
punished after each massacre. At any rate there are no hostile
cannibal blacks near Thursday Island. In New Guinea there
are some, but that is ninety miles off. I saw at Thursday
Island a Malay boat, a proa it is called, in which nine men
drifted for 1,000 miles, and were thirty-two days at sea. They
only had rice and a few fowls on board. They kept the fowls
until the end. Each day they caught rain-water (it was the
rainy seasan) and boiled the rice, drinking the tcater only. They
kept on day after day reboiling the rice. AVhen they arrived
at Thursday Island they were mere skin and bone, but quickly
recovered under kind treatment.
My trip has been very interesting. Near Thursday Island
I saw ant-hills on shore six feet high. I wonder whether
your books will tell you anything of this. I am told that
besides sharks, there are alligators in the sea in certain parts.
This is very curious, as I always thought that alligators only
lived at the mouth of rivers, or in them. Read and find out
about them.
On board our ketch there was a turtle about three feet
across. He had been caught the day before. He had just
escaped from a shark, which had nearly bitten off one of his —
I forget the name for the legs of a turtle. The poor creature is
now lying on his back, tied up. He now and then tried to free
himself, but being on his back could not. The turtle-soup you
used to drink was made in Queensland from turtles. I am told
that when the shark wants to attack a turtle he dives below it,
turns over, and then rises to make a snap. A shark has to
turn on his back to attack people. I was told that sharks are
very easily frightened. At the pearl fishery station, near
Thursday Island, we were told on our arrival that a poor native
swimmer had lost his leg by being bitten by a shark. He had
been lying in a barn for twelve days. Our doctor from the
ship went on shore and made it all right, giving the native
chloroform. The magistrate told me that one day he was out
in his cutter sailing, and suddenly felt as if the boat had struck
30 MEMOIR OF
on a rock. They tacked, and found it was a large turtle floating
on the top of the sea. They are much given to that sort of
thinor. The natives in India attack sharks by diving under
them and stabbing them. This morning a Chinese boat came
off. It was the queerest thing I have seen for a long time.
There were five Chinamen, each with an oddly-shaped straw
hat on ; each had an oar tied to the side of the boat, and a
rudder which looked a thousand years old. The sails were
quite different from our sails, and the boat was very like the
Malav proa I have already told you of. I also saw at Thursday
Island a native canoe with calico sails. These canoes are made
out of trees, the insides being burnt out. On each side of the
canoe there is an outrigger very tight, which prevents its
upsetting. You will remember your Cingalese canoe.
Good-bye, my dear boy.
Ever your most affectionate father.
P. H. S.
I shall be back soon.
In October 1882 Colonel Scratchley was retired
from the Army with the rank of Major-General, and
upon his return to England, in the early part of 1883,
he was appointed Adviser on Defences for Xew South
Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, and South
Australia, in which capacity he rendered signal service
to the Imperial and Colonial authorities in solving
many important questions connected with the defence
of the Australasian Colonies. However, his services in
this respect came to a somewhat abrupt end towards
the close of 1884. The Government having at last
determined to protect a part of Xew Guinea, it was
necessary to place at the head of affairs a man possessing
Colonial experience.
Everything seemed to point to General Scratchley
S/J? FETER SCRATCHLEY. 31
as the man best qualified to act as her Majesty's
representative in this part of the world. His ability
for great work had been proved. His popularity in
Australia was well known at home, and considering
the soreness then existing between the Colonies and the
mother-country, owing to the half-hearted policy dis-
played by the Government regarding the annexation of
New Guinea, and the fact that the Colonies were paying
the expense, it was very necessary to send out some one
whose past career would render him acceptable to the
Colonists. The appointment was pressed upon him,
and accepted. In November 1884, General Sci'atchley
once more left England to further the interests of his
country in another hemisphere.
On the voyage out he Avas never idle. When not
reading or writing; he was walkinor or conversing. In
the tropics he was up soon after five and retired early.
He ate and drank little, and in every way endeavoured
to keep up his physical condition for the work that lay
before him. Essentially a family man, he was never so
happy as when seeing after the wants of his wife and
children. Nor were his attentions entirely given to his
kith and kin ; strangers in misfortune were to him as
brothers. He was particularly kind to one young
fellow on board, whom he nursed through a serious
illness.
A somewhat remarkable incident on the voyage
may be recorded here. On Christmas Eve, the night
being perfect and the sea like glass, General Scratchley,
seated on the quarter-deck, told his intimates how, in
a dream the night before, he saw his friend Charles
32 MEMOIR OF
Gordon, Avho ap])cared to be in great trouble and
danger, although for what reason was not apparent.
A few weeks later the world heard of the hero's death.
Within twelve months it heard of the death of his friend.
Sir Peter Scratchley carefully considered those work-
ing under him, and, though strict, was never severe.
Still he exacted from his subordinates the amount of
w^ork he judged them capable of doing, and refused to
recognise an idle man in any way. Though tolerant in
his judgment of men, he never forgave dishonesty of
purpose, or placed further confidence in any one who
had once deceived him. Thorougrh himself in all his
Avork, he expected thoroughness in others. The maxim
' What is worth doing at all is worth doing well,' was
carried out in every detail of his life. Whether it were
letters or despatches, if, when written, they did not
express what he meant to say, he would write them
over and over again, until they appeared to his mind
entirely satisfactory. It is not intended to imply by
this that he liked entering into minute matters, but his
every action exhibited a determination to do well what-
ever he undertook to perform. This trait is character-
istically illustrated in a letter General Scratchley wrote
to his brother (the Eev. Charles Scratchley) concerning
the latter's sons : —
It may, I suppose, be said that 1 have been successful ; but
whatever success I may have attained I attribute to the circum-
stance that, Avhatever I had to do, I have endeavoured to do not
only well, but to the ver}- best of my power. Whoever follows
this plan will in time attract the attention of his superiors, and.
get on. Tell this to your sons.
S/J? PETER SCRATCHLEY. 33
He was also heard to remark on one occasion,
' I hate details, but whenever it is necessary for me
to master them, I do.' Curiously enough, this charac-
teristic was also to be found in his friend General
Gordon, wdio not unfrequently altered his tactics and
dictated new directions on the eve of a battle. Through-
out his career General Scratchley, strong himself, was
never unmindful of the weakness of others ; yet neither
the pressure of circumstances nor the force of temptation
had any weight w4th his sense of justice. He would
punish the individual who erred from the path of duty,
whether it were public or private, at all hazards, but
having once passed judgment, not unfrequently with a
sternness approaching almost to severity, he would after-
wards encourage the culprit by deeds of kindness and
words of advice.
In everything he displayed untiring energy and fixity
of purpose. Independent to a degree bordering some-
times on indifference, he would act from experience
rather than rule. Tact coupled with fearlessness car-
ried him successfully through many imj^ortant under-
takings, where others more erratic and less bold would
have failed. His manner, though at times brusque and
offhand, was manly and refined. But his forethought
for others was often remarked by those about him.
Practical instances of this trait in his character were
seen in his personal inspection of the arrangements
made for the crew of the ship that took him to New
Guinea, and again in his care of a petty ofiicer who was
ill from fever. Sir Peter Scratchley personally saw that
his wants were attended to, and frequently visited liim,
D
34 MEMOIR OF
and not on]}- sent him in a special steamer to Sydney,
but also took much trouble in making arrangements for
his comfort upon his arrival there. His interest in the
man never flagged, and when ill himself from the same
fearful malady, he called his private secretary to his
side and asked him to Avrite and tell the officer how
sorry he was that he had not shown greater sympathy
witli him during his severe illness.
The most decrepit native was treated by him with
the same amount of kindness that he bestowed on the
liale and hearty. Hence it is not a matter of surprise
that he won in a very short space of time the confidence
and love of the natives of New Guinea. ' Alas for Xew
Guinea! ' said Mr. Lawes,^ when he heard of Sir Peter's
premature death ; ' she has indeed lost a true friend and
father.'
Mr. Chalmers thus writes : ' The General was a
grand man ; I loved and trusted him. Poor Xew Guinea
has lost a true and loyal friend, and one in whose hands
native interests were safe. The General did too much
hard mental and physical work.' An instance of his
kindness to the native children was shown when one
day some fishing canoes came alongside the Governor
Blackall. A little girl, between five and six years old,
seated in one of them, attracted his attention. He sent
one of the crew to bring lier on board, and himself pre-
sented her witli beads and a looking-glass — gifts which
greatly pleased the little thing, and caused much chatter
about tlie new arrival tliat night in the native village.
' The ReTs. AV. J. Lawee and J. Chalmere are the Heads of the London
MissiAn in >'ew Guinea.
SJR PETER SCRATCHLEY. 35
Other instances of Sir Peter's kind treatment of the
natives will be found recorded in the part of this book
devoted to his work in New Guinea. Suffice it to say
here, that by the exercise of tact and judgment coupled
with generosity and kindness, Sir Peter sowed seeds of
friendship for white men in the hearts of those who
formerly feared and hated them.
This life, so devoted to duty, was destined to be
closed prematurely by jungle fever, contracted in New
Guinea ; the same deadly form of disease to which, early
in this century, his maternal grandfather, Captain
Eoberts, Commandant of Colombo, had fallen a victim
in the jungles of Ceylon.
Sir Peter Scratchley died at sea on December 2,
1885. The greatest sorrow was expressed throughout
Australia at his untimely death. His body was con-
veyed to Melbourne and there received the honour
of a public funeral, which was attended by delegates
from the other Australasian colonies. The body was
afterwards brought to England and interred in Old
Charlton Cemetery.
AUSTEALIAN DEFENCES.
CHAPTEE I.
GENERAL DEFENCE.
The Australasian Colonies are favourably situated for
defence against foreign aggression, and no hostile
power is likely to incur the expense, or run the risks
involved, in sending out an expedition for the purpose
of gaining a permanent footing in that part of the
world. At the same time it is extremely unwise to
disregard the possibility of such an attempt being made,
more especially in the event of the mother country
being unable to render any assistance. The Colonies
should therefore look the question fairly in the face,
and in any event be prepared to protect themselves.
' No one who is acquainted with Australia,' said Sir Peter
Scratchley, ' can deny that it possesses the best material
for establishing, in an economical manner, a sound
system of self-defence, and should the Colonies delay
the adoption of ordinary precautions, they will remain
exposed to the risk of a successful raid by a well-armed
cruiser, which would be productive of the most serious
consequences.' ^
He considered that the influence which torpedoes,
especially of the offensive class, must have upon all
^ This opinion was expressed before the present schemes of defence were
adopted.
E 2
40 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
defensive arrangements in the future was scarcely
appreciated in Australia. ' It is admitted,' he said one
day, when addressing a technical audience on tlie
subject, ' that their introduction simplifies and reduces
the cost of coast defence to a very large extent ; but
it is not generally recognised that offensive torpedoes
may be brought to such a high degree of perfection as
to render it necessary to abandon the construction of
ironclads, and resort to unsinkable unarmoured sliips
of great speed and heavy armament. Until this
point is reached, however, defensive torpedoes must be
the main element of protection, wherever the question
of cost is of paramount importance ; but at the same
time it is to be distinctly understood that no scheme
of coast defence by torpedoes, whether offensive or de-
fensive, can be considered complete, unless the tor-
pedoes are supported and protected by guns and a land
force. A good system of submarine mines is a para-
mount necessity for an efficient defence, and nothing must
be allowed to stand in tlie way of establishing and main-
taining in liustralia the requisite organisation in as
complete a manner as possible, as without torpedoes ^
a reliable defence of the Australian Colonies cannot
be carried out.'
The Russians employed torpedoes during the Crimean
war for the defence of their ports in the Baltic, but
without success. Tlie Confederate States of America,
however, used them to some purpose, and their employ-
ment had a marked influence upon the naval opera-
^ The employment of torpedoes in the scheme for Port Jackson enables
ITf ew South Wales to depend upon a siug-le or outer line of defence instead
of .t^'O lines. See p. 151.
GENERAL DEFENCE. 41
tions of the Northei'iiers during the hitter part of the
War of Secession. From that time up to the present,
the attention of every European nation, and also of
the United States of America, has been directed to the
subject. Great Britain, possessing special facilities and
experience in the manufacture of electrical cables, ex-
plosives, and other appliances for submarine defences,
soon took the lead in this as in other branches of defen-
sive warfare ; but foreign Powers rapidly began to show
equal activity in the matter, and now there is scarcely
a foreign port of any importance which, in time of
war, would not be found well protected by means of
torpedoes.^
In planning any complete system of Australasian
defence the external or naval defence for the protection
of conmierce must not be overlooked. As a matter of
economy, Sir Peter Scratchley considered that small
armaments of the heaviest guns,^ both on land and sea,
should be adopted, as only a moderate force is necessary
to secure their efficient working. ' Any country,' he
said, ' that selects the heaviest guns, the most power-
ful armoured forts, and the most perfect system of
defensive and offensive torpedoes on the smallest scale,
secures at once for itself an undoubted superiority for
very many years to come, and avoids the constantly
recurring expense of making changes in order to
keep up with the times.' The main object in view
when planning the defence of a port is to prevent
an enemy's ships from entering, hence the first line
' For farther information on this subject, see chapter on Torpedo Defence
^ An instance of this policy is to be found in the adoption bj' the
Italian Government of 100-ton guns for their navy.
42 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
of defence should naturally be established as near tlie
entrance as possible. For this purpose the natural
configuration of the land in the Australasian Colonies
is favourable.
Several persons think that to secure a really re-
liable defence, Australia should depend entirely upon
a permanent force. Sir Peter Scratchley believed that
this was a wrong view, and, being satisfied from what he
had seen of Volunteers in England as Avell as in Aus-
tralia, encouraged everything that tended to promote
the efficiency of a Volunteer force in the Colonies.^
' Knowledge and experience,' he remarked at a
Colonial inspection of Volunteers, ' are more than ever
the moving springs of all naval and military operations,
and the Australian Governments should not delay in
establishing proper schools of instruction. A still
greater necessity for this step exists in consequence of
the local forces in Australia being almost entirely com-
posed of Volunteers. Further efforts should also be
made to train every officer in the theory as well as the
practice of his duties, while facilities ought to be afforded
to the non-commissioned officers and men to gain similar
knowledge. All exercises should be conducted exactly
as they would have to be put into practice in time of
war, and should be rehearsed as frequently as possible
upon the actual ground to be occupied to resist an
attack, in oixler that every officer and soldier may know
his exact place and what is expected of him, and in this
manner only can the inherent defects of a Volunteer
orcanisation be counteracted.'
' For further information on this subject see pp. 107-9.
GENERAL DEFENCE. 43
Now as to the modes of attack to which the
Australasian Colonies are exposed. They may be briefly
sumraarised thus : An enemy might —
(i.) Despatch one or more cruisers to make a de-
scent upon the coast, or operate against her commerce.
A squadron intended for such an operation would prob-
ably consist of three or four vessels, one or two of which
might possibly be ironclads. These vessels, eluding our
cruisers, and appearing suddenly before one of the
capitals or chief towns, might capture the merchant
ships lying in the harbour, intercept any of the nume-
rous ships conveying gold and colonial produce, or,
under threat of bombardment, demand a payment of
many millions of money. Supplies of coal might be
procured from any unprotected coal depot.
(ii.) Endeavour to force his way into a port, or
blockade the entrance.
(iii.) Attempt to capture the batteries with a view to
permanent occupation, or land a force with the object of
meeting the local troops assembled to arrest his advance.
(iv.) Attempt to bombard an exposed town from the
open sea.
These attacks Sir Peter Scratchley considered could
only be provided against by a combination of military
and naval defences.^
The schemes of defence set forth in the following
pages, for the several Australasian Colonies, were based
upon the suppositions : —
* Sir Peter Scratchley adopted the data thus laid down in liis recommen-
dations for the defences of New Zealand, so far as the fortification of the
principal harhours was concerned.
44 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES
That til ere was no probability of an expedition on
any extensive scale being despatched against Australia,
so long as Great Britain retained command of the seas.
That, in the event of Great Britain being engaged
in hostilities with any great maritime Power, a sufficient
watch would be kept by the Imperial Navy, to intercept,
or follow up, an expedition dii-ected against Australia.
The scliemes aim at fortifying the principal harbours
and approaches to the capitals by batteries and torpedo
defences, provide field forces where required to resist
a landing of the enemy, and recommend armed vessels
(in some cases armoured) and torpedo launches, not only
for the general defence of tlie towns on the sea coast,
but also for the protection of local commerce, and as
a provision against bombardment.
Notwithstanding the soundness of these views.
General Scratchley found people in Australia who
either did not believe in the necessity for any defence
whatever, or who proposed to throw the burden upon
the mother country. The number of persons holding
these opinions is, however, rapidly diminishing. Again,
he met individuals who, being in favour of a policy of
inaction, advocated submission to the enemy with the
view of buying him off, expecting that their losses
w^ould be made good out of the indemnity they assumed
the mother country would be able to extort from the
defeated enemy.
In fact, in the course of duty, he came across an
extraordinary diversity of opinion on the subject. Tliis
is greatly to be regretted, because it leads to half-
GENERAL DEFENCE. 45
hearted measures, frequent changes in mihtary poHcy,
and in the long run prevents the question of defence
being dealt with in a thorough, comprehensive, con-
sistent and businesslike manner. Economists, he ob-
served, oppose a large expenditure on defences, and
prefer to run a certain risk and a possible disaster,
involving the loss of enormous sums of money if the
enemy were successful, rather than face the difficult}' in
good time, and, by incurring the necessary expenditure,
effect what may fairly be looked upon as an insurance
upon the property of the country. This may without
impropriety be designated ' the penny wise and pound
foolish' policy, a policy that leaves to chance what
should be carefully planned beforehand, and whicli can
only result in disgrace and disaster.
Some people in Australia think the Colonies would
be unable to hold their own against a determined
enemy ; an impression that gained ground, no doubt,
owing to tlie incomplete and desultory character of
former ^ defence preparations. This belief, however, is
fast disappearing now that the Colonial Governments
have determined to follow the advice given at their
request by the highest authorities. Others say that
Australia is not worth attacking ; while a few are of
opinion that the colonies cannot afford the expense of
self-defence, and therefore it would be better to separate
from the mother country, rather than remain liable to
attack whenever Great Britain may be at war with a
foreign Power. The first argument may be dismissed
at once as absurd. The second apparently seems more
' Preparations made before 1877.
46 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
feasible ; but recent events show that the friendly rela-
tions between the mother country and her colonies are
fast becoming closer and closer, and tliat therefore
any plan of defence involving separation would now
meet with little or no support.
Sir Frederick "Weld/ speaking at Launceston some
5"ears ago upon ' The Eelation between England and
her Colonies, and their Duties in reference to Defence,'
referred to these points as follows :
England -will no doubt defend us, but it is impossible that
her fleets should be everywhere, and you cannot expect her
single unarmoured ships of no great size to lie in ports where
they would not be assisted in case of need by batteries, and
might be caught in a trap by a superior force. Were such a
ship, for instance, lying at Hobart To^va, and were there reason
to suspect a probable visit fi'om a more powerful enemy, it would
be clearly her duty to put out to sea, where she could escape, or
manoeuvre, unless there existed a local system of defence with
which to co-operate. It must also be remembered that it may
often be the duty of a naval commander to keep his force well
in hand, ready to direct it on any point that might be threatened,
or himself to attack an enemy, for offensive operations are
often the best defence. I think that it may be reasonably ex-
pected that in a war England would be able to prevent any
powerful expedition being directed against the colonies. Such
an expedition could not be fitted out and get to sea secretly ; it
would probably never get to sea at all ; and if it did, it would
almost certainly be taken or destroyed. I doubt not also but
that England would take vigorous measures, by the employment
of swift cruisers, to protect commerce and to capture hostile
cruisers or privateers ; indeed, we already hear that she is
prepai'ed to do so ; but the seas are wide, and even in the
old days of sailing vessels, at the end of last century and
' Sir Frederick A. Weld, K.C.M.G., was then Governor of Tasmania.
He is now Goyeinor of tte Straits Settlements.
GENERAL DEEENCE. 47
beginning of this, when we had clouds of cruisers and privateers
of our own on the seas, we never did absolutely succeed in
clearing them of small hostile cruisers and privateers, though
we did clear them of hostile fleets. We must not forget Paul
Jones ; and we all remember how much injury the Alabama
inflicted upon the commerce of the Northern States before she
was met and captured, though several vessels were solely occu-
pied in her pursuit ; thei'efore I do think that it is probable
that some vessels of that class, for which telegrams tell us a
national subscription is now being raised in Russia, may succeed
in eluding English cruisers for a while, and may attack and levy
subsidies upon, or, in default, plunder, British settlements that
are not ready to resist them.
Are we worth attacking ? The bullion in the banks would
be a rich prize, as has been noted in Russian newspapers, which
have latel}' published the colonial bank returns ; but the bullion
in the banks would by no means be necessarily the measure of
the subsidy required — the measure of the ransom would be the
measure of the strong man's cupidity and the defenceless man's
fear. Moreover, the destruction of shipping and of stores, the
interruption of commerce, the collapse of public works and of
public and private credit, would only be remedied by time and by
the imposition of heavy taxation. I once asked an eminent mer-
chant what he would do under the circumstances ; and he said,
' Well, it might happen, and, if it did, I think I should arrange
my affairs as well as I could, and move off to safer quarters.' I
said, ' Would it not be wiser to pay a small insurance in the
form of defence, and make things safe ? ' Remember, too, that
to pay subsidies and ransoms is the surest way to invite future
visits. It is a policy as fallacious as it is disgraceful ; it has
ever had the same result ; it is like offering a premium for
robbery. And further, Ifear in mind that, having once bought
experience, people would raise an outcry for defence — for lock-
ing the door after the purse was stolen, and very little left
wherewith to buy a lock.
This remarkable address, cominfj from an old New
48 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
Zealand colonist, who had become acquainted with the
subject in its different aspects,^ attracted much attention
at the time. It is worthy the consideration of all who
take an interest in the question of Australasian defence.
Wlien the annual expenditure of a country has to
be reduced, the attention of its rulers is but too often
directed to retrenchment in the military expenditure.
' In Australia, in times of peace, with no immediate
danger, and with so many persons indifferent to the
subject of defence, no hesitation is shown in making the
reduction.' The mihtary engineer, therefore, in devising
a scheme of defence for the Australasian Colonies, has to
consider the cost fully as much as the requirements.
' His function,' said Sir Peter Scratchley, ' is not only
to study the resources and necessities of the country to
be defended, hut also to ascertain from the Government
tlie amount that can be fairly expended for establishing
and maintaining a system of defence. In other words,
he must cut his coat according to his cloth. The
problem presented to the mihtary engineer is how to
estabhsh and maintain a reliable defence, organised
with the resources available for tlie purpose, at the
lowest possible cost.'
It has been stated that the military engineer lias
little or nothing to do with the expenditure, and that
his duty should be confined to advising what is requisite
for an efficient defence. Sir Peter thought the process
should be reversed, and that the Australasian Parliaments
should severally decide what annual expenditure each
colony could afford for defence purposes for a term of
^ In bis capacities of colonist, Colonial Minister and Governor.
GENERAL DEFENCE. 49
years, and agree to have peace and war establishments
for the defence forces, together with reserves which can
be embodied in time of war. The hand-to-mouth policy
which unfortunately prevailed for so long a time was
the natural outcome of dealing with the defence question
from year to year, and he considered it unreason-
able to expect satisfactory results, unless some security
was offered that a fair trial would be given to any
approved scheme. The military authorities of the
Colonies ought not to lose sight of the fact that they
are providing for a defence organisation different from
that of any other country, inasmuch as it may never
necessarily have to bear the test of war. They should
carefully consider the peace arrangements as much as
the war requirements. ' Once,' said General Scratchley,
' the necessary defensive measures represented by the
capital expenditure have been provided, they must
endeavour to arrange for their maintenance with local
means which are readily available. But whether the
defensive arrangements are on a large or small scale,
the details must be entirely planned or marked out
during peace, and nothing must be left to chance, for in
proportion to the degree of preparation in time of peace,
will be the power of efficient defence in case of war.'
The tendency of English-speaking races is to
disregard this maxim, and place too much reliance
upon pluck and readiness of resource. The secret of
German superiority in recent times is without doubt to
be found in their recognition of this axiom. A lavish
and needless expenditure will invariably result from
neglect of preparation. Indeed too much stress cannot
50 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
be laid upon this aspect of the question, and if tliis
advice is followed, there will probably be no recur-
rence of that uneasiness which of late years has so
frequently alarmed the Australasian Colonies, whenever
there is a chance of England being engaged in a
European war.
General Scratchley considered the true value of forti-
fication was not understood in Australia. Speaking on
the subject he said: 'Fortification is unquestionably the
most economical way of securing a place from attack.
It enables the defenders to utilise their defensive powers
in the most effective manner. It leads to direct
economy, not only in the first cost, but in the main-
tenance of the defences. Where fortification is not
resorted to, a very large expenditure has to be incurred
in the provision of floating defences, and in the main-
tenance of naval and military forces. This heavy
expenditure goes on from year to year, without adding
to the defensive power of the country. On the other
hand, with fortification, once the first cost has been in-
curred, the annual cost of maintenance is insignificant,
and the defensive resources are ever present and imme-
diately available.'
One of the objects of acting on the defensive is to
gain time. Addressing the Queensland Volunteers on
this point, he observed that field fortification was a
means to this end, and that as Australia will be more
or less unprepared, everything that may tend to retard
the operations of the enemy by sea or land will be so
much gain. ' At the same time,' he said, ' the maxim
that the attack is often the best defence must never
GENERAL DEFENCE. 51
be lost sight of, and field defences must invariably be
so planned as to admit of the free movement of the
defenders, and nothing must be allowed to stand in
the way of their being able to assume the offensive
at the right moment. Fortified positions may be
strong independent points of support in the rear of
a force, to secure its communications ; or strong self-
contained defensive positions upon the line of the
enemy's advance, in which the defenders would await
his attack ; or, again, in which an over-matched or
defeated force may continue a resistance no longer
possible in the open field. There is much for Australia
to learn from recent wars, and especially from the last
Kusso-Turkish War. General Valentine Baker, who
commanded a Turkish force in Bulgaria, remarked that
the extraordinary vahie of a system of shelter trenches or hght
field fortifications was constantly exemplified during the war.
I never once during the campaign saw a position which had been
lightly fortified in this manner taken by a front attack by either
one side or the other. The moment the Turkish soldier moved
into a position near the enemy, even if it were possible that he
might only remain in that position for one day, the pack-horses
carrying the shovels and pickaxes were immediately brought to
the front, and there and then each battalion entrenched itself:
with this result, that if a Turkish army advanced, it left behind
it a succession of entrenched positions on which to fall back in
case of a reverse. The system of shelter trenches adopted by
the Turkish army varied as they gained experience. It was
singular to note the extraordinarily small loss suffei'ed by the
men, even if exposed for hours to a continuous and heavy fire of
artillery. The same system was used for guns with an equally
good effect, and gun-pits sunk almost to the level of the earth
were found to be most practically useful.
52 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
If a soldier is taught to tlirow up shelter trenches wherever
he rests, and consequently to leave those trenches for more for-
ward positions as opportunity offers, there is no falling off in his
willingness to attack. It is true that, conscious as he will be of
the value which he himself derives from entrenchments, he may
hesitate to attack with vigour positions so entrenched ; but, in
ray opinion, his reasoning is both just and natural and com-
manders, who in the future urge their men forward to frontal at-
tacks upon previously prepared and entrenched positions, simply
court disaster antl defeat.
' Positions are generally open to turning move-
ments. This is a point which engineers must not
lose sight of in planning the fortification of positions
between Sydney and Broken Bay, as well as other
points on the coast.'
' The infantry must be capable of doing every kind
of work required for its own security without relying
on the engineers, who will have to devote their time
to fortifj'ing the key points of a position. The infantry
will liave to construct rifle-pits, trenches for compact
bodies of troops to fire from, and trenches intended for
shelter only.'
' The construction of gun-pits will fall upon the field
artillery. All this points to the necessity of imparting
instruction to the artillery and infantry in field de-
fences. By first training the engineers carefully to a
thorough knowledge of the Avork, there would be no
difficult)^ in carrying out such a course of instruction.
This opens out another very important question as
to the arrangements for supj)lying the infantry with
tools. This can be done by adopting the pack-
horse, a mode of transport with which Austrahans are
GENERAL DEFENCE. 53
well acquainted. After deciding upon the general
plan of defence the salient points should be the first to
be fortified, and, in making the necessary connections
between these points, the main object should be to
obtain a certain amount of immediate cover for the
infantry and artillery, this cover being afterwards
improved should time be available.'
' As regards obstacles, they may be used either in
conjunction with defensive works, or in the open field
to stop an advance or to increase the difficulties of a
night attack. In Australia, where the country is much
wooded and long ranges cannot in consequence be
secured, and the enemy has only a short distance to
pass over under fire, obstacles are especially valuable.
They will perform their part if only they retard the
progress of the enemy's advance and break up his
formations. Natural features of the ground can be
readily converted into serious obstacles by cutting wet
ditches, making deep cuts and holes in shallow water,
and rendering steep places precipitous. Ahattis formed of
limbs of trees laid close together are particularly suited
to the AustraUan bush. Entanglements made with
wire and placed in front of the ditches of a redoubt, or
where the rapid advance of the enemy must be checked,
can be employed to a very large extent. They require
little skill, and can be very expeditiously constructed.
Ordinary post and rail fences would also be found to be
very useful obstructions. Palisades, trouti-de-loup, or
pits with stakes at the bottom, barricades, fougasses, and
especially mechanical mines for very important points,
should be introduced in the field defences. The mere
P
54 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
knowledge of the fact that carefully fortified positions
had been selected to resist his progress, would render
it most improbable that an enemy woidd attempt to
land ; but to gain this degree of preparation no line
should be lost. The roads, tracks, and country gene-
rally over which the enemy may be expected to
advance, must be carefully reconnoitred and studied.'
' Plans giving the fullest detailed information are
essential. When tliese plans are issued, officers of the
several arms should be invited to reconnoitre roads and
tracks, to study the ground, and submit projects ol
attack and defence for the consideration of the com-
mander, who would then issue his instructions to his
officers selected to prepare the positions, whenever war
was declared.'
In organising a system of the defence for a country,
care must be taken so to combine the several parts as
to produce a complete and harmonious whole. This is
what Sir Peter Scratchley did when he came to the
conclusion that the best scheme of defence for the
Australasian Colonies was one including the following
defensive elements in due relation to each other :
On Land.
1. Defensive works.
2. Guns.
3. Torpedoes— defensive or stationary, offensive or
locomotive.
4. Obstructions — passive and active.
5. Military forces — cavalry, artillery, engineers,
torpedo men, and infantry.
GENERAL DEFENCE.
55
At Sea and Afloat.
/Defen-f Armoured — Floating batteries.
^ -^,1 ^. sive. i Unarraoured — Gun-boats,
o. Jbloating
T\ ^ ^ {r\cx- (Armoured — Ironclad vessels
JJeiences Unen-
-
sive.
\ Unarmoured — Swift cruisers,
\ \ torpedo-boats.
The first step aimed at was to devise a means of
protection against the minor attacks of cruisers, by
the employment of defensive and offensive torpedoes,
in combination with guns on. land and gunboats armed
with heavy guns. At the same time he advocated that
more powerful defensive works at sea should be begun,
and arrangements for repelling a landing in force
organised. As great difficulty would be experienced
in maintaining a large force of trained gunners w^ithout
incurring a very heavy expenditure, he considered
that the defensive works should be designed on the
smallest scale compatible with efficiency and so as to
include modern improvements. The guns required for
the protection of the submarine mines should be mounted
in inexpensive works, but those intended to check and
beat off vessels attempting to force a passage should be
protected so as not to be silenced by the enemy's fire.
Leading public men in the Australasian Colonies
have given much consideration to the question of
defence, and there can be no doubt that, if aided
in the future as they have been in the past by the
advice of competent Imperial officers, they will be
able to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion as to the
F 2
56 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
proper measures to be adopted in each case. The
system of defence advocated ' does not involve any
large expenditure of money without adequate results ;
and there are no real impediments which cannot
be readily overcome, provided the Colonial Govern-
ments approach the subject in a broad and liberal
spirit.' Considering, however, the difference of opinion
which exists, even among acknowledged authorities, as
to the relative merits and importance of eacli element
of a complete system of defence under various circum-
stances, Sir Peter considered it preferable to start from
a common basis, and leave the decision to the officers
entrusted with the duty of advising.
In some instances, he acknowledged, it would not be
practicable to provide the several elements in the order
advocated. For example, ' where the channel to be
defended is narrow and well defined, with suitable sites
for guns, it would be preferable to establish a system
of submarine defence, combined with the heaviest arma-
ment on land, to the exclusion of unarmoured gun-
boats ; while on the other hand, if the channel is broad
and a large expanse of water has to be protected, the
best combination would be to employ heavily armed
gun-boats to support the submarine defences, with
torpedo vessels as auxiharies. Again, as in the case of
Port Pliillip, where the channels are broad and nu-
merous, and there are other points besides the entrance
to be defended, no doubt a turret-ship, and one or
more gun-boats with torpedo vessels, will be considered
to be most advantageous. In every case, however,
such of the elements of defence as arc omitted for the
GENERAL DEFENCE. 57
present may be added in future years, when tlie power
and efficiency of the defences will be increased in pro-
portion as each element is added ; while, long before
the full development is reached, the defensive arrange-
ments will be sufficient to repel any attack that may
reasonably be expected for many years to come.'
Lastly, General Scratchley wished the Colonies to
bear in mind that although they cannot affiDrd to be
satisfied with the best of existing defensive appliances,
yet, by the exercise of foresight and enterprise, they
must endeavour to reduce within the narroAvest limits
the constantly recurring expense of keeping pace with
the improvements in naval and military science.
58 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
CHAPTER IT.
NAVAL DEFENCE.
'Every complete scheme of coast defence consists of
two parts, which must be combined to produce the best
results.' The Australasian Colonies are fortunately
situated in respect of the first part, that of acting on
the offensive in the open sea, as it is practically under-
taken by the mother-country ; while their own interests
should naturally induce them to provide the other, or
defensive part, themselves. With regard to this latter
step, Sir Peter Scratchley considered that each Colony
should undertake the entire charge and responsibility
of its own defensive arrangements, and so lessen the
difficulties surrounding the Imperial Government in
providing adequate protection for Australasian com-
merce in time of war, and increase the chances of
effective assistance being afforded to the Colonies by the
mother-country, in the event of their being attacked.
'According to the completeness and thoroughness of the
defensive measures adopted will the naval supremacy
of the British Empire be strengthened, and the Aus-
tralasian Colonies themselves directly benefited, as in-
creased freedom and power will thus be afforded to the
Royal Navy, for encountering any hostile expedition
that may be despatched against them.'
NAVAL DEFENCE. 59
It is evident that the efficiency of the Australian
squadron would be seriously impaired if it were liable
to be called upon to render assistance to individual
Colonies. This squadron has too extended a sphere
of action to do more than cruise in search of hostile
ships and afford general protection to Australasian
commerce, although it would appear, if the Admiral
' received reliable information of any intended attack,
it would be his duty to render assistance so long as he
did not impair the efficiency of his force in carrying
out the main objects for which it is provided by the
mother-country.' Here it may be pointed out that Sir
Peter deemed it ' imperative that the instructions given
to the officer in charge of the squadron should be in
specific terms, and well understood by the Australasian
Governments, so as to ensure combined action and
avoid misunderstanding from the fact of the responsi-
bilities undertaken by the mother-country and her
Colonial dependencies, respectively, not being clearly
defined.'
Although Sir Peter Scratchley looked upon the pro-
gress made in the military defences of the Australasian
Colonies as highly satisfactory, he considered that much
remained to be done in the matter of their naval de-
fences. In his opinion the several Governments should
combine and establish one general scheme of naval de-
fence, to be worked in conjunction with the Imperial
Navy.
Admiral Tryon has lately been endeavouring to
bring about a combination of this kind, but the difficulty
of cost has hitherto proved insurmountable. Not long
6o AUSTRALIAN DEFEXCES.
since the Governors of tlie Australasian Colonies ad-
dressed to Mr. Edward Stanhope, then Colonial Secretary
of State, a joint telegraphic message requesting informa-
tion as to what steps the Admiralty proposed to take
for strengthening the naval defences of the Australian
station, in the event of England being involved in a
European war.
The Colonial Governments and the Admiralty, al-
though united as to the necessity of augmenting the
permanent naval forces in Australian waters, are unable
to agree upon the apportionment of the cost ; and, even
if this question were satisfactorily adjusted, probably
two years would elapse before the new vessels required
could be constructed and sent out. Meanwhile the
Colonial Governments are of opinion that it is a
matter of urgency that the Australian naval squadron
should be strengthened, in view of their being suddenly
called upon to protect the merchant shipping. Under
the present system the Australasian Colonies must ne-
cessarily be in time of war a source of weakness and
anxiety to the mother- country, whereas if the several
Colonies acting together were to combine with Great
Britain in keeping up a joint system of naval defence,
the combination would directly strengthen the defensive
power of the Empire, and go far to assuage the present
uneasiness that exists in Australia,
' Whenever there has been a chance of Great Britain
being involved in war with a naval power, the Austra-
lasian Colonies have hitherto taken alarm, and expense
has often been incurred on defensive measures which
would be inefficient if war had actually taken place.'
NAVAL DEFENCE. 6i
The feeling of alarm, however, ceases when war no
longer appears imminent, and the question of defence
fails once more to occupy a prominent position in
Australasian politics.
Opinions difier as to the nature of the attacks to
which the Australasian Colonies are exposed ; but at
the same time both naval and military authorities concur
as to the absolute necessity of fortifying the harbours
of the capitals, together with such other ports and coal
depots as may afford places of refuge and shelter in
case of need.
Sir William Jervois deemed it necessary that the
Colonies should be prepared to resist the attack of a
squadron composed of three or four vessels, one or two
of which might be ironclads, and capable of landing a
force of about 1,200 men. In this opinion Sir Peter
Scratchley entirely concurred. Sir William thus remarks
upon the nature and degree of attack to which the
Australasian Colonies might be subjected :
In the event of Great Britain being engaged in hostilities
with any great maritime Power, the enemy would retain the
most powerful portion of his fleet in European waters, or in the
Atlantic, for the protection of his country or for operations in the
immediate neighbourhood of hostilities. If he sent his fleet, or
any considerable portion of it, on an expedition against the Aus-
tralian Colonies, a suflacient part of our Home fleet would in turn
be set free to intercept it, and our squadrons in the Pacific, on
the China, the Australian, and Indian stations, might, if neces-
sary, be concentrated to oppose it.
But whilst the bulk of the enemy's naval forces would be
occupied in the immediate scene of action in Europe or America,
he might no doubt despatch one or more cruisers to operate
against our maritime commerce, or make a descent upon any of
62 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
our colonial possessions ; and the Australian Colonies, owing to
their wealth and prosperity, would, if undefended at certain
points, be tempting objects of attack.
A squadron intended for such an operation might consist of
some three or four vessels, one or two of which would probably
be armoured, and might issue from the Russian ports of Vladi-
vostok or Petropaulovski, from the French port of Saigon, from
San Francisco, or from some other quarter. Eluding our
cruisers, and appearing suddenly before Sydney, Melbourne,
Adelaide, or in Moreton Bay, it might capture the merchant
vessels lying in the harbours, intercept any of the numerous
vessels conveying valuable shipments of gold, or under threat
of bombardment, or after actually firing into one of the large
towns, demand and obtain a payment of many millions of
money.
Or this object might possibly be attained by an enemy land-
ing a small force in the vicinity of one of the places named, if
the configuration of the country were favourable to such a plan,
and if steps were not taken to prevent it.
Admiral Wilson states that the defence question
must be considered ' under the supposition that England
retains her command of the seas, for were she to lose it,
as a matter of course the Colonies would go too ; and
the defence and force required to maintain independence
of a foreign Power would necessarily be totally different
from what, under present conditions, is required.'
It has been suggested as possible that during war a squadron
of fast frigates, including even an ironclad, might escape the
vigilance of our fleet and make a descent on the Australian
coast. There is no doubt that such is j^ossihle, but I cannot
allow that it is reasonably probable, and it appears to me that
we have to deal with probabilities more than possibilities.
But to examine this branch of the subject, it must be re-
membered that, in these days of steam and telegraphic commu-
NAVAL DEFENCE. 63
nication, the locale of every war ship in the world is known,
and that, as a matter of fact, the moment war is declared, each
and every ship of any power would be watched by our cruisers.
Still there is the possibility of enemies' ships evading our vessels,
or we may be beaten in action, and so leave them uncontrolled,
but even then it is by no means clear that they could or would
make an attempt at attack.
My reason for arriving at this conclusion is that no war
ship has yet been built which can steam 2,500 miles at full
speed, except some light steel vessels, and it is but reasonable
to conclude that enemies' vessels attacking these Colonies could
only hope for success by dealing a sharp unexpected blow,
therefore speed is an essential element in the calculation.
Another point is that, although coal is abundant in Australia,
no judicious commander would attempt such an expedition as
we are now contemplating on the chance of picking up a coal
ship at sea, or of being able to get it by capture from the shore.
Thus we find that a war ship could not, with a reasonable hope
of success, make a descent on an enemy's coast at a greater
distance from a coal depot than is represented by (say) two-
thirds of her full speed coal power.
If my hypothesis be correct, an examination of the chart
will show that there are few places within the limits prescribed
from which cruisers could be sent. The three nearest possible
enemies' ports, belonging to first-rate Powers, from which ships
of war could be despatched, are —
PetropauloTski, distant from Melbourne . 5,900 miles
Sau Francisco „ „ . 6,800 „
New Caledonia „ „ . 1,550 „
The last-named place need hardly be included, as no armament
of any strength could be prepared or assembled there without
the knowledge of the Colonies.
It might be argued that war ships would be preceded by
coal ships, and replenish at one of the numerous islands in the
Pacific ; but against such a premise must be set the delay it
would entail, and the amount of arrangement and preparation,
which would seriously diminish the chances of the attacking
64 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
force, while it would give ample time for places likely to be
the scene of attack to prepare. There are, it is true, some
coaling depots amongst the Western Pacific Islands belonging
to Germans and Americans ; but as these are quite unprotected
by batteries, and would at once be destroyed by the regular
navy in the event of war being declared by or with the nations
to which they belong, they cannot be looked upon as depots for
war purposes.
He concludes by observing that the probable class
of vessels to be expected in time of war, and which
the Colonies should be prepared to meet, are armed
merchant vessels, possessing great speed and coal
vitality. Such vessels, if well commanded, might do
immeasurable damage both to shipping and exposed
ports, and could more easily evade the watchful eye
of our cruisers and consuls abroad, while from their
coal capacity they might be fitted out at remote ports,
and pass unobserved, disguised as traders, over half the
world.
General Scratchley admitted the force of Admiral
Wilson's arguments, but refused to accept his conclu-
sions. ' Were such recommendations to be adopted,
uncertainty and risk would be introduced in the defence
preparations of the Australasian Colonies.' He was,
however, entirely in favour of providing defences capable
of securing the principal ports of Australia against the
more formidable attacks contemplated.
Admiral Hoskius,^ although doubtful as to the prac-
ticability of ironclads attacking Austraha, believes in
the possibility of a sudden raid h^ a flying squadron
' Admiral Ilo&kins was Admiral "Wilson's prtdeces.«or in command of
the Australian squadron.
NAVAL DEFENCE. 65
capable of landing a force of over 1,000 men. He
insists upon the necessity of fortifying all important
points in Australia, in order that the navy may be free
to operate at sea in the best manner possible for the
general defence of the Colonies. In his opinion the
Imperial squadron could not undertake the defence of
any Australian port, and each Colony should defend its
own harbours.^
These officers agree that the defences of Australia
must be planned on the assumption that Great Britain
retains command of the seas. ' If this should not be
the case,' General Scratchley admitted, ' a larger expen-
diture will have to be incurred by the Colonies, and the
present defence arrangements somewhat modified.' This
assumption, however, is not universally accepted. Some
advocate preparations ' on a scale sufficient to repel large
expeditions, which would be undertaken with a view
of destroying Australasian commerce and of occupying
portions of the Australian continent.' They insist upon
the necessity of the Australasian Colonies being prepared
to fight an enemy single-handed, and argue that the
contingency of the mother-country being at war with
several foreign Powers, whose combined navies would
keep the Imperial navy fully employed in Europe and
elsewhere, is within the bounds of possibility, if not
probability.
Admiral Wilson, acting upon his estimate of the
danger to be apprehended, condemned the defence mea-
sures recommended by Sir William Jervois and Sir
Peter Scratchley in the following terms :
' For Admiral Iloskins' own words on this subject, see p. 70.
66 A USTRALIAN DEFENCES.
It appears to be useless to advocate a system which, though
it may be perfect from a military point of view, is too expensive
either to be adopted, or, if adopted, to be kept up in a state of
efficiency.
Again :
It is, to my mind, in a combination of the two (fortifications
and ships) security will be found ; but where money is limited
— as it is in new countries, and where the attacking force can
never, so long as we hold the seas, be anything more than one
or two armed merchant vessels — expensive fortifications, such
as are being constructed at enormous cost throughout these
Colonies, absorbing all the money available for defensive pur-
poses, I contend are out of place.
Sir Peter Scratchley considered that opinions so
strongly expressed, whether supported or not by suffi-
cient arguments, would have a prejudicial effect upon
public opinion in Australia, and raise a doubt in the
minds of the Colonial Governments. They are opinions
from which lie entirely dissented. Looking at the
wealth, the revenue, and the resources of the Austra-
lasian Colonies, he was of opinion that the expenditure
proposed for the establishment and maintenance of the
defences was not more than these flourishing commu-
nities could afford to pay in return for security against
attack, although he frankly admitted that there was
ample room for economy in the matter of organisation.^
Although Admiral Wilson objected to the expendi-
ture on fortifications, he recognised the necessity for
them in the case of such places as Sydney, Glenelg
(Adelaide), Brisbane, Auckland, Welhngton, and Hobart,
* It should be noted too that the exj^cnditure for the defence schemes
was approved by majorities in the several Legislatures.
NAVAL DEFENCE. 67
as ' fortified places are important as ports of refuge,
and as stations for coaling.' Admiral Hoskins has laid
down very clearly that, on sucli a wide and extended
station as the Australian Colonies, no place is safe from
an isolated attack which is not properly fortified and
protected by its own local defences, thus practically
indorsing Sir Peter Scratchley's recommendations, so
far as they concern the defence of the principal
Australasian harbours.
The important question of maintaining fortified coal
depots at Thursday Island, King George Sound, Fiji,
and elsewhere, is not yet settled. It has been suggested
to construct earthworks ^ at these places when war is
imminent, and for this purpose to maintain at Sydnej'' a
reserve of two hundred marines. Sir Peter Scratchley,
however, feared that extemporised defences of this
character would be of no value whatever when the dis-
tances between the places to be suddenly defended were
taken into account and the small number of men to
carry out the preparations was considered. He strongly
advocated the necessity of placing all defence arrange-
ments in the Australasian Colonies on a permanent basis
to start with, and on a scale suited to their resources,
but capable of expansion in the future.
Admiral Wilson's recommendations before the Syd-
ney Royal Commission'^ were to the effect that, besides
any batteries that might be erected, gun-boats for harbour
defence, torpedo launches, and the guns and appliances
^ The guns to lie kept in store at the uaval headquarters, and the sites
selected for batteries purchased.
'' See pp. 152-54.
68 AUSTRALIAN DEFEXCES.
for arming merchant vessels in time of war, should
be kept ready for use at the principal ports of the
Australian Colonies. These merchant vessels would,
with the Imperial Xavy, aid in the general defence
of commerce and seaboard. Eor the manning of
these ships, as well as for the naval harbour defences,
he recommended the establishment of naval brigades,
under the supervision and instruction of officers of the
Royal Navy. He further urged that the Australasian
Colonies should jointly agree to estabhsh these auxihary
naval defences, which would be under the orders of the
senior officer of the Imperial Xavy in time of war, and
yet be subject to the control of the several Govern-
ments in time of peace. Xothing in these proposals
would, in Sir Peter Scratchley's opinion, interfere either
with what has already been done in the way of defence
preparations, or with the recommendations contained in
the schemes of defence set forth in the following pages.
On the contrary, the naval measures suggested, he con-
sidered, would immensely increase the defensive power
of the Colonies, and could be provided by degrees and
at any time.
In Admiral Wilson's recommendations relating to
the naval defences of the Colonies, although the mihtary
expenditure was strongly condemned, no naval estimates
were submitted. Taking as a guide the estimate handed
in to the Sydney Royal Commiasion^ the expenditure
on the personnel of the naval contingents recommended
for the Austrahan station Avould amount to 76,000/. a
year.^ In the absence of a clear understanding as to
* Reckoned by Sir Peter Scratchley. It is fair to state, however, that
NAVAL DEFENCE. 69
whether this large sum was to be incurred in addition
to, or partly in substitution of, the mihtary expenditure,
it was, of course, impossible for Sir Peter Scratchley
to form a correct opinion upon the proposal. He
was, however, decidedly of opinion that, although the
Colonies would be willing to spend a fair amount of
money for naval defence, they would not be prepared
to go the length suggested. At the same time he
advised that the matter should be ventilated, and more
definite proposals laid before the Australasian Govern-
ments.
'The large expenditure proposed supports the ob-
jection so often urged against the adoption oi floating
in the place of fixed defences.' Referring once to the
common impression that naval men, artillerists, and
engineers will, each in their turn, show a preference
for their own arm, and advocate its employment for
defence purposes to the exclusion of others. Sir Peter
said, ' This is quite a mistake. No engineer, artillery-
man, or sailor that I have ever met, who really knew
his business, ever thought of taking this one-sided
view.' ^
As an indication of the importance which naval
authorities attach to fixed defences, Admiral Hoskms,^
nearly two-thirds of the personnel proposed was required for manning the
armed steamers which would be commissioned on the outbreak of war. In
estimating the amount Sir Peter did not include the cost of maintainuig the
materiel of the naval defences, which would comprise ' seventeen gunboats,
eleven torpedo boats, and forty-four improvised torpedo launches ; ' nor was
the first cost of providing this materiel, or the armament and fittings for the
steamers, taken into account.
^ He advocated the use oijixed only where they would effect the object
in view more economically Xhaxi floating defences.
* See also Sir William Jervois's remarks on p. KU.
G
70 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
when discussmg the question of Australasian defence,
held that
the principal duty of the commander of a naval force is to me€t
a hostile squadron wherever it can be found, and endeavour to
stop its ravages In limine, and not by dividing and shutting
up his ships in the different ports, to give the enemy the com-
mand of the sea and the power of attacking them separately
in detail. He has a right to expect that the principal ports
shall be protected by land forces and batteries, either afloat or
on shore, sufficiently strong to protect them against an ordinary
cruising squadron, and by heading it off, or delaying it, to give
him a better chance of intercepting it, and also to afford him a
refuge and shelter in case of his being worsted or overpowered
in a sea-fight. To call on ships to protect the ports, instead
of the ports the ships, is to invert the obligation and prevent
their performing their proper duties. Should the enemy not
send a squadron to these seas, but only single cruisers, acting
independently against our commerce, coiTesponding steps would,
of course, be taken ; but even then, to enable detached vessels
to act with vigour and success, it would be necessary for them
to have fortified places to fall back upon in case of need.
Here it is distinctly pointed out that, unless the
Colonies are prepared to help the navy, the navy can-
not assist them in their defence.
Sir Peter Scratchley thought that the proposal to
place any floating defences maintained by the Colonies
directly under the supervision of the Australian squa-
dron was worthy ol serious attention, as therein ' lay
the only security for maintaining the ships, crews, and
naval reserves in a really efficient condition.' All local
forces, whether naval or military, must suffer deteriora-
tion, for reasons too obvious to require demonstration,
and how to counteract this is only one of the many dif-
ficult problems connected with the defence organisation
NAVAL DEFENCE.
n
of these Colonies which press themselves upon the atten-
tion of Australasian statesmen.
Briefly then, Sir Peter Scratchley admitted the de-
sirability of organising sea-going defences for the pro-
tection of Australasian commerce, in order to reinforce
the Imperial squadron in time of war ; but thought
that the nature of these defences should be considered
as following upon the suggested schemes of land defence,
and not as antagonistic to them.
In the second column of the following tabulated
statement will be found the princij^al harbours and other
places in the Australasian Colonies which Sir Peter con-
sidered should be taken into account in a well-considered
Colony
Principal harbours and other
Points d'appui or coal depots
places
for Shipping and Navy
Queensland .
Thursday Island (Torres
Strait)
Thursday Island
Cooktouii
CooMoum
ToicnsviUe
Toicnsville
Keppel Bay (Rockhamp-
Keppel Bay
ton)
]\Ioreton Bay (Brisbane)
Moreton Bay
New South Wales
Port Jackson (Sydney)
Newcastle
Botany Bay
Wollongong
Port Jackson (Sydney)
ViCTOBIA
Port Phillip (Melbourne)
Portland
Portland
Warnambool
Belfast
South Australia .
Glenelg (Adelaide)
Glenelg
Port Victor
Or PoH Victor
Western Australia
Freemantle (Perth)
King George Sound
King George Sound
Tasmania
Hobart
Hobart
Launceston
Launceston
New Zeal.and
Auckland
Auckland
Wellington
Wellmgton
Port Lyttelton (Christ-
church)
Port Chalmers (Duuedin)
Bluff Harbour
BluffHarbour
G 2
72 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
scheme of military and naval defence ; in the third
column those places suggested as points d'appui for the
Imperial navy,^ and such auxihary Colonial naval de-
fences as may be organised.^
Various authorities have from time to time advised
the fortifying of most of the harbours and other places
above mentioned. Sir Peter, however, added Cook-
town and Townsville, as lie considered these two ports
could be easily defended, and were admirably placed for
the general naval protection of the coast of Queensland,
being links of the chain connecting Torres Strait with
Keppel Bay. Indeed, it would be very unwise, in any
scheme of naval defence that may be ultimately adopted,
to ignore these two ports, seeing that the distance be-
tween Thursday Island and Moreton Bay (Brisbane) is
1,400 miles.
The only important places in Australia ^ which are
not hkely to be fortified for some time to come are the
ports of Cooktown in Queensland ; Belfast, Warnambool,
and Portland in Victoria ; and Port Victor in South
Australia. A small Volunteer ArtiUery corps has been
estabhshed at Townsville, and if Sir Peter Scratchley's
suggestion is carried out, when the breakwater at that
port is completed, a small work will be placed at its head
to command the anchorage and protect the town and
harbour.
' When employed in its proper sphere of protecting commerce andtrade,
and keeping up communication with Europe and British Possessions in the
East and elsewhere.
- The ports in the third column — excluding those in italics, which were
added by Sir Peter Scratchley — were also selected by Admiral Wilson for
coal depots during war.
^ Excluding Western Australia and Thursday Island.
NAVAL DEFENCE. 73
Should it be decided to fortify the ports above
mentioned as suitable for coal depots, General Scratchley
considered that naval defences would have to be esta-
blished in all the Colonies, and that naval reserves ^
Avould be required at King George Sound, Adelaide,
Melbourne, Hobart, Launceston, Sydne}^ Brisbane,
Auckland, and Wellington. lie strongly supported
Admiral Wilson's recommendation regarding armed
merchant steamers, and considered that if his scheme
were put before the Australasian Governments on its
merits, apart from the shore defences, the majority of
the Colonies would enter into a general agreement on
that basis. ^
At the Intercolonial Conference^ held at Sydney
in 1881, where all the Colonies were represented, a dis-
cussion was raised on the subject of naval defences by
Mr. Morgan, the Premier of South Australia. ' Mr.
Morgan no doubt intended that special vessels belong-
ing to the Imperial navy should be set apart for Colonial
service, and take the place of the ironclads recommended
for South Australia and New South Wales, and the small
unarmoured vessels suggested for Victoria and Queens-
land. Many feel that a purely Colonial navy can never
remain thoroughly efficient or keep pace with modern
improvements; and Colonial opinion generally coincides
with what Admiral Wilson has said on this subject.'
^ These reserves would man the gun-boats, torpedo-boats, launches, and
armed merchant vessels.
''■ The Anglo- Australian mercantile marine is very numerous, and every
day improves in quality and speed, so that no difficulty would be experienced
in securing the required number of vessels.
^ For extracts from the published proceedings of the Conference, see
Appendix A.
74 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
Sir Peter Scratchley had good reason to believe, there-
fore, that the proposal to provide Colonial naval re-
serves and equipments of guns, for manning and com-
missioning merchant steamers on the outbreak of war,
would meet with ready acceptance in Australia, ' pro-
vided the Governments received an assurance that the
employment of this class of vessels was to be preferred
to Mr. Morgan's proposal, which would be very costly,
and yet not provide a sufficient number of vessels.'
In order to move the Australasian Colonies to con-
sider a federal scheme of naval defence, Sir Peter
considered the lead should be taken by the Imperial
Government, and the outhne of a scheme suggested.
NAVAL DEFENCE.
75
NOTE.
The naval assistance afforded to the AustraUan
Colonies, New Zealand, and Tasmania, during the past
five years (1881-86) in regard to ships, &c., is as
follows : — ^
Colony
Victoria
Tasmania .
South Aus-
tralia
Queensland-
New South
Wales
2 second-class torpedo
boats
Torpedo boat Childers .
r\ \ ^ \ Victoria
Gunboats |^^^^^.^ _ _
56 feet steam life pin-
nace
Second-class torpedo
boat
Gunboat Protector . .
Nature of Assistance given
Gunboats
! Pdluma
■ Gayundah .
Second - class torpedo
boat
Wolverene '
Construction inspected and pay-
ments certified to by Admi-
ralty officers.
1 Casual inspection during con-
y struction, and certificates for
J payment granted.
Construction inspected and pay-
ments certified to by officers
of Portsmouth Dockyard.
Do. by Admiralty officere
Do.
/Do.
Work was also done at our
Dockyards on these two ves-
sels at the expense of the
colony
Construction inspected and pay-
ment certified to by Admi-
ralty officers
Tons Dispt. I.H.P.
A screw corvette 2,540 1,490.
Presented to the colony in
1881 for use as a training ship
' So far as known in the Ship and Dockyard bi'anches.
'^ Statement showing description and value of naval, victualling, and
medical stores on board H.M.S. Violrerene. Where practicable, actual prices,
as new, have been taken ; in other cases approximate values only inserted r—
Naval Stores : —
Boatswains'
Carpenters' .
Engineers' .
Gunners'
Victualling Stores.
Medical Stores
Total
£.3,624
2,067
1,234
432
£7,357
162
51
£'7,570
76 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES
CHAPTER III.
COAST DEFENCE.
The subject of coast defence, when considered in con-
nection with Aiistraha, Tasmania, and New Zealand —
exposed as these countries are to formidable attacks
by sea — is one of much importance. Having already
dealt with Sir Peter Scratchley's views generally on
this point, in the previous chapters, I do not propose
here to treat the matter at great length, but the fol-
lowing particular remarks made by him on the subject
may not be without interest.^
The defences of the Australasian Colonies are planned
so as to secure the capitals and principal harbours from
attack by a squadron of several ships, of which one or
more might be ironclads. For this purjiose, floating, or
what may be termed naval, defences are being provided
as auxiliaries to the coast batteries. These naval de-
fences should be classed under two heads : —
(I.) Naval Harhour Defences.
Ironclads, although adding very largely to the
effective power of any scheme of coast defence, are so
^ I have collected Sir Peter's remarks on the stibject and arranged them
under his own headinors.
COAST DEFENCE. 77
costly that tliey cannot be generally recommended for
the Austrahan ports. If introduced, however, it would
be most important that they should possess seagoing
qualities, and be capable of assuming the offensive, in
order to attack and pursue hostile ships blockading a
port. For purely defensive purposes unarmoured gun-
boats are to be preferred, as being less costly to build
and maintain, and as requiring smaller crews. Whether
ironclads will be able to maintain their superiority either
for offence or defence, is a point upon which it is impos-
sible to speak with any degree of certainty ; but, con-
siderino- the o;reat advance attained in offensive and
defensive torpedoes, which may fairly be expected to
continue, and that we may be on the eve of a great
revolution in naval warfare, the employment of unsink-
able ships, with protection provided for the guns and
other vital parts, must be considered.
All authorities on the subject of coast defence agree
in recommending the employment of heavy guns,
mounted upon small vessels of light draught, unpro-
tected by armour, to supplement the fixed and floating
defences of a port or harbour, and vessels of this class
have been introduced into the Imperial service, and are
being adopted by foreign Powers. These gun-boats are
not intended to take the place of forts, on land or in
the water, in those cases where the latter have to be
resorted to for securing an effective defence ; but it is
considered that whenever it is not possible to carry into
execution a complete system of defence at once, they
should rank as next in importance to stationary torpedoes
as an element of the system. The fact that they can be
78 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
constructed to carry the 38-ton gun, which is capable
of piercing the armour of any ironclad afloat at the
present date, is only one of the many arguments which
can be adduced in favour of their adoption for the Aus-
tralian Colonies. Their small cost, too, when compared
with that of armoured turret-ships, the few men required
to man them, and the moderate expenditure necessary
for their maintenance, are all points worthy of the most
careful consideration wherever the question of erecting
forts or of providing and maintaining turret-ships cannot
be entertained. They may be employed to act either
singly or in numbers, in support of land or other fixed
defences or in conjunction with turret-ships, and, under
certain circumstances, could attack the vessels of the
enemy lying off the entrance to a port. If stationed
inside the entrance they should be protected by an
advanced hne of torpedoes, and if advancing to the
attack they might be covered by steamers of great speed,
adapted to discharge any kind of locomotive torpedo ;
while in time of peace these gun-boats should be hauled
up on shore, and could be easily and economically main-
tained in a thoroughly efficient state.
The principal objection to theu' employment is due
to the fact that they are vulnerable to the fire of small
guns, owing to theii* being entirely unprotected by
armour ; but, on the other hand, as they would almost
invariably open fire when end on to a hostile vessel,
they would present but a very small mark to the
enemy's guns. It has been proposed to plate their
bows so as to render tliem proof against the fire of
moderately large guns and thereby make them nearly
COAST DEFENCE. 79
as effective as small ironclads. The unsteadiness of
the platform from which the gun is fired is a defect
common to all floating defences, and, although not to
be disregarded, is not a serious objection, as in most
situations these o-un-boats would manceuvre in mode-
rately calm water, and the superiority of their armament
would enable them to engage the enemy with great effect
at loner ranges.
The best vessel for the purpose is one of mode-
rate size and speed, with a small draught of water, and
armed with one or two heavy guns. Boats of this type
are being built in England, and have been introduced
in the British and foreign navies.
One of the most suitable is the gunboat of the Alpha
type, carrying one 8 -inch gun forward and one 6-inch
aft, both B.L. new type chambered Ai'mstrong guns.
The boat is built entirely of steel ; its principal dimen-
sions are as follows : ^
Extreme length
Breadth .
Draught of water .
Displacement .
Indicated horse-power
Estimated speed
Besides the heavy guns tliere are two 9-pounder
B.L, new type guns and two machine guns. The en-
gines are of the most improved type ; they and the
boilers are placed beloAV the water hue. The bunker
capacity is equal to 200 hours' full-speed steaming.
The boat sails well. Several boats have made the
voyage from England to China. For the sea voyage
' This was written by Sir Peter Scratchley in 1882.
feet
inches
118
6
27
7
6
319 tons.
180
10 knots.
8o AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
they are rigged, and when equipped for figiiting tlie
rigging is dispensed with, so as to reduce the visible
bulk of the boat. These boats can be utilised in time
of peace for Government service along the coast.
Besides gun-boats, torpedo-boats are now considered
to be necessary for harbour defence ; and, where the
choice has to be made, they should be provided before
the gun-boats. There are numerous classes of torpedo-
boats. They vary in size from the small boats of 13
knots' speed, 58 feet long, costing 2,000/., to the 20-knot
boat, 110 feet long, costing 10,500/. The larger boats
are intended to go to sea, and will stand roucrh w^eather.
They also carry machine-guns. ... Of course to ob-
tain the best results two or three boats are required ;
but wdiere economj'^ has to be exercised the presence ol
one boat would have a very great moral effect on the
enemy's proceedings. Where suitable steam launches
are owned by private parties, they should be surveyed
and registered for use in time of war. This is a matter
which should be looked into at once. The number of
men required to man torpedo-boats is very small.
(II.) External Defence of the Seaboard and Commerce.
Under tliis head should be classed swift cruisers and
armed merchant vessels, which would form part of a
federal naval defence maintained by all the Colonies,
In 1882 Sir W. G. Armstrong & Co. forwarded to
the Government of New South Wales a memorandum
on their Protected Barbette system of mounting and
COAST DEFENCE. 8i
loorking Coast Guns} This memorandum was sulDmitted
to Sir Peter Scratchley, who after much care and
consideration put his ideas and criticism into writing.
The ''Protected Barbette' System for mounting Guns in
Coast Defences.
The views contained in the memorandum on this
subject from Sir William Armstrong & Co. are generally-
correct. When they were submitted to Sir WilHam
Jervois and myself in 1878, their soundness was recog-
nised, and we decided to adopt the system in the Aus-
tralian Colonies, wherever 7iew guns had to be mounted
in the coast batteries. A battery on the ' protected
barbette' system is in course of construction at Middle
Head, to receive two 25-ton guns purchased last year
from Sir Wilham Armstrong & Co., and should addi-
tional guns be provided for the batteries of Port Jackson,
it is proposed to mount one or more of them at South
and Middle Heads on the same plan. Batteries of
the same type have been constructed at Adelaide and
Brisbane, and are now being built at Hobart and in
Victoria. The system, however, does not admit of
universal application, any more than that unarmoured
ships will do all the work of ironclads. That the system
is greatly superior to the present plan of mounting
guns en barbette must be admitted. In the plan hitherto
adopted, the gunners are very much exposed, especially
when loading — the operation which takes most time ;
* This memoranduiu will be found set out in Appendix A.
82 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
in Sir William Armstrong's plan tliey are well under
cover; and, excepting the man who aims the gun, the
gun detachment is screened from the enemy's view.
But, if we take as examples the extreme points of
South and Middle Heads in Port Jackson, where it is
necessary to mount additional guns it will be found
that at these two points the lateral range is very great
(over 250°), the sites are cramped, and their height
above the sea is small, conditions which are not favour-
able to guns mounted en harbette. These are two cases
where some kind of overhead cover, such as cupolas,
should, if practicable, be provided to protect the guns
and gunners against shell and machine-gun fire.
Although the bombardment of Alexandria is an
event which could not under any circumstances occur
in Port Jackson, much valuable information con-
cerning the vexed question of coast defences v. ships,
will no doubt be obtained. I think the lessons to be
learnt from that bombardment are that in order to
render coast batteries thoroughly reliable, a portion of
the guns must be protected so that they cannot be
silenced ; and that highly trained artillerymen to man
the guns are absolutely necessary.
83
CHAPTER IV.
TORPEDO DEFENCE {DEFENSIVE^ AND OFFENSIVE)
Torpedoes, both defensive and offensive, are relied upon
to so great an extent in the systems of defence suggested
for the various Australasian Colonies, that no account
of Sir Peter Scratchley's connection with that work
would be complete that did not include some reference
to his views on this important subject. I have, there-
fore, collected together and arranged in narrative
form various opinions expressed or written by him
on this subject during the period he was advising the
Australasian Governments.
Even before submarine mines were recognised to be
valuable weapons of defence, it was an accepted axiom
among naval and military men that guns alone, un-
supported by obstructions, would not effectually prevent
vessels from steaming past a battery or fort at moderate
ranges. Passive obstructions in the shape of booms,
sunken vessels, and barges were generally supposed to
form part of the defensive arrangements of a port ;
but, owing to the great cost, want of durability, and
^ Or submarine mines.
84 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES
unwieldiness, the provision of these booms was never
seriously provided for. The employment of sunken
vessels to close a channel was only intended as a last
resort, and should on no account be adopted Avhen
time and the necessary appHances for torpedo defences
are available. To say nothing of the permanent injury
which may result to the channel so obstructed, the
cost of restoring it for navigation, and the impossibility
of estimating the damage which might be done, there
is an obvious objection in the fact that the obstruction
exists for both the enemy and the defenders. It is
necessary to direct especial attention to this mode of
obstructing a channel, because it has often been urged
as a simple way of providing for the defence of the
West Channel of Port Phillip.^ Considering how easy
and economically this channel can be closed by a
battery and torpedoes, it would be tlie height of folly
to think of such a plan.
These defensive weapons have passed out of the
theoretical stage, and their utility and rehabihty have
been practically tested in actual warfare. If success
has been attained in former years wdth comparatively
crude torpedo defences, what may not Austraha, New
Zealand, and Tasmania expect from the present per-
fected arrangements ? Yet in face of the proofs
that can be produced as to the reliability of sub-
marine defences, attempts have been made to throw
doubt upon their efficacy. Some critics assert that
naval officers undervalue their employment, as they can
readily be removed by counter-mining and other well-
1 See p. 162.
TORPEDO DEFENCE. 85
known means. Now the very reverse of this opinion
prevails amongst naval authorities, who admit that only
in very special cases will it be possible to attempt to
force a passage defended by torpedoes, provided they
are adequately protected by strongly constructed forts
or batteries.
Experimental attacks upon defensive torpedoes have
to be conducted Avithout that all-important element of
defence — guns firing at the ships and boats ; conse-
quently they prove nothing. Such experiments are
useful as affording the navy an opportunity of prac-
tice, and to the engineers they disclose the weak points
in the working of a system of submarine mines ; but
what can be done with ease during peace could only
be achieved in time of war by sacrifices of life and
material.
Of recent years all appliances have been much
simplified, and the details of working have been very
carefully elaborated. Experiments are still being
carried on in almost every country. In England
several companies of the Eoyal Engineers are specially
trained to take the charge of the submarine defences
of the Imperial ports and harbours at home and
abroad.^ There is a special school of submarine
mining at Chatham ; while at Portsmouth, besides the
military submarine mining depot, a naval torpedo
school exists for the instruction of officers and men
^ R.E. — Submarine Mining Companies. — 4tli Company, Chatham : 21st
ditto, Chatham ; 22nd ditto, Gosport ; 27th ditto, Halil'ax, N.S. (2nd Section,
Bermuda); 28th ditto, Gravesend ; 30th ditto, Tlymouth ; 8.3rd ditto,
Gosport (2nd Section, Hong Kong) ; 34th ditto, Malta ; 3oth ditto, Chatham ;
M ditto (Depot Co.), Chatham.
11
86 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
of the Eoyal Navy ; and already militia submarine
mining corps ^ are established to act as auxiliaries to
the Eoyal Engineers — in fact, the arrangements for
training both officers and men, and carrying on a
systematic course of experiments, are very complete,
and the Imperial authorities fully recognise that there
is no finality in anything relating to torpedo -warfare.
The submarine defences of England are being
placed on a very satisfactory and permanent footing.
A broad Hne of separation has been estabhshed between
offensive and defensive torpedoes, and the conclusion
arrived at by the War Office, on this point, was that
the former of necessity belonged to the navy, as they
were requii'ed for attacking ships and floating defences
generally ; whilst the latter, being intended purely for
defensive purposes, should be placed under the charge
of the military authorities. At first sight one is dis-
posed to think that because the torpedoes are laid in
water, necessitating the employment of steamers, barges,
boats, and other naval appliances, seamen are more
likely to be fitted by their training for undertaking the
charge of them. A little consideration, however, re-
moves this impression. Defensive torpedoes, being
fixtures, worked and maintained from the shore, under
the protection of batteries or forts, form part of the
land defences of a place, and therefore must be under
the immediate and undivided control of the military
commander.
' Southern Submarine Min'uuj Militia. — Tlie Hampshire, 1st aud 2iid
Company, Gosport ; the Devonshire, 3rd Company, Plymouth; the Kent,
4th Company, Chatham.
TORPEDO DEFENCE. S-
In exceptional cases, such as the protection of a dis-
abled or inferior fleet, which cannot take refuge under
land defences, a system of defensive torpedoes may have
to be extemporised and guarded by the fire of the
ships. But such cases are exceedingly rare, and never
likely to occur in AustraHa. The experience of the
Imperial service, and of European nations generally,
support the view that the custody and working
of submarine defences in the Australian Colonies
should be entrusted to special corps, organised for
the purpose, and composed of professional electricians,
skiUed artificers, and persons accustomed to the use
of mechanical apphances, assisted by seamen and
handy men possessing a general knowledge of seafaring
matters. To ensure the proper working of submarine
defences, the corps entrusted with them must be
rendered thoroughly efficient by regular and systematic
training. The success of the torpedo defences in
Australia will depend not only upon the knowledge and
experience of both officers and men, but also upon the
degree of preparation beforehand. The mistake is not
to be made of supposing that a torpedo defence can be
readily extemporised.
The popular notion of a torpedo is a kerosene oil thi
filled with an explosive, fitted with a fuse, and attached
to a piece of coated wire, which, when placed in the
water, is made to explode by electricity, the whole con-
stituting a very simple and easily managed arrangement,
wliich any one, be he landsman or seaman, can easily
undertake.
H 2
88 A USTRALIAN DEFENCES.
What is the real fact ? Simple as the apphcation of
submarine mines undoubtedly is, there is probably no
defensive weapon which requires more careful manipu-
lation, more experience and practical knowledge on the
part of the officers and men placed in charge. Xot
only must the necessary appliances for instruction be
provided, but the men must be frequently exercised in
laying out portions of the systems of mines in the
actual positions they will occupy in time of war. Ex-
periments must be encouraged, and every eflbrt made
to keep pace with modern improvements. If, at any
time, retrenchment should be called for in the annual
expenditure for the maintenance of a system of de-
fence, the pruning knife must not be applied either
to the submarine mining or the artillery arrange-
ments. These two defensive elements represent the
essentials of the defence organisation. It needs no
demonstration to show that torpedoes without guns to
protect them, or that batteries without torpedoes to
bar the channels, will not prevent an enemy's ships
from entering a harbour. These two branches of defence
are absolutely inseparable and of equal importance, so
much so that I am inchned to think that it ^vill be
advisable to secure the close connection which should
exist between the artillery and the submarine defences
by attaching the Torpedo corps to the Artillery force. ^
' A committee has very recently been sitting on this question, and it
has been decided to leave submarine mining arrangements in the hands of
the Royal Engineers.
TORPEDO DEFENCE. 89
DEFENSIVE' TORPEDOES.
The primary object to be attained by their em-
ployment is either to prevent an enemy's ships from
passing through a channel in which the mines are laid,
or to protect certain waters where ships could take up
positions for purposes of bombardment. If judiciously
laid and thoroughly efficient, submarine mines will
compel the enemy's ships either to retire and blockade
the port, or to undertake the task of silencing the fire
of the defenders' guns, when the mines would have to
be removed in order to force an entrance.
To render stationary torpedoes really effective, it is
absolutely necessary that they should be adequately
protected by guns in suitable defensive works ; other-
wise a passage could be cleared through them either
by countermining., creeping., or sweeping. These opera-
tions, although very difficult and risky, may no doubt
be undertaken by a determined enemy, and no system
of torpedo defence can be considered to be efficient
w^hich does not provide against them.
Countermining is the term applied to the operation
of destroying the defenders' submarine mines by the
explosion of heavy charges in their proximity. It is
asserted that countermines can be laid by the aid of
steam launches with the requisite accurac^y, except in
channels properly guarded and swept by artillery fire.
Creeping is the operation of removing electrical cables,
nnnes, and other obstructions in the water, by dragging
' Or suhnuirme iniiies.
go AUSTRALIAX DEFEXCES.
for them along the bottom by means of grapnels,
technically termed creepers. Sweeping is employed to
ascertain the position of mines by dragging a rope,
technically termed ' the sweep,' up or down a channel.
For forcing a passage through mines countermining
is the best, but creeping and sweeping could also be
attempted so as to clear as large an area as possible.
Apart from the protection afforded by guns, these
operations may be counteracted either by providing
an advanced system of mines or by dummy mines,
chains, and other obstructions in the water, while
electrical hghting of the channels must be adopted
during the night.
There are two classes of submarine mines : —
f^i • <((/) Ground.
• -m ^ • 1 Observation -^ ^
1. Electrical ,(^/,) Buoyant.
(Electro-contact,
ii. Mechanical.
It is not possible to lay down any absolute rules
for the employment of the different kinds, but tlie
following observations will serve as a guide to the
choice of the most suitable mines :
Ground Mines
consist of iron cases, containing charges varying from
250 to 500 lbs. of gun-cotton, laid at the bottom of
a channel, and are best suited for the defence where
free navigation for friendly vessels has to be pre-
served, and in waters where there is great variation
of tide but the depth does not exceed forty to fifty
TORPEDO DEFENCE. 91
feet at any state of the tide. They are often so fitted
as to be able to be fired either by observation or by
contact, and in groups, as twin mines, or singly, and
should only be adopted under conditions such as are
found in Port Jackson and at Newcastle in New South
Wales, where the navigable channels are narrow and
well defined, and favourable sites exist for the observing
and firing stations, and where an enemy's vessel could
scarcely pass, except almost over a submerged mine.
There is, in fact, a degree of uncertainty inseparable
fi'om this mode of firing, owing to inaccuracy in the
instruments used, errors of observation by the men
employed, and the consequent possibility of the circuit
not being closed by them at the correct moment. It
should be observed that the effect of large charges
fired under water is much more circumscribed than
was formerly supposed, and consequently considerable
accuracy as to the relative positions of the ship and
mine must exist if the former is to be damaged.
Buoyant Mines
are similar to the ground mines except that the charge
floats at any required depth below the surface, and is
kept in position by heavy sinkers. They are employed
where the depth of water is too great for ground mines,
and are fired in the same manner.
Electro -contact Mines
are intended to float about twelve to fifteen feet below
the surface of the water, and can only be fired by
contact. They are laid at shorter distances from each
92 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
other than tlie larger mines — preferably 100 to 150
feet apart, and in several rows at least 120 feet apart,
the intention being that no ship of moderate size should
escape striking one or more of them in passing through
the channel. They are growing very much into favour
on account of their small cost and the certainty attend-
ing their employment, and are admirably suited for
closing the portions of a channel which need not be
kept open for navigation, and as advanced mines where
observation mines are adopted.
Mechanical Mines
are arranged to explode upon being struck ; they re-
quire no cables, and are altogether cheaper and more
convenient than electrical mines. They must also be
placed so that ships cannot avoid striking them. They
can be readily extemporised, and their chai'ge should
be about 100 lb., the same as for electro-contact mines.
The main objection against their employment at present
is a certain risk in laying them down, and the difficulty
of recovering them without first exploding the charges,
an operation which sometimes may lead to a loss of
life. Strong hopes, however, are entertained that a
mine is to be produced which mil be safe both to lay
and to remove. It is evident tliat as these mines are
always in action, they cannot be laid in channels which
have to be used by friendly ships, and the general
opinion is that they should only be employed for closing
the minor channels of a port, or as a last resort if the
electrical mines are not to be had.
The plan of attack which would probably be
TORPEDO DEFENCE. 93
adopted by an enemy, who attempted to force a channel
defended by torpedoes, now requires consideration.
Having obtained as much information as possible on the
subject, the hostile commander would have to decide
whether he was strong enough to force the passage.
He would then determine the width of the passage he
intended to clear through tlie defenders' mines and
obstructions. Assuming that he was provided with all
the necessary apphances, and that he had a sufficient
number of steam launches, the first operation would be
to creep with exploding creepers, so as to destroy the
electrical cables of the defenders' mines ; the next,
to send forward the countermining boats, which, if
successful in exploding the countermines, would be
followed by the attacking ships. At the same time, if
booms protected the lines of mines, they would have to
be breached with charges attaclied to them from fast
steam launches.
Provided, of course, that tlie enemy possessed a
sufficient number of launches and steamers which lie
was prepared to sacrifice, that he was able to follow-
up the attack very quickly, and that circumstances of
wind and weather were in his favour, it is not difficult
to conceive that he might succeed in forcing his way
through the mines ; but the chances of success must
be entirely based upon the assumption that the de-
fenders were culpably neghgent, that they were utterly
unprepared or taken unawares, or that they were un-
provided with the necessary guard-boats to enable them
to attack the enemy's launches as they commenced
their operations. Moreover, as I have already re-
94 AUSTRAL! AX DEFENCES.
marked, I do not tliink that it woukl be possible for
any enemy attacking the Australian Colonies to bring
with him appliances superior to those which we should
possess, if only the right steps are taken to provide
them. To reach this state of preparedness, careful
forethought and patient elaboration in time of peace
are needed.
OFFENSIVE TORPEDOES.
Under this designation should be classed any tor-
pedo employed for the purpose of attacking an enemy's
ship, whether from on shore or from ships. There are
several kinds of offensive torpedoes. The Lay, the Yon
Scheliha, and the Erickson, which belong to one par-
ticular class of locomotive torpedoes, being all steered
and controlled from a distance. They differ from each
other in important details, and have not been found
suitable for the Imperial service. The Whitehead, also
a locomotive torpedo, which, after projection, is no
longer under control, and therefore subject to the action
of currents until it has run the distance for which it has
been adjusted. There are also the Harvej' and other
towing torpedoes, which do not carry any source of
motive power, together with the outrigger and drifting
class, and also plunging boats. The Harvey torpedo is
not in favour, as all towing torpedoes require very great
skill in tlieir employment, and it is necessary for the
vessel using them to approach within forty j'ards from
the ship attacked. The outrigger torpedo is attached
to a spar projecting from the boat or vessel carrying it,
and the distance at which it can be used is limited by
TORPEDO DEFENCE. 95
the length of the spar, which can be conveniently
handled, and it is exposed, like the towing torpedoes, to
the enemy's fire. Opportunities for using it from boats
may not often occur, yet it is a weapon which is likely to
be largely employed now that steam launches of great
speed are being introduced. The success of outrigger
torpedoes will mainly depend upon the practicability of
getting near the ship to be attacked without being seen.
Speed, therefore, is of paramount importance.
Plunging boats for attaching torpedoes to the bottom
of a ship, by means of the crew on board of them, have
not been tried in England because they are considered
to be so destructive to hfe, and have proved unsuccess-
ful when experimented with by foreign nations.
The Whitehead torpedo, which consists of a steel
cylinder pointed at botli ends, and is propelled at any
required depth below the surface by compressed air at
high pressure, is now being issued to all fighting ships
of the Eoyal Xavy. Special launches of great speed
have been built to carry the Whitehead torpedo.
Although the effective range of the Whitehead will be
limited when fired from ship against ship, there can be no
doubt that for the defence of narrow channels, whether
fired from the shore, rafts, or barges, it mil be an invalu-
able submarine weapon. It can be fired from a tube,
placed on the deck of a vessel, or below tlie water-
line.
The Lay torpedo,^ an American invention, intended
' Colonel Beaumont, R.E., strongly advocated the employment of this
class of offensive torpedoes, and submitted designs for boats in which the
motive power was compressed air at very high pressure.
96 A USTRALTAN DEFENCES.
to carry a iiuicli heavier charge tlian the Whitehead,
is a submarine boat, propelled under water by liquid
carbonic acid, but steered from the shore or ship by
an electrical cable paid out from the boat. It has a
cylindrical hull with conical ends, and is constructed
of light steel. It varies from twenty to thirty feet in
length, and from two to four feet in diameter, and is
propelled by a screw, the engine, ten to forty horse-
power, being worked by the expansive force of car-
bonic acid or ammoniacal gas. Through the propeller
shaft, which is hollow, passes the electrical cable,
which pays itself out, and by which the boat is steered.
A coil of cable is placed within the torpedo. There
are horizontal rudders to regulate the depth at which
the torpedo is to travel under water, also guide-rods,
one fore and one aft — by which the position of the
torpedo is determined by the operator. At night these
rods show an electric spark in the direction of the
operator, the light being invisible to the enemj^ The
shore end of the electrical cable is attached to a key-
board connected with a powerful battery for generating
the electrical current. The cable is composed of
several insulated wires ; one is used for starting or
stopping the engines, another steers, another regulates
the depth below surface, another elevates or lowers the
guide-rods, one is devoted to exploding the torpedo ;
thus every part of the machinery in the boat is under
the control of the operator on shore, for whose infor-
mation tell-tale dials register the action of every part.
The valves, which regulate the admission of the car-
bonic acid gas into the cylinders of the engines, are
TORPEDO DEFENCE. 97
opened and shut by means of the electrical current.
The charge for destroying the enemy's vessel can be
detached and lowered underneath it, and the boat
returns back to land to receive another charge. The
accuracy of this torpedo boat is said to be marvel-
lous, but the speed has not so far exceeded seven to
eight miles an hour. Mr. Lay has, I am told, made
great improvements in its construction, but they have
not, I think, been submitted for trial in England.
Messrs. Brennan and Calvert, of Melbourne, have
invented a very ingenious locomotive torpedo, about
the size of a Whitehead, in which the motive power is
derived from two wires, coiled upon drums inside the
machine, which are placed on a shaft that works
twin screws in the tail. On starting the torpedo, the
wires are unwound from the drums inside on to larger
drums on shore, which are rotated by steam, and so the
torpedo is propelled forward. At the same time con-
trol is retained over the torpedo, deviation from the
course being obtained by means of a break, which re-
tards the revolution of one of the drums on shore at
will. I have witnessed trials of the torpedo which
have been attended with success, and the inventors have
wisely decided to submit the torpedo to tlie Imperial
authorities.^
In the Colonies spar torpedo boats will in many
cases be required to take the place of defensive mines,
such, for instance, as the New Zealand harbours, where
submarine defences will be expensive. For tlie defence
of such important capitals as Melbourne and Sydney,
' This is Ji) Infantry}
A small but well trained infantry corps was esta-
blished some years ago in New South Wales, with the
' It should be noted that the majority of the Commission referred to above
considered an infantry permanent force unnecessary.
124 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
same organisation as the present artillery force, but
after a few years it was disbanded. The artillery force,
which then consisted of one battery only, was ultimately
increased to its present strength of three batteries, as it
was considered of paramount importance to provide a
body of highly trained artillery men immediately av^ail-
able for tlie batteries on the outbreak of war.
(2) Volunteer Forces — Paid.
{More 'pro'perly dfisignated Volunteer Militia).
In New South Wales a force, consisting of artillery
(field and garrison), engineers, torpedo corps, and
infantry, was established in 1878 on the paid system
(10s. for whole-day, and bs. for half-day drills). The
officers and men are paid for attendance at twenty day-
light drills, and for six days' continuous training in each
year, as already explained. The regulations are of a
stringent character.
In South Australia a similar force, composed of
artillery and infantry, is maintained on the paid system,
the officers and men being paid one-half the New South
Wales rates for attendance at daylight drills (5.§. for
whole-day, and 2s. Qd. for half-day drills), but there is
no continuous training. The regulations are much
more stringent than in New South Wales, and the men
enrol for three years' service.
Both these paid Volunteer (Militia) forces are well-
trained and efficient.^
^ No reference is made to the New Zealand Militia, as Sir Peter believed
that it only existed on paper.
LOCAL FORCES. 125
(3) Volunteer Forces — Uxpaid.
{Great Britain^ or Capitation Organisation.)
This is the organisation in force in Victoria, Queens-
land, Tasmania, and Xew Zealand. The men are not,
however, compelled to turn out for dayhght drills, and
the result is that they very rarely do so. In Great
Britain this is not the case : both officers and men
cheerfully attend daylight drills, and continuous train-
ing in yearly encampments is likely to be adopted as
far as practicable. Annual encampments were formerly
held in Victoria, but have of late years been discon-
tinued for reasons of economy. In Queensland these
encampments are held : in ISTew Zealand occasionally ;
in Tasmania not at all.
All these Volunteer forces are, more or less, in an
unsatisfactory state, if military efficiency only be con-
sidered. There is enthusiasm and admirable zeal,
together with a strong desire on the part of officers and
men to improve ; but high efficiency cannot be expected
under the present organisation, for the reasons which
were fully represented to the Eoyal Commission.
(4) Rifle Volunteer Force.
(South Australian Organisation.^)
This is an organisation pecuHar to South Australia,
which was introduced by Colonel Downes, R.A., the
commandant, in 1879. Any twenty or more men
may form themselves into a company in any part of
' See ApperuKv A.
126 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
the Colony. They can elect their own officers. The
commandant acts us inspecting officer. The men
receive rilles on loan, and are each allowed 100 rounds
of ammunition annually. They must perform ten drills
per annum, and go through a course of musketry
instruction. Targets are supplied for eacli company,
and prizes for rifle-shooting are granted by the Govern-
ment ; uniforms and instructors are provided by the
companies. It has been decided to give the companies
a capitation allowance of 1/. IO5. per annum for each
effective — in fact, to convert the rifle companies into
Volunteer corps on the English model.
This movement, which stands quite outside of
the Volunteer organisation of South Australia, has
so far been a great success. It meets those cases,
which are to be found throughout Australia, of inland
towns and districts, where the young men are anxious
to join the Volunteer force, but the localities are so
distant as not to permit of the men being immediately
available for defence against foreign aggression. Time,
of course, only will prove whether these Eifle companies
can be maintained and governed with success. Much
will depend upon the efficiency of the inspecting officer.
I must confess a very strong leaning towards the idea,
but I fear that the practical result will be to discourage
the Volunteer movement for the sake of economy — an
appeal which can never be resisted by any Australian
Government — without providing an adequate and re-
liable force for the defence of the country. If regular
paid forces, with proper reserves available in time of war,
are maintained, I am not prepared to say tliat the South
LOCAL FORCES. 127
Australian defence organisation maj^ not prove in the
long run to be that best suited to tlie requirements of
the Australian Colonies.
NAVAL FORCES.
(1) Naval Reserve — Paid.
( Victorian Organisation.)
This force is organised on the plan of the English
Naval Reserve, and officers and men are paid for at-
tendance at drill, which is compulsory. The men
receive 12/. per annum. The Reserve is also trained
afloat, and is a highly efficient force, being composed of
seafaring and other men employed in connection with
shipping.
(2) Volunteer Naval Brigade — Paid.
{New South Wales Organisation.)
This is also a paid force peculiar to New South
Wales. The officers and men are paid rates equal to
those of the Victorian Naval Reserve ; but they rarely,
if ever, drill in daylight, and have never been exercised
afloat. The force, as at present organised, is of little
value for service afloat, and is not really a naval
brigade.
(3) Naval Volunteers — Unpaid.
[Neio Zealand Organisation.)
This force is nothing more than a land volunteer
force designated ' Naval Volunteers,' and is organised
128 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
under the Volunteer Act of the Coh)ny. It cannot, as
at present constituted, be looked upon as of much
value for service afloat.
COST OF THE SEVERAL FORCES.
As to the cost of the several forces above described,
the annual expense per head (officer and man), including
stair, instruction, clothing, contingencies, and, in the
case of permanent forces, food, pay, &c., but exclusive
of ammunition, stores, and equipment, will be found to
be as follows : —
New South "Wales Permanent Artillery
Victorian (late) Permanent Artillery
New South Wales Fiiid Volunteer Militia
South Australian Faid Volunteer Force
Unpaid Victorian Volunteer Force .
] 6. Unpaid Tasmanian Volunteer Force .
j 7. Unpaid Queensland Volunteer Force
1 8. Unpaid South Australian Rifle Companies
( 9. Victorian Naval Reserve .
( 10. New South Wales Naval Brigade .
^ ' 11, New Zealand Naval Volunteers
r orce.
Paid Military J 2.
Forces. 3,
U,
^5
Unpaid Mili-
taiy Forces
Paid Naval
Forces
£
s. d.
94
01
86
18-20
13
0-^
6
14 8
7
10
6
10
under 1
0^
18
18
not known
COMPARISONS.
(i.) There is practically no difference between the
cost of the unpaid Volunteer forces in Queensland and
Victoria ;
(ii.) In Tasmania the cost per head is about 1/.
more ;
(iii.) The South Australian pazV/ Volunteer force
' A small force would probably cost more than lOOZ. per head.
^ This amount includes about 6/. pay per head.
^ If 1/ 1U*\ capitation be added the cost would be under 3/. per head.
LOCAL FORCES. 129
is organised on a cheap plan, which is due to the low
rate of pay given to the officers and men ; whilst in
New South Wales there is a more costly system, owing
to the high rates of pay (which are double those of
South Australia) and the continuous training ;
(iv.) The South Australian rifle companies, on the
original plan, without capitation, cost very little.
FORCES CONSIDERED NECESSARY. 1
a. Garrison artillery to man the guns in the
batteries,
h. Torpedo corps for the torpedo defences, to be
affiliated to the garrison artillery.
c. Garrisons to be placed in the batteries to protect
them from assault.
d. A field force — composed of cavalry, field
artillery, engineers, and infantry — to meet the enemy
should he attempt to land.
e. A naval brigade for service afloat in armed
vessels, gun-boats, torpedo launches, guard-boats, &c.
EXPENSE.
If expense were no object, it is manifest that paid
forces would be the most reliable ; but it is idle to
discuss the best defence organisation without taking the
cost into account. It has been justly observed that
expenditure for purposes of defence, and especially for
* Sir Peter when making these suggestions assumed tliat the principal
harbours could be defended by coast batteries and other defensive acces-
sories. Each Colony must be separately considered.
T 30 A USTRALIAN DEFENCES.
tlie maintenance of military and naval forces, is not
popular in Australia. The fact is that the community
as a whole has never yet been so strongly convinced of
the need of effective means of defence as to be willing
to incur any large sacrifice for the purpose. We have
not yet reached that stage when every one is agreed on
the point. The chances of attack appear to be so
remote that the risk not only has been, but is now
being, dehberately incurred in some of the Colonies, not-
withstanding the repeated remonstrances of the various
military and naval authorities who have been asked
to advise. It appears impossible to persuade many
people that defence preparations are nothing more than
an insurance against the danger of attack. The diffi-
culty of arriving at the right settlement of what had
best be done is often urged as an excuse for doing
nothing ; and, notwithstanding several war scares, when
money has been literally wasted in ill-directed prepara-
tions, the question is still left unsettled, and every year
uncertainty prevails when the military estimates are
under consideration. This uncertainty leads to a hand-
to-mouth policy, which is not only fatal to efficiency,
but in reality conduces to extravagance, for money is
laid out without producing any lasting results by adding
to the defensive resources of the country.
ARTILLERY.
A portion of the artillery required for the bat-
teries should be permanently enrolled and paid, ' in
order that, in time of peace, they may take care of
LOCAL FORCES. 131
the guns, magazines, and all appliances, and, on the
outbreak of war, there may be a body of trained men
immediately available. Universal experience has shown
that the skill and precision required for handling the
guns in the batteries can only be secured by careful
and continued drill as a business, and not by occasional
exercise differing very little from a pastime, as in the
case of Volunteers.'^
The strength of the permanent force will depend on
the number of guns mounted in the works, and in every
case, for the sake of economy, it will have to be supple-
mented by an auxiliary force. The question then arises,
whether this auxiliary body should be composed of paid
or unpaid Volunteers. It stands to reason tliat better
results will be attained with paid Volunteers than with
an unpaid or purely Volunteer force, simply because,
in the paid force, attendance at drill is not only made
compulsory, but it takes place in daylight — two condi-
tions which, according to the opinions of all Volunteer
officers in Austraha, cannot be enforced with unpaid
Volunteers. A more rigid discipline can be insisted on
in return for money payment, and, owing to physical
tests and medical examination of recruits, a more able-
bodied class of men can be obtained. Looking at the
fact that the coast batteries are of the first importance
in the scheme of defence, the auxiliary artillery must
be so organised as to be forthcoming when wanted.
For that reason I consider that this force should be on
the paid system, especially where a permanent artillery
force is not maintained.
^ See Api)endix A.
A USTRALIAN DEFENCES.
TORPEDO CORPS.
Next in importance, where torpedo defences are
established, is the organisation of the torpedo corps.
Here again, as this is a special corps, and the class from
which the men are to be obtained is very hmited, and
its services must always be available, and steady drill
and practice are as essential as in the case of the artil-
lery, it will be necessary to place them on the same
footing as the anxihary artillery, and pay both officers
and men for attendance at drill. Moreover, the officers
should receive remuneration, especially when they are
professional men. It has been suggested that the
torpedo corps shoidd \)q enrolled for three years, and
placed under a IMilitary Disciphne Act. In any case it
should be affiliated to the garrison artillery, as both
corps must work togetlier at all times.
FIELD FORCE.
As to the field force, which is to be composed of
field artillery, engineers, and infantry — with possibly a
mounted corps — it has been urged that the necessity
for payment is not so obvious as in the case of the
auxihary artillery and torpedo corps, and that numbers
may make up for the inferior quahty. The field force
is required to meet attacks on land, which are less likely
to occur than attacks by ships on the batteries. The
chances of landings being attempted by an enemy are
remote, more especially if naval defences are provided,
LOCAL FORCES. 133
as already explained ; and the mere knowledge that
field forces were maintained would probably be sufficient
to deter the enemy from making any such attempts,
which under any circumstances would be attended with
great risk of failure. At the same time it is well to
consider whether the gain, from enforcing strict dis-
cipline and attendance at daylight drill by money pay-
ments, is not so great as to justify the additional cost.
Again, it may be objected that so much dissatisfaction
would result from the non-payment of so large a portion
of the Volunteers as the field force that it would lead
to a break-up of the force. Five years' experience with
Australian Volunteers forces me to support the opinion
of their officers, and to recommend, with much reluc-
tance, payment for the whole force, as it is every day
becoming more evident that, without the paid system,
real mihtary efficiency cannot be attained.
PAYMENT OF FORCES.
Next, as to the amount of this payment. In New
South Wales the officers and men receive very high
rates of pay for detached daylight drills, as well as for
the continuous training of six days at Easter. But it
has been recommended that the number of compulsory
detached drills should be increased to thirty per annum,
besides the continuous training, on the understanding
that the present pay of 12/. per annum to the men be
not exceeded. This is tantamount to a reduction in the
rates of pay. It was admitted before the Military
Defence Inquiry Commission of New South Wales that
L
,34 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
the rates were very liigli/ but it was urged that a
reduction might have the ejQfect of breaking up the force.
The Commissioners, therefore, preferred to increase
the number of compulsory drills and the stringency of
the regulations. They also recommended enrolment for
one year. There is no reason, however, for adhering to
the New South Wales rates in those Colonies where the
money payment is not at present in force. If it should
be decided, therefore, to adopt the paid system, I strongly
recommend the adoption of the strict regulations, penal-
ties, term of enrolment for one year at least, and mode-
rate rates of pay in force in South Australia. On reference
to Colonel Downes' evidence before the Military Com-
mittee it will be seen that this force is a complete suc-
cess. That officer informed me that recruits can be ob-
tained without any difficulty, notwithstanding the strin-
gency of his regulations and the long term of enrolment
(three years). It may also be mentioned that there is
scarcely any dijQference between the rates of wages at
Sydney and Adelaide.
Although I admit the enormous advantage of yearly
encampments for continuous training — especially in the
case of unpaid Volunteers — I concur in the opinion given
by some of the mihtary members of that Commission to
the effect that the annual continuous traininof should not
be compulsory, or paid for. Considering that a large
number of men come from the wage-earning classes, it
^ The fact that the men of the Yohmteer Xaval Brigade in Sydney were
paid 12Z. per annum, without being subjected either to continuous training,
dayUght drills, or stringent regulations, induced the Commandant of New
South Wales to recommend the same rate of pay, as he feared that he could
not pret men at a lower rate.
LOCAL FORCES. 135
is obvious that, although they can with ease be got to
attend detached drills of a few hours' duration on Satur-
days, and occasionally for whole days on hohdays, they
may be unable, without serious loss, to go into camp
for six or even a less number of days. If men attend
twenty daylight drills in the year, besides drills at night,
which need not be paid for, the continuous training is
not of such importance as with an unpaid Volunteer
force. In fact, there will be time enough, on the out-
break of war, to give the officers and men in a paid
Volunteer force this additional training.
The garrisons for the defensive works come under
the same category as the field force, and they would be
furnished from it.
As to country corps, owing to their distance from
the points to be protected, they would not be available
for defence purposes, as the attacks on these Colonies
are certain to be sudden. The cost of maintaining such
corps as Volunteers, with a capitation grant, may be con-
sidered to be too heavy. A less expensive organisation
can, however, be adopted, similar to that of the rifle
companies, as originally established in South Australia
without a capitation grant. I would, however, place
these companies directly under the Commandant.
NAVAL BRIGADE.
With regard to the Naval Brigade, considering that
the officers and men can only be recruited from a Hmitcd
source — the seafaring class — and from tliat portion of
the community which is employed in connection with
L 2
136 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
the shipping of a port, it is absolutely necessary to give
pay. The Naval Volunteer Corps which exists in New-
South Wales and New Zealand, unless entirely reorgan-
ised, can never be of any real value for service afloat.
On this point iVdmiral Wilson gives valuable evidence,
which must be followed if any reality is to be given
to such Naval Brigades as may be established in the
Australian Colonies. The Victorian Naval Reserve is
tlie only Colonial naval force which approaches the
standard laid down by Admiral Wilson .
GENERAL REMARKS.
The efficiency of the defence organisation depends
entirely upon the efficiency of the officers, and it is
hopeless to expect any improvement until they are
afforded means of acquiring knowledge. The first step
to be taken is to establish a school of instruction, at
which all officers should be induced to attend. In all
the Colonies I have found that the best officers are
eager to avail themselves of every opportunity afforded
them, and it will be unwise economy to grudge the
small expenditure necessary for the purpose. Military
lending libraries, reading and lecture rooms should
be established in connection with the school of instruc-
tion. The encouragement of lectures and discussions
amongst the officers on military subjects cannot but be
beneficial.
The nomination or elective principle for the ap-
pointment of officers must be abolished (except in the
case of rifle companies) if efficiency is to be insured.
LOCAL FORCES. 137
It does not admit of question that persons are often
elected who do not possess the quahfications required
of officers.
Matters affecting the efficiency of the military
machine in time of war should be considered without
delay : such as the supply of ammunition ; the supply
and distribution of water and ammunition to the troops
whilst engaged in the field ; commissariat supplies and
ambulances, and store arrangements. The supply of
ammunition in war time would be best met by tlie esta-
blishment of a central arsenal on the Australian Con-
tinent, from which Queensland could draw her warlike
stores. For many years, however, all the Australian
Colonies will have to maintain sufficient reserves of am-
munition for small arms and ordnance ; for in time of
war it will be impossible to ensure supplies from Eng-
land. Other subjects will have to be considered in
detail by the staff of the local forces. The necessity for
a well organised military store department is also of
paramount importance. All these things will, of ne-
cessity, be on a small scale in Queensland, and it will
be quite possible to organise them in an economical
manner ; but the point to be insisted on is that they
should receive attention in time of peace, and not be left
for settlement when war is imminent.
The recommendation of the Commission,^ that an
Imperial officer should be appointed Inspector of the
Local Forces, and Military Adviser to the several Go-
vernments, is of special importance, and a reference to
the evidence given will show the very strong opinion
• See p. 157.
138 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
held by the several commandants on the subject. It
is essential for the maintenance of efficiency in military
forces that there should be periodical and searching in-
spections of everything connected with their administra-
tion. To obtain this the Australian Government must
have an independent officer, in no way connected with the
Colonies — an outsider, in fact — whose only aim will be
to point out what is required from time to time to main-
tain efficiency in the defence organisations. The ap-
pointment of such an officer would strengthen the hands
of the commandants, and be a guarantee that full value
was being obtained for the outlay incurred.
Xo doubt some little advantage mi^ht result from
the presence of Imperial troops in the Colonies; but,
under a proper organisation for the local forces, there is
no reason to doubt the practicability of ensuring the re-
quisite military efficiency for dealing successfully with
the problem of self-defence, due regard being had to
local circumstances and requirements.
The principle of short service and deferred pay, with
ultimate employment in tlie civil departments of the
State, will be the best organisation for tlie permanent
force, and, if effectively worked out, it will lead to the
formation of a trained reserve available in time of war.
The police force, in the towns near the seaboard,
should also be drilled to act as a military body in sup-
port of the other land forces, their place being supplied
for the time by .special constables. If the requisite
number of Volunteers cannot be obtained, resort should
be had to a Militia, and although a general impression
appears to prevail that the Volunteer forces of the dif-
ferent Colonies are not as efficient as they should be, this
LOCAL FORCES. 139
may be traced to defects in organisation rather than in
principle. As far as practicable, the Volunteer portion of
the artillery and torpedo corps should be enrolled from
the population in the immediate vicinity of the points to
be defended ; but the men for the field force should be
taken from as large an area of country as possible. It is
believed that the disinclination which exists among Eng-
lish-speaking races to contribute in person towards the
defence of the State, as the duty of every citizen, may be
gradually eradicated by cultivating amongst the youth
of the rising generation a knowledge of the use of arms
and of discipline. This may be partly effected by the
introduction of elementary drill in all places of educa-
tion, and by the formation of cadet corps where the
numbers are sufficient.
Every officer should quahfy for his position, and the
troops should be frequently exercised on the ground
hkely to be occupied in repelling an attack. The em-
ployment of Imperial officers, to act as instructors, would
lead to increased efficiency, and, if they were replaced
at short periods, httle difficulty would be experienced
in keeping pace with the improvements made in military
science.
SIR PETER'S CONCLUSIONS.
(a) An Artillery Permanent Force is most desirable, but is
not recommended for the small Colonies. The strength would be
too small to secure value for the large outlay.
(6) The balance of opinion in Australia is decidedly to the
effect that an unpaid Volunteer force cannot be sufficiently
trained to form a reliable defence force, and that, Avhen the
numbers are small, the difficulties of maintaining discipline are
greatly increased. It is admitted that good marksmen can
be turned out under the unpaid system, hut they will not he fit
I40 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES,
to take the field as efl&cient soldiers. The popular notion that
Volunteers, if good marksmen, and in sufficient numbers, and
well commanded, will be able to defeat an invading force, is
rapidly losing ground, and is scouted by experienced and
thoughtful Volunteer officers throughout the Colonies.
(c) Day-light drills are absolutely necessary in order to
attain efficiency.
(d) With an mqxiid or purely Volunteer force the daylight
drills cannot be enforced, and a very large percentage of the
men never attend these drills.
(e) Encampments are always necessary, more so in the case
of an unpaid Volunteer force. They are sure to be attended by
the majority of Volunteers, whether paid or unpaid, and it is
not advisable to make attendance compulsor}".
(/) When money is available, the paid system should cer-
tainly be adopted ; but whether the Volunteers should be paid
or unpaid is a question of policy, ivhich can only he decided by
Government.
(;/) Where a permanent artillery force is not maintained,
the auxiliary artillery should certainly be paid.
(Ji) Torpedo corps should under any circumstances be paid,
being more or less professional corps recruited from a limited
class.
(i) The field force (comprising field artillery, engineers,
when they are maintained as a separate body from the torpedo
corps, and infantry) should be paid, if the country can afford the
expense. If not paid, the strength of the field force might be
increased, in order to make up by quantity for the inferior
quality ; but this course is not recommended, as it will be pre-
ferable to lay out the extra money for the large force in improv-
ing the quality of a smaller number.
(j) If payment for compulsory attendance at drill be
adopted, the South Australian organisation should be adopted
in preference to that of New South Whales.
(A:) The question of land grants to be substituted for money
payments should be considered ; the system, as hitherto tried,
was founded on an entirely wronsr basis.
LOCAL FORCES. 141
{V) Rifle companies on the South Australian plan, wiOi or
U'lthout a capitation grant, are best adapted to country districts ;
but they must not be established if an unpaid Volunteer force is
maintained.
(m) A school of instruction should be established for officers
and non-commissioned officers, the commandant and paid staff
acting as instructors.
(h) The election of officers by corps should be abolished,
except in rifle companies.
(0) Reserves of ammunition should be maintained. All
questions connected with commissariat and other supplies should
be settled in time of peace.
(p) An Imperial officer, to act as inspecting officer and
military adviser, should be appointed.
In 1884 Sir Peter Scratchley was re-editing some
papers on the subject of the local military forces of
the Australasian Colonies. Among them were the
following tabular statements. If these are read with
the foregoing descriptions, which were written in 1882,
and compared with the remarks on the present state
of the defences of Australia and New Zealand, which
will be found set out in the chapters specially devoted
to the individual Colonies, a very fair estimate can be
made as to the strength and organisation of the military
forces in the Colonies at the present time.
Table A. gives a description of the various local
forces in the Australasian Colonies.
Table B. gives the strength and composition of the
several military forces under the diflferent organisations.
The numbers, Sir Peter Scratchley considered, might in
some cases be reduced if the paid system should be
introduced.
142
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
I 1
o
I I
(X) CD
Oj O
'^ o >^
<.5
•- p-
r' >i
5 ~"
33 ._^ -3
<3^3
c
CD
*c
c-
b
a
6
c
Ti "O
^
r^
•^
P^
bo
C
O
fi
^
'^ V
ao
.2 a
■5
s
o
c
^
LOCAL FORCES.
143
1
s
Will probably
be increased
to 1,200
do. do.
to 850
To be reduced
to 4,000
'lU^OXPtlBJO
C5 •« lO ■*! t^
-H (M 00 «£ rj «0
^' "' ^ - '-'
OS
11
■||
n °
Xjurejni
2,191
900
755
414
5,348
CO
CD
Oi
opatljox
• 1 2 1
1
to
\
CO
00
sjaamSna
1 ^ 1
1 04 1
.fwUI^iV
1,016
250
200
907
CO
jCjibabo
1 ^ ' ■ t^ CO
1
-a
i
1
1
■a
.2
S
1
3
Xj^ubjuI
1,340
780
opadjox
0,1111
1 1 1 1 1
I— 1
sjaainSng
S 1 1 1 1 1
8
A-jann.iv g 1 2 1 1 i
319
125
being
established
50
being
established
g
New South Wales
Victoria ....
South Australia .
Queensland . .
Tasmania . . .
New Zealand . .
Total . . .
144
A USTRALIAN DEFENCES.
NOTE.
The number of naval and military officers now
employed in tlie service of the Australian Colonies,
New Zealand, and Tasmania, by the permission of the
Board of Admiralty and of the War Office, is as
follows : —
Jfumber of Oncers on the Active List of the
Army emjjloyed.
-
Colonel
Majors
Captaius
Lieutenants
South Australia . . .
New South Wales . .
Queensland
Victoria
New Zealand ....
Total . .
1
1
1
3
1
2
2
1
2
1
1
5
6 3
Number of Officers on the Active List of the Navy ejnployed.
— 1 Captain 1 Commander
1
Lieutenant | G unners
Queensland
South Australia . . .
Victoria
Total . .
— 1
1 —
I
1
2
1 1 1
!
1
3
Military Officers
Naval Officers .
Grand Total
15
2r
M5
CHAPTER VII.
^'EW SOUTH WALES}
Looking at the map, it is at once obvious that an attack
upon New South Wales by a foreign Power can only be
made at some point along the coast which forms the
eastern boundary of the Colony. This coast, well lighted
and easy to navigate, is open to the Pacific Ocean, and
extends for about six hundred miles. It consists of
cliffs, bold headlands, and undulating hills interspersed
with low-lying country and sandy beaches. The pre-
vailing winds are north-easterly in summer and westerly
in winter, when the water is comparatively smooth ;
but heavy gales of wind occasionally blow from other
quarters, and owing to the coast being exposed to the
Pacific Ocean a heavy swell breaks upon the shore and
renders landing in boats diflicult. Numerous harbours,
however, capable of accommodating the largest vessels,
and many small ports, besides a few open roadsteads
and bays, are to be found along the coast.
Port Jackson is the principal harbour of the Colony,
and contains a main harbour, with an area of about
nine square miles, and a middle harbour, with an area
' The geographical facts in the chapters on New South Wales, Victoria,
Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania, are selected from the Preliminarif
Defence Reports made in 1877 by Sir "VViUiam Jervois in conjunction with
Sir Peter Scratchley.
146 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
of three square miles. To the north of Port Jackson are
the harbours Broken Bay, Newcastle, and Port Stephens,^
and the open roadsteads at Cape Byron, Trial Bay, and
Cape Hawke. South of Port Jackson are Botany Bay,
Jervis Bay,^ and Twofold Bay.^ All of these will admit
vessels of large size, although Botany Bay and the bays
north of Port Jackson are not safe during easterly
gales. The minor harbours* are — to the north, the
harbours at the mouths of the Manning, Macleay,
Clarence, and Richmond Rivers, and Port Macquarie
at the mouth of the river Hastings ; to the south,
the small ports of Hacking, Wollongong, Kiama, Ulla-
dulla, and Bateman's Bay, some of which form outlets
for rivers.
Sir WilUam Jervois and Sir Peter Scratchley began
their joint connection with the military defences of the
Australasian Colonies by inquiring into the steps neces-
sary to be taken to secure the proper defence of the
mother Colony.
In view of the facts that no settlements of any
importance existed near the sea, and that food supplies
in large quantities could only be obtained at Sydney
and Newcastle (the flourishing port of the great coal
district of New South Wales), they considered that
these were the only places likely to be attacked, and
consequently the only places that required special local
* Distant from Sydney about 20, 70, aud 110 miles respectively.
^ 95 miles from Sydney.
^ 2.'}o miles from Sydney.
■• The entrances to which are all more or less obstructed by bars which
reduce the depth of water to from seven to fifteen feet, and in some cases
to below seven feet.
NEW SOUTH WALES. 147
defences. In their opinion Botany Bay ^ should be
defended with a view of preventing its occupation by
an enemy ; but the construction of batteries at Broken
Bay ^ was unnecessary.
DEFENCE OF SYDNEY.
The following extracts ^ explain the line of defence
suggested for Sydney :
' Apprehensions have been expressed that an enemy might
land a force at the head of one of these inlets,'* and march upon
the city ; but the approaches to Sydney from these quarters are,
however, very different from those leading from Botany Bay.
The country between Botany Bay and the town is open, and, as
before stated, there are good roads ; whereas between Sydney
and Broken Bay the country is difficult, covered with bush, and
the roads are bad. These roads can be made impassable to an
enemy, both at the landings and at other places. There are
three converging points at which, in order to meet the impro-
bable case of his making an attempt against Sydney from
Broken Bay, special preparation should be made to oppose him
— at the Spit Ferry, at the junction of the tracks from Pitt
Water and Cowan Creek, and at the junction of the road from
Peat's Ferry to St. Leonards and Parramatta. At these points
earthworks might be thrown up at the time, trees cut down,
interlaced with wires, and other obstacles formed, thus provid-
ing strong entrenchments, behind which the field force for the
' The northern shore of which is only about three or four miles from the
outskirts of Sydney, with which city it is connected by good roads.
* Situated at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, about eighteen miles
north of Port Jackson. Here extensive anchorage is to be found for ships
of any size, and by means of inlets on the southern shore of the bay, called
Pitt Water and Cowan Creek, vessels can approach within fifteen miles of
Sj'dney.
^ From Preliminary Report on Defences of Netc South Wales.
' Pitt "Water and Cowan Creek.
148
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES,
Port JTaclcson.
.'•auT/tr'd'.' 'iettg'^ E.-itab'
JVjEJV south wales. 149
defence of Sydney would be in a position to repel any possible
attack from the northward. The difficulties of an attack from
this quarter, both as regards the distances to be marched and
the obstacles to be overcome, are so great it did not appear
at all probable it would be attempted ; and it is unnecessary
to recommend the construction of batteries for the defence of
Broken Bay.
The probability of a hostile force landing to attack Sydney
on any part of the coast between Botany Bay and Broken Bay
is exceedingly remote, while beyond, either to the northward or
the southward, the distances to be traversed and the difficulties
to be overcome are looked upon as sufficient safeguards against
any such attempt being made. The bays on the coast in the
neighbourhood of Sydney are exposed to the rolling swell of the
Pacific, and, except during westerly winds, on the duration of
which no calculation can be based, are exceedingly unfavour-
able for the landing of troops. As regards a landing between
Port Jackson and Broken Bay, ' an enemy would only be in a
similar position to that which he would occupy if he attempted
to advance from Pitt Water. The only point between Port
Jackson and Botany Bay at which there is a comparative
facility for landing is Long Bay, which is protected from all
but south-easterly winds. An attempt to land at any of the
bays adjacent to Sydney, where, in exceptional cases, landing
may be practicable, or an attack from the direction of Broken
Bay, must be provided against by a field force, acting from
positions affording the readiest access to the points to be de-
fended.'
Now as to the probability of hostile vessels throwing shells
into Sydney from outside the entrance to the harbour, this, no
doubt, is possible, but it would not be desirable to construct
land batteries to prevent this mode of attack. Such defences
would only lead to considerable additional expenditure, both
on works and men, and after all might not effect their object ;
whilst the ship fired at would be a comparative!}' small object
and at a considerable distance, on the other hand the place she
would be firing into covers several square miles, and every shell
.M
I50 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
thrown into it must take effect, and create considerable con-
sternation. Apart from other considerations, probably the best
plan of resisting such an attack would be by spar torpedo boats
or vessels constructed for projecting the Whitehead torpedo,
which, issuing from Sydney Harbour, might be directed against
the enemy's ships.
They considered, however, that steps should be
taken for the general defence of the coast, so as to
prevent an enemy occupying any of the harbours
whence he might issue to attack and capture passing
vessels. It is sometimes urged that the defence of
these harbours can be best accomplislied by torpe-
does. This method did not appear practicable, as
it would necessitate the construction of batteries at
each port, without affecting the proceedings of hos-
tile cruisers, except in the immediate vicinity of the
harbours.
Taking all the circumstances into account. Sir
William Jervois and Sir Peter Scratchley arrived at
the following conclusions —
(i.) The most effective and economical means of
providing for the defence of the harbours along the
coast, for the protection of local commerce, and to
prevent Sydney being shelled by ships lying outside
the harbour defences, would be to provide an ironclad
vessel superior to any enemy's ship likely to come into
Australian waters.
(ii.) Special local protection must be provided for
Newcastle.
(iii.) A field force should be provided to oppose an
attempt at landing in the neighbourliood of Sydney, or
JVEJV SOUTH WALES.
151
an attack from the direction of Broken Bay, as well as
for the support and protection of the sea batteries.
Defences of Nevj South Wales. — Original Scheme codified hy
Sir Peter Scratchley.
LAND DEFENCES.
Port Jackson.
South Head. — Reconstruction
and improvement of existing
batteries
Mid. Head and George's Head.
— Reconstruction and im-
provement of existing bat-
teries
Mid. Head and Georges Head.
— New batteries
To be armed with three 10-inch, eight
80-pr. rifled guns, two S.B. shell guns.
(Two of the 80-pr8. on sea face to be
replaced ultimately by heavier guns)
To be armed with five 10-inch, one 9-
inch, eleven 80-pr. rifled guns, five S.B.
shell guns, ten S.B. 68-prs.
Ditto
Bear Island. — Enclosed work
with barracks
Signal Hill. — Enclosed
with barracks
work
BOTANT.
To be armed with one 10-inch, two 9-
inch, and two 80-pr. rifled guns. Bar-
racks for garrison
Newcastle.
To be armed with three 9-iuch and four
80-pr. rifled guns. Barracks for gar-
Baeracks and Retrenchments.
Barracks at South and Middle For garrisons of batteries
Heads
Entrenchments at South Head,
Middle Head, and George's
Head
To enclose batteries
TORPEDO DEFENCES.
Port Jackson I Complete system of submarine mines,
: with observing and firing stations for
both channels at entrance
Newcastle I Ditto, across channel
Botany Bay 1 Mechanical mines near entrance
AUSTRALIAN DEFEXCES
MILITARY FORCES.
Regular Artillery Corps . . .
Volunteer Militia (Auxiliary)
Garrison Artillery
Torpedo Corps
Volunteer Militia Field Force
to repel landings
375 officers and men
200 officers and men
100 officers and men
1,500 officers and men — artiUery, engi-
neers, and infanti-y. (Police to furnish
mounted corps)
NAVAL DEFEXCES.
Ironclad vessel ' For protection of coast and commerce
Torpedo-boats i For harbour defence
Naval Brigade and permanent For ironclad vessel and torpedo-boats
crew I
The report of the Military Defence Inquiry Cora-
mismon of New South Wales ^ claims special attention,
owing to the fact that five of its members were military
officers.- This was the first time in AustraUa that so
many men, possessed of varied and extensive experience
in colonial military aflPairs, had met together ; and their
opinions, as embodied in the report of the Military
Committee, must therefore carry great weight. These
officers brought to bear upon the subject an intimate
knowledge of what was wanted, and a practical acquaint-
ance with Colonial resources. Accordingly it is not too
much to say they formed the most efficient local com-
mittee that up to that time ever had under its consider-
ation the subject of Australasian defence.
' Held in Sydney in 1881.
- Sir Peter (then Colonel) Scratchley, K.C.M.G., R.E., Consultbg
Military Engineer to the Governments of New South Wales, Victoria, Queens-
land, South Australia, Tasmania, and Xevs' Zealand ; Colonel Anderuon,
C.M.G., Commanding Local Forces of Victoria; Colonel Downes, RA.,
Commanding Local Forces of South Australia; Colonel Richardson, Com-
manding Local Forces of New South Wales ; and Colonel Roberts, Com^
manding Artillery Forces of New South Wales.
NEW SOUTH WALES. 153
The Commission was appointed to inquire into the
working of the laws, regulations, and arrangements made
for the establishment and maintenance of the military
forces of New South Wales, including the system of ex-
amination for appointments and promotion therein, and
to suggest improvements with a view to economy in
expenditure and efficiency in organisation, and generally
to report upon the whole subject of the military de-
fences of the Colony. A sub-Committee, composed of
the military members, was formed in order to collect
information and submit their opinions on the purely
military questions involved in the inquiry. In addition
to this. Admiral Wilson, then commanding the Austra-
lian squadron, gave evidence, and laid before the Com-
mission suggestions respecting the naval defences which,
in his opinion, should be adopted in order to com-
plete the defence organisation of New South Wales.
Thus the report and proceedings of the Commission
may be said to embody all points connected with the
naval and military defences of New South Wales.
The Commission accepted as a basis for their de-
liberations the scheme of land defence recommended by
Sir William Jervois and Sir Peter Scratchley for New
South Wales ; but the question of naval defence, al-
though not included in tlie instructions issued to the
Commission, was entertained because it was found
impossible to discuss the military defences without
taking into account the naval measures required to
complete the defence organisation of the Colony. The
Commission in their report confined themselves to the
naval measures for harbour defence ; but at the same
154 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
time full information regarding the naval defences for
the protection of commerce will be found in the evi-
dence received from Admiral Wilson^ and Sir Peter
Scratchley.
Althoucrh the defence organisation of New South
Wales is necessarily on a much larger scale than that of
the other Australasian Colonies, with the exception of
Victoria and New Zealand, Sir Peter Scratchley con-
sidered that the general system of defence best suited for
New South Wales would be found equally applicable
to the other Colonies, modifications being admitted to
suit local circumstances and requirements. The pro-
posed measures contained in the diiferent schemes of
defence for the various Colonies set forth in these pages
are based on the same principles, and composed more
or less of the same elements ; consequently the changes
and improvements recommended in the defence organ-
isation of New South Wales must, to a great extent,
be suitable to the other Colonies. The following con-
clusions and recommendations were looked upon by Sir
Peter as having an important bearing upon any military
reorganisation scheme that might be adopted : —
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF NEW
SOUTH WALES COMMISSION.^
(1) The necessity for maintaining a sufficient force
of Permanent Artillery was advocated : —
In time of peace the care and guarding of the guns, maga-
* See chapter on Naval Defence, p. 58.
" For Sir Peter ^Scratchley's opinion on these .conclusions and recom-
mendations see chapter on Local Forces (0).
JVEIV SOUTH WALES. i55
zines, and appliances demand the presence at all times of a
skilled and disciplined body of men ; and at the outbreak of
hostilities, however efficient and numerous the reserve or Volun-
teer force may be, a large percentage of thoroughly competent
and highly drilled soldiers is necessary for the working of each
gun. In a matter of this kind an error on the side of false
economy might be fatal. Nature has favoured the construction
of some very formidable batteries at a moderate cost, but it must
never be forgotten that the artillery placed in position will not
answer the purpose intended unless handled with the utmost
skill and precision attainable. Universal experience has shown
that this skill and precision can be secured only by careful and
continued drill as a business, and not by occasional exercise,
differing very little from a pastime. The fully instructed
artilleryman is in reality an artisan of a high order, and time,
habit, and systematic teaching are necessary to make him
thoroughly competent.
(2) The formation of a reserve of trained men was
strongly urged : —
As the members of the permanent force retire from actual
service on the termination of their engagements, being then
well disciplined and instructed artillerymen, it is of the utmost
importance that means should be adopted to secure their ser-
vices for a further period of five years in case of emergency.
The Commission therefore recommend the formation of a reserve
force, to be composed of those who have passed through the
regular force, and of such other equally fit and approved artillery-
men as may present themselves for enrolment, to a number not
exceeding 560 men, A considerable period must elapse before
this limit can be reached, but this reserve force would be a con-
stantly growing body, and would be as efficient as the perma-
nent force. It is thought that, by a retaining fee of 6/., and a
payment of 10s. for each of twelve daylight drills, coupled with
the prospect of employment in the railway or some other
department of the public service, the ranks of this i-eserve force
would fill up with reasonable rapidity.
156 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
(3) The retention of the existing paid Volunteer
force as a Volunteer Militia^ with the then rates of pay
(12/. per annum for privates),^ was recommended, and
an opinion expressed that the number of daylight drills
should be increased to thirty per annum, exclusive of
the continuous training of six days in each year ; also
tliat more stringent regulations be adopted to insure
discipline ; and that the Militia should be enrolled for
one year, with leave to retire at any time, on giving
one month's notice, complying with the regulations,
and submitting to a penalty of two pounds. -
(4) The formation of a purely Volunteer force, to
be affihated to and trained with the Volunteer Militia,
was suggested, but the expenditure on this force was
confined to the provision of instruction, arms, and
ammunition.
(5) The reorganisation of tlie paid Volunteer Xaval
Brigade was advised, so as to establish it as a Xaval
Eeserve for service afloat in armed steamers, gun-
boats, torpedo launches, and boats for patrol and
observation.
(6) The recommendations of the Military Committee
with regard to the appointment, promotion, and educa-
tion of officers, were adopted in certain particulars.^
(7) The recommendation of the ^lilitary Committee
was endorsed as to the appointment of an Imperial
* The 12/. per annum paid as follows: — 20 balf-day drills, at bs. — 5/.;
6 days' continuous training in camp, 3Z. ; the balance, 4/., as a bonus at end
of year if the man fulfils all conditions.
* A majority of the Commissioners were in favour of maintaining the
Militia on a less expensive footing.
^ See Appendix A.
NEW SOUTH WALES. 157
officer as inspecting officer of the Australian local forces,
and military adviser to the several Governments.^
The duties of this officer should be to conduct periodical
inspections of the local forces and the military defences and
establishments of the Australian Colonies, and advise the
Governments on all subjects connected with the maintenance
of the local defences. In time of peace this officer would not
exercise any executive command, but in time of war, should
there be combined or federal arrangements for defence, he would
assume supreme direction. The Committee, in making this re-
commendation, desire not to lessen the authority or full respon-
sibility of the local commandants, but rather to strengthen their
position.
(8) Certain suggestions of the Military Committee
on sundry subjects relating to the organisation and
equipment of the local forces were approved."-^
The completion of the defence works in this Colony
was somewhat delayed in consequence of the money
vote proving insufficient. However, in 188-3 a supple-
mentary vote of 70,000/. was included in the military
estimate of that year, and the work was carried on in
accordance with the recommendations. Since then
great progress has been made, and all the guns are now
in position, so that in the event of war the batteries
would be ready to repel attacks on Port Jackson,
Botany Bay, and Newcastle. The barracks at South
and Middle Heads are completed, and the entrencli-
' This appointment to be held from three to five years, subject to
renewal.
- See Appendix A,
158 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
ments recommended are finished, A system of submarine
mines now guards the entrance to Port Jackson, while
great progress has been made in the torpedo defences
at Newcastle and Botany Bay. The military forces
have been reduced in strength to some extent, and
further alterations are contemplated. Practically, how-
ever, the original recommendations have been carried
out, and the force is increasing in efficienc5^ The pur-
chase of gun-boats is still under consideration.
In 1881 H.M.S. 'Wolverene,' a screw corvette, was
presented to the Colony, and is still retained as a train-
ing-ship for the Naval Brigade. This force has lately
been reorganised so as to be available for service afloat
in accordance with the recommendations of the New
South Wales Commission. In a private memorandum
made by Sir Peter Scratchley in 1884 I find against
the entry ' Naval Brigade likely to be organised and
" Wolverene " (colonial ship) maintained for training
purposes,' these words, ' This is the fatal blot in New
South Wales. Should follow Victoria.'
159
CHAPTER VIII.
VICTORIA.
A GLANCE at the chart of AustraHa shows at once
that an attack upon Victoria by a foreign Power can
only be made along the seaboard, which forms the
southern boundary of the Colony. The coast extends
from Cape Howe to the south-east extremity of South
Australia at the mouth of the Glenelg River, a distance
of nearly six hundred miles, all more or less inaccessi-
ble, a considerable portion being iron-bound with high
cliffs. Even in places where there are low sandy
hills and beaches the sea breaks more or less heavily
throughout the year, and a landing is almost im-
practicable.
Port Phillip, situated near the centre of the coast, is
the only harbour of importance. It is an estuary about
thirty miles long and twenty broad, having an extensive
bay on the eastern shore ; while a branch estuary,
averaging five miles in width, extends westwards for a
distance of fifteen miles. The extreme breadtli of Port
Phillip from east to west, inclusive of the branch
estuary, is about thirty-five miles, and the total area
about seven hundred square miles. At the western
extremity is the town of Geelong, a shipping port
for wool and ])roduco from the westward. At tlie
i6o
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
extreme north lies Hobson's Bay, about three miles in
length by one and a half in depth, near the shores of
wliich is situated the city of Melbourne, with its
numerous suburbs, extending from Williamstown on
the western, to Emerald Hill and Sandridge on the
northern, and St. Kilda and Brighton on the eastern side.
Map of Port Fliillip.
The entrance to Port Phillip (about 4,000 yards
wide) is between the two headlands. Point Nepean and
Port Lonsdale. Facing the channel (about 3,500 yards
from Point Nepean, and about 4,500 from Point Lons-
dale) is Queenscliff. Owing to the existence of rocks
and shoals on either side of the entrance, the navigable
passage (called ' The Pip ') is little more than 1,600
VICTORIA.
r6i
yards wide, and the tide runs through with great
velocity. A vessel after navigating ' The Eip ' and
turning to the eastward would, after passing the Hne
between Point Nepean and Queenscliff, find herself in
an open deep-water harbour, about three miles long
lifcr:
Gvelcng 6 7
Outer
Port
P li i 1 1 i
" 12 13
'iiro'ken- qf ou-fij d.
Symonds
CliaMiiel '3 12
(f^^I^" U^'"^'
Soundinga ijtfaihxmis
4. 2 9 4. ? NautLcalMiles
TheHntrance to Poirt Fhillif .
Sta7x/ord,'3 Gcc^^^swt^
and one and a lialf broad. Thence the route to the
inner waters of Port Phillip is by one of two channels,
through shoals which for a distance of from six to ten
miles render navigation difficult. The distance from
' The Eip ' to Hobson's Bay by the ' West Channel ' is
about thirty, and by the ' South Channel ' about forty
1 62 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
miles. Besides these passages, there are Cole's, Loelia,
Symonds', and Pinnace Channels ; but owing to difficulty
in navigation these are seldom used.
Close to Port Phillip, on its eastern side, is Western
Port, a good land-locked harbour, capable of accommo-
dating ships of any size. About one hundred and ten
miles south-east of the entrance to Port Phillip is
Wilson's Promontory, the southernmost point of Aus-
traUa. Near the extremity of this promontory on
its eastern side is Waterloo Bay, and on its west side
Waratah Bay, while to the eastward are Corner Inlet
and Port Albert, Between the latter and Cape Howe
there are no harbours. To the west of Port Phillip
are the small harbours of Warrnambool, Belfast, and
Portland.
The following extracts, taken from the Preliminary
Eeport^ on the Defences of Victoria, which was pre-
pared by Sir William Jervois in conjunction with Sir
Peter Scratchley, show the lines upon which the scheme
of defence for the city of Melbourne was based : —
DEFENCE OF MELBOURNE.
(i.) Considered with regard to an Enemy entering Port Phillip
and occupying Hobsons Bay.
The conditions under which the question has been considered
on former occasions are in one important respect very different
from those which exist at the present time. . . . Now there need
be no fear that torpedoes will not be in their places when
required, and will not be effective should an attempt be made
to force the entrance to the harbour. ... It must, however, be,
' 3Iade iu 1877.
VICTORIA. 163
borne in mind, notwithstanding the greatly increased eflEiciency
of torpedoes, that batteries of artillery are still essential to bear
on attacking ships, under whose fire the submarine mines might
otherwise be removed. The questions then arise, whether there
are any positions where torpedoes can be applied in such
manner as effectually to prevent the passage of an enemy's
vessels to the inner waters of Port Phillip estuary ; and, if so,
whether, having regard to questions of construction and ex-
pense, it be possible to erect batteries which shall absolutely
protect torpedoes in such positions from being removed. Al-
though it would be impracticable to adopt at the headlands a
system of defence of which submarine mines would form part,
the conditions are favourable for the application of torpedoes in
the channels through the shoals within the entrance. . . . Forts
can be constructed with facility, on sites well adapted for the
protection and working of the torpedoes, where the width both
of the West Channel and of the South Channel is about 1,400
yards. Thus, by a combination of forts and torpedoes at the
channels through the shoals, the passage of an enemy's squadron
to the inner waters of Port Phillip can be absolutely prevented.
In order to prevent the possibility of an enemy passing at
night, the channel and approaches to it may be so illuminated by
the magneto-electric light as to prevent any vessel attempting
to remove the obstructions without being seen from the forts.
The forts defending the channels through the shoals will
necessarily be too far distant from the anchorage between the
shoals and the headlands to prevent an enemy's ships occupying
that outer harbour, and so closing Port Phillip both against
the ingress and egress of trading or other vessels. A battery
of powerful guns should therefore be placed at Queenscliff,
and another at Point Nepean, to bear upon hostile ships
approaching the outer channel, as well as to cross-fire upon them
in their passage through the channel, and, in conjunction with
the ' Cerberus,' to prevent an enemy occupying the outer
anchorage if he succeeded in reaching it. The ' Cerberus ' will
also aid in the defence of the passages through the shoals.
It has often been suggested that a fort should also be placed
1 64 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
at Point Lonsdale ; and no doubt such a work would be of
advantage as affording a cross-fire with the guns on Point
Nepean in the passage of a vessel through ' The Eip.' I think,
however, that this additional work would be an unnecessary ex-
pense. It would not oblige a ship to pass any nearer to Point
Nepean, and the narrowest part of the channel is not between
Point Lonsdale and Point Nepean, but between the latter point
and Queenscliff. An enemy, knowing that access to Hobson's
Bay and Melbourne was absolutely barred by the defences at
the shoals, would not risk the running of the gauntlet between
the fire of the ' Cerberus ' and the two outer works.
I should mention that I have fully considered whether,
instead of defending Port Phillip by forts and torpedoes in con-
junction with the ' Cerberus,' it would be better, as has been
proposed on a previous occasion, to provide an ironclad vessel,
in addition to the ' Cerberus,' in lieu of the forts. I am
decidedly of opinion that it would not be desu'able to adopt this
course. I have long been aware of the advantages of floating
defences, and for upwards of twenty years I have been a strong
advocate for their employment ; but I think that the case
under consideration is not one in which the floating should be
substituted for the fixed element of defence. Indeed, in tlie
proposal to which I refer it is conceded that if it were adopted
it would still be necessary to have land batteries for the defence
of Hobson's Bay and Melbourne, and it is thereby admitted
that the floating defences might not succeed in preventing an
enemy obtaining access to the inner waters of Port Phillip. In
considering whether it is desirable to employ floating batteries
in lieu of forts it must be borne in mind that the vessel is liable
to be sunk, not only by artillery fire, but by the action of offen-
sive torpedoes or by ramming ; she may be disabled by damage
to her machinery, her screw, or her steering apparatus ; she
aflfords an unsteady gun carriage, and consequently the fire of
her guns must, comparatively speaking, be more or less inac-
curate. It may be added, as regards vessels of the 'Monitor'
class, that in anything like rough weather they may be unable
to fight their guns ; again, the very advantage claimed for the •
VICTORIA. 165
vessel of being available for general service renders her liable to
be absent when required at the particular spot where local de-
fence is essential. As regards the relative expense of forts and
ironclad ships, it must be observed that whilst the expense
of the maintenance of fixed defences is insignificant, and the
work once constructed is permanent, the cost of maintaining
the vessel is considerable, and it is necessary to provide for her
periodical renewal.
The question under consideration is the defence of Port
Phillip and Melbourne, and if the artillery requisite for that
defence can be mounted on fixed platforms, whence an effective
fire can be brought to bear on the channels of approach, no
object is gained by placing that artillery in a vessel afloat.
There can be no object in substituting an unsteady platform, on
which the amount of protection that can be afforded is limited
by considerations inherent to floating structures, and which is
liable to be taken away or to be sunk, for a fixed and perfectly
steady platform, which can be fully protected either against its
fire being silenced or from capture by an enemy. Fui'ther, if
floating defences were substituted for forts, it would still be
necessary to erect stations from whence the torpedoes could
be worked, whereas the fort at once not only provides such
stations, but perfectly fulfils the conditions required for the
artillery defence.
The ' Cerberus ' not being a sea-going vessel, an additional
ironclad would no doubt be valuable for the protection of com-
merce at sea ; but the provision of such a ship is a question
that rests upon a different basis to that of the purely local de-
fence of Port Phillip and the wealthy places upon its shores. It
would be desirable that this principle of defence should be
adopted for the defence of Australian commerce generally,
and for the general protection of harbours on the Australian
coast for which local defences cannot be provided. This ques-
tion, however, may probably be better dealt with by arrange-
ment with the Imperial Government, the Colonies undertaking
to share the extra expense in proportion to their respective
populations.
N
i66 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
(ii.) With regard to an Enemy occupying Western Port.
It will be observed that, by adopting the plan of preventing
an enemy from entering Port Phillip, the power is afforded of
acting upon his flank or rear in the event of his attempting an
attack upon Melbourne from Western Port. Bearing this in
mind — considering, moreover, the distance he would have to
march, his want of transport (for, of course, all horses and other
means of transport would be removed from the neighbourhood
directly an enemy appeared in Western Port) — in short, taking
into account the whole conditions of the case, it does not appear
at all likely that the operation would be attempted. If attempted,
the amount of field force which the Colony can command would
be amply sufficient to deal with any number of men — probably
not more than 1,000 or 1,200 — at all likely to be available for
landing from a hostile squadron. It will be desirable to have a
torpedo vessel to disturb an enemy if anchored in Western Port ;
and for this purpose an arrangement might be made by which
the mail-boat that runs between Hastings and Cowes should be
a specially swift vessel adapted for this purpose. Beyond this,
and the maintenance of a sufficient field force, I think it un-
necessary to make any special provision to meet an attack from
that quarter.
It is sometimes stated that an enemy might land a force on
the coast to the southward of Geelong, and thence make a raid
upon that place. It appears to me that it is very unlikely that
he would throw a force on shore on an open beach, where, even
if he succeeded in obtaining a footing, he must calculate on a
change of wind or weather cutting him off from his boats. In
any case, whatever probability there may be of such an operation
being attempted, it may be easily disposed of by a portion of
the field force being despatched from Melbourne by railway to
Geelonsf.
VICTORIA.
167
Defences of Victoria. — Original Scheme, codified by
Sir Peter Scratchley.
LAND DEFENCES.
Enclosed work on Point Nepean
Batteries and keep at Queens-
cliff
Heads.
To be armed with one 10-inch and six
80-pr. rifled guns
To be armed with one 10-inch (new
pattern), three 9-inch, and four 80-pr.
rifled guns; batteries to be enclosed
and keep provided
Enclosed work, keep, and tor-
pedo depot on Swan Island
West Channel,
To be armed with two 10-inch (new
pattern), three 9-inch, and three 80-
pr. rifled guns. Keep and torpedo
depot for submarine mines to be pro-
vided inside the work
Fort on Shoal
West Channel
South Channel
South Channel.
To be armed with five 10-inch and two
6-inch rifled ^uns (aU B.L. chambered)
TOEPEDO DEFENCES.
Lines of observation and contact mines
with light booms to be laid across the
channels. Torpedo defences to be in
char) That the military road, already in course of construc-
tion, should be extended so as to afford ready commu-
nication behind the sandhills for field guns and infantry
from LeFevre's Peninsula to Marino.
(c) That a few electro-contact torpedoes should be pro-
vided, to be placed across the Port Creek.
{(£) That a force necessary for manning the defences and
opposing a landing should be maintained.
OflBcers and Men.
For Land Defence —
Permanent Artillery . . . . .80
Volunteer Artillery ..... 100
Volunteer Cavalry ...... 60
Volunteer Infantry 700
Total ^40
This number is irrespective of the small permanent Naval Force,
about 50 strong, and the Naval Reserve, about 150 strong, which
will be required for the proposed war-vessel.
l8!
CHAPTER X.
QUEENSLAND.
The coast of Queensland extends in a north-westerly
direction from Point Danger on the frontier of New
South Wales to Cape York. At this point it turns
nearly westward for about thirty-two miles, and then,
running almost due south, forms the Cape York Penin-
sula ; when, again turning westward, it forms with the
Northern Territory of South Australia the coast line
of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The seaboard, without
following its windings, is about 1,900 miles in length.
Its general character is bold and rocky. From
Cape York to the South Australian frontier, however,
it is for the most part fronted with mangroves,
mud flats, and shallows, from wdiich the shoal water
extends for a considerable distance into the gulf. The
only town on this part of the coast is Normanton,
the outlet for the Cloncurry gold and copper mines,
and for the Etheridge goldfield ; but fourteen ports and
towns of more or less importance lie along or near the
eastern coast.
After considering in detail the geographical position
of Queensland, its harbours, rivers, and towns, the
resources of the country, the distribution of popula-
tion, and the measures which had already been taken for
1 86 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
its defence, Sir William Jervois and Sir Peter Scratchley
in 1877 arrived at the following conclusions : —
That Brisbane, as the capital, required special con-
sideration.
That some local means of defence should be pro-
vided on the rivers Fitzroy and Mary, by which
Eockhampton and Maryborough are approached.
That at Townsville, Cooktown, and other places,
Avhen sufficiently increased in importance, some
local protection should be afforded.
That the protection of the coast generally must at
present depend on naval means.
DEFENCE OF BRISBANE.
It was first thought that the defence of Brisbane
could be attained by protecting Moreton Bay and so
providing for the security of the capital and its outer
anchorage at the same time. However, on examining
the conditions of the case, this appeared unadvisable,
as even under favourable circumstances the cost of de-
fending Moreton Bay on these principles would be about
300,000/. ; while to man works entirely isolated and far
distant from any population, it would be necessary to
incur the additional expense of maintaining a permanent
force of artiller3^ It was finally decided that the best
way to prevent an enemy entering and anchoring in
Moreton Bay was by naval means, and that the defence
of Jirisbane against naval attack must be in the river
by which the town is approached ; but, the river being
QUEENSLAND.
187
shallow, it was only necessary to provide against tlie
passage of unarinoured gun- vessels.
yjHtdCbiFfi PP
,J MORE TOK BAY
4^ H^-^'^^'^ 5
JSKMoi^l.
Brisbane
In considering the possibility of an enemy attempt-
ing to attack Brisbane by land, it was remarked :
At Reclcliffe Point and Cleveland Point there are places at
which a landing could be effected, and from whence there are
1 88 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
roads affording access to Brisbane. These are, however, respec-
tively, about twenty-eight and twenty-three miles distant fi'om
the town, and it does not appear likely that an attack would be
made from thence. A small hostile force could, however, if un-
opposed, land, at high water, in Bramble Bay or Waterloo Bay,
whence there are roads, each only about fourteen miles in length,
by which Brisbane could be reached.
To oppose a landing, a gun-boat ^ of light drauglit
was recommended.
Taking up a position in the boat channel at the mouth of the
river, she would be very favourably placed for acting either to the
north or south, and for directing her fire also against the enemy's
ships if desii'ed. Lying in shoal water at a considerable distance
from hostile vessels in the bay, she might damage them without
the probability of being hit.
A field force, consisting of a battery of field artillery,
a company of engineers, and a body of infantry, was con-
sidered necessary either to co-operate with the floating
defence in preventing a landing, or to oppose an advance
on the town should an enemy succeed in obtaining a
footing on shore.
There are several places favourable for resistance on the roads
by which an enemy could move ; and the services of the company
of enorineers and others would be turned to arood account in
forming earthworks, felling trees, making wire entauglements,
and creating other obstacles, which would so impede a body of
men in their advance that a small force would be able to prevent
their progress.
' To draw not more than five feet of water, have a speed of not less than
ten knots, and carry one eigbty-pouuder M.L.R. gun.
QUEENSLAND.
189
Defences oj Queenslajid. — Original Scheme, codified by
Sir Peter Scratchley.
LAND DEFENCES.
Brisbane, at Lytton. — Enclosed
■work with defensible stockade
on Signal Hill
To be armed with two G-inch (new
pattern) and two G4-pr. rifled guns.
Stockaded enclosure on Signal Hill
with barracks
TORPEDO DEFENCES.
Brisbane River, at Lytton .
Mary River (Maryborough) .
Fitzroy River (Rockhampton)
Observation and electro-contact mines
across river
Electro-contact mines across river
Electro-contact mines across river
MIIilTARY FORCES.
Volunteer Garrison Artillery
Torpedo corps
Field forces to repel landings
For battery at Lytton, 80 officers and men
For Brisbane, Maryborough, and Rock-
hampton, 90 officers and men
Field Artillery, Engineers, and Infantry,
for Brisbane, Maryborough, and Rock-
hampton, 1,080 officers and men
NAVAL DEFENCES.
Brisbane. — Gunboat and one or
more torpedo-boats
Maryborovyh. — Gun barge and
torpedo-boats
Rochhampton. — Gun barge and
torpedo-boats
Naval Brigades at the above-
named places
For defence of More ton Bay, to prevent
landings
For defence of river
For defence of river
To man naval defences, 110 officers and
men
The object of this scheme was to bar the passage
up the river to Brisbane, and thus force the enemy
either to remain in Moreton Bay or attempt a landing,
when he would be opposed by the gun-boat and the
field force. Notwithstanding a certain opposition to
the sclieme at first, which, no doubt, arose mainly from
I90 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
its beincf misunderstood, tHe Legislature at leno^tli de-
termined to carry out the greater portion of the recom-
mendations, and voted a sum of 22,000/. on account
of capital expenditure. It was decided to provide the
battery at Lytton, and its armament, guns for Eock-
hampton and Maryborough, rifles for the infantry and
artillery, rifle ranges, and drill-sheds, and also to sanction
the annual expenditure for the j)roper maintenance and
training of the Volunteers.
As to the idea that the defence of the Colony could
be provided by a land force alone, unassisted or unsup-
ported by any defensive works, Sir Peter Scratchley
said : ' It is fortunate, indeed, that the defence of Bris-
bane has not fallen into the hands of people advo-
cating these views, for, of all ideas ventilated on the
defence question, there are none so mischievous or so
utterly opposed to common sense and to recognised
principles of war. Let any one take up a map of the
country between Brisbane and Moreton Bay ; let him
imagine the battery and torpedoes at Lytton barring
the river ; let him sujDpose this battery to be supported
by a defensible post on Signal Hill, within 1,200 yards
of it : and he will inevitably come to the conclusion
that no enemy would attempt an advance upon Bris-
bane, on either side of the river, without first capturing
these defences — a task requiring time and appliances
specially brought with the expedition — or without
leaving a force to liold them in check. To conduct
either of these operations with any chance of success,
an enemy would have to land a force at least double
that proposed for the defence of Brisbane.'
QUEENSLAND. 191
Kemarking on the strength and composition of the
mihtary forces recommended, he observed, 'the chances
of a landing are remote, provided certain precautionary-
measures are adopted ; nor is it at all hkely that an enemy
would attempt extended operations on land, as, besides
being exceedingly hazardous, they would require very
elaborate preparations. He is more likely to attempt
raids by sea. The field force recommended for Bris-
bane^ acting on the defensive, fighting only in Avell-
selected positions, kno'sving the country thoroughly,
with its flank secured by the Lytton defences, would
certainly be able to defeat a superior force. There is
no reason, however, why a reserve should not be
formed of Volunteers who have performed efficient
service for a term of years. These men could be
invited to attend the annual encampments, but no
expenditure need be incurred beyond the provision of
a very inexpensive uniform. In time of war no doubt
they would join tlie ranks with alacrity. The forma-
tion of a reserve for the Volunteer force would be
attended with the great advantage that in time of war
an increase of strength would be obtained without
additional cost in time of peace.'
He was opposed to the creation of a number of
small corps (the evil effects of which system were
brought very forcibly to his notice when inspecting the
Volunteer force in New Zealand),^ and recommended
that the torpedo defences should be entrusted to the
Queensland Volunteer Engineers.^ ' It is fatal,' he said,
' 880 strong, including the up-countrj corps. '^ See p. 237.
^ Tbis proposition was accepted by the Queensland Government.
192 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
' to military efficiency to have a number of small corps ;
economical management cannot be attained, nor can
discipline be maintained as in larger bodies. This is
found to be the case with regular troops ; how much
more, therefore, will it be so with Volunteers? For
these reasons it has been found necessary, wherever
Volunteer forces are maintained, to consolidate small
corps into regiments and battalions.' He advised the
division of the Queensland Volunteer Engineers into two
divisions — one to be trained as submarine miners, the
other as sappers and signallers, the general direction of
the duties of the corps being entrusted to the officer
commandingf.
' When a permanent artillery corps is established,
as in the other Australian Colonies,' he said, ' the duty
of maintaining the battery at Lytton, and of any other
permanent w^orks of defence in connection therewith, can
be undertaken h^ it ; consequently it is only necessary to
maintain a small body of engineers to form part of the
field force, which has been provided with the object of
meeting the contingency of a landing by the enemy for
the purposes of turning the defensive position at Lytton
and marching upon Brisbane by either bank of the river.
Such an arrangement is in accordance with the plan
of defence which is approaching completion. The bat-
tery and keep at Lytton are to be enclosed and rendered
self-defensible and independent of the support of the
field force, which will be set free to devote its entire
attention to resisting the landing of the enemy, and will
be relieved of all anxiety as to the garrisons of these
works beinu able to hold their own.'
QUEENSLAND. 193
Considering that in the" field much of the heavy-
work will have to be done by military and civil labour,
under the direction of the engineer corps, Sir Peter
considered it of paramount importance that as many of
the men as possible should be trained to become the
directors of the unskilled labour provided. With
regard to the signalling duties, he thought the best
course would be to train a few men of the Sapper
division to acquire a thorough knowledge of the army
system of signalling by flags during the day and by
lamps during the night. When these men became
thoroughly proficient they should be detailed to instruct
such men in the artillery and infantry as were willing
to learn, as, in his opinion, it was essential that all
arms of the force should be able to communicate with
each other in the field by visual signals. Signallers
will also be required in connection with the submarine
mining operations to communicate between the shore
and boats. ^
In this colony the defensive measures on land are
practically complete so far as the protection of Brisbane
is concerned. The battery at Lytton is armed and
ready, and the works recommended at Signal Hill. The
submarine mines are completed, and the reorganisation
of the military forces, as approved by Parliament, is now
in progress of formation. With regard to the naval
defences, two ten-knot gun-boats have been provided
for the defence of Brisbane; writing in 1883 Sir Peter
Scratchley said, ' the Government have decided to defer
^ For Sir Peter Scratchley's remarks on field fortification, see p. '50.
194 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
the provision of local defences for the rivers at Mary-
borough and Eockhampton, and intend using the
second gun-boat for the general defence of the coast.
Local companies of infantry are, however, retained at
these places.'
T95
CHAPTER XI.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
The commanding geographical position of Western
Australia cannot fail to attract attention whenever the
subject of Australasian Defence is being considered,
while King George Sound,^ the first and last port of
call in Australia for steamers carrying the mails between
that continent, Europe, the East, and Great Britain, is a
strategical position important alike to the Australasian
Colonies and the mother-country.
The entrance ^ to the Sound is five miles wide, and
divided into three channels by the two islands Breaksea
and Michaelmas. The North channel is little used, as
it is not considered quite safe ; but the Middle ^ and
Main '^ channels are perfectly secure for vessels of any
size, while the latter is equally available during day and
night and in all weathers. Sir Peter Scratchley con-
sidered that, in time of war, a look-out station should be
established on Grove Hill, to the west of the entrance,
from which point an enemy's ship advancing from the
westward, close in to the shore,^ could be easily detected.
* By sea the Sound is about 3G0 miles from Fremantle, the port of Perth ;
but overland, by a good road, the distance to the capital is only 256 miles.
^ It should be noted that the heads, north and south of the entrance,
together with the two islands across it, are quite inaccessible, being from 200
to 500 feet high, with very precipitous sides.
5 1,300 yards wide. •* 4,000 yards wide.
■'' Here the water is very deep
196
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
The Sound is about four and a half miles wide and
six long, measured from Breaksea Island to the entrance
of Princess Eoyal Harbour, whicli is landlocked and
affords a perfectly safe anchorage for large vessels at
all times. The prevailing winds are N.W. to S.W.
during the Avinter months (May to September), and S.E.
IQiig George Sound.
jnrtr'-d.j 5<"<>?' ZsKcb^
to E., Init generally E., in the summer (October to
April) ; the force, however, of the easterly winds is
broken by the two islands across the entrance. Good
anchorage and holding ground are to be found every-
where, and more especially in Frenchman Bay ; ^ but
there are no landing-places outside.
^ South of the entrance to Princess Roval Harbour.
WESTERN A USTRALIA.
197
The entrance to Princess Eoyal Harbour ^ is narrowed
by shoals, and navigation is rendered somewhat difficult
by the set of the tide. On the south side of the entrance
is Point Possession, a bold promontory, somewhat in
the shape of a flattened dish-cover, and connected with
the mainland by a narrow and sandy isthmus. On the
north side is Point King, on which stands a lighthouse
possessing a light that can be seen from almost every
part of the Sound ; while inside the harbour a project-
ing point faces the entrance and completely commands
the channel.
Unfortunately a great part of the harbour,^ which is
about three miles long by two broad, is shoal- water,
owing to the drifting of sand from the surrounding
hills — a matter of grave importance, and one which will
require attention when King George Sound becomes a
naval coaling station, and Albany^ (a well-placed town
situated on the north shore of Princess Eoyal Harbour)
a centre of commercial activity.
The roadstead"* off Fremantle is open to north-
westerly winds, which often set in for periods extend-
ing from one to three weeks, and cause the sea to run
very high. Several engineers have reported upon the
proposal to construct a harbour at Fremantle, but all
agree that this could only be done at great cost. Sir
John Coode, indeed, was of opinion that a deep-water
* 600 yards across from shore to shore.
^ The general character of the land around the harbour and Sound is of
granite formation, yery broken, irregular, and hilly, with intervening sandy
valleys covered more or less thickly with scrub.
* Albany may be designated the ' Key of Australia,' and in the event of
the Colonies federating will probably be chosen as a centre of organisation.
■* Gage Roads.
P
198 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
channel from the sea could not be maintained in Swan
Elver, and estimated the cost of a harbour outside
Fremantle, in twenty-nine feet of water, at 638,000/.^
It has been stated that King George Sound is only of
value for defence purposes to the Imperial navy and
the Eastern Colonies of Australia. This view was not
accepted by Sir Peter Scratcliley, Avho considered that,
without such a harbour, the future progress of Western
Australia would be seriously retarded. A coal depot
at King George Sound, he thought, was required for
steamers trading between the Eastern Colonies and
Perth, and between the settlements on the west coast to
the north and south of the capital ; and, in his opinion,
no other place existed in the south of Western Australia
where coal could be securely kept for this purpose.
Notwithstanding the withdrawal of the depot be-
longing to the Peninsular and Oriental Company, the
prosperity of Albany does not appear to have been
checked, although the dispersion of the large staff
of employes and their families reduced the popula-
tion for a time. The wisdom of this course is freely
questioned, as notwithstanding the reduced consumption
of coal consequent on the introduction of compound
engines,. there is great risk of steamers running short of
fuel on tlie voyage out from Ceylon against adverse
winds. For this reason alone, it would be a great mis-
take to look upon King George Sound as commercially
unimportant, or simply as a place which it may or may
not be desirable to occupy in time of war.
Yet until recently tlie Imperial authorities have
' Or :242,000/., according as a larger or smaller scheme 'svas adopted.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA. 199
declined to recognise its importance in this respect.
True the matter has been much considered and action
advocated ; but little more has been done than to declare
the defence of King George Sound part and parcel of
a general scheme of Australasian continental defence
which has never been definitely settled.
From a defence point of view King George Sound
is of paramount importance. Admiral Wilson places
particular value on it because it is to windward of all
the Colonies on the Australian Station : —
Commanding, as it does, the trade route from the westward,
it is a position which would, as a matter of course, be held by
a squadron in time of war. It is also essential to keeping up
steam communication with Western Australia, as none of her
Majesty's ships on this station could steam from Adelaide to
Fremantle during the prevailing westerly winds without taking
in coal at least once on the way.
Sir William Jervois, in remarking on the necessity
of providing fortified coal depots on the routes of
British commerce, has also pointed out that the fine
harbour of King George Sound occupies a most import-
ant position with reference to the defence of Australian
commerce : —
Undefended, it may in time of war be occupied by hostile
vessels, which, issuing therefrom, might cut off our steamers
and merchant ships. On the other hand, if defended, it would
become a most valuable naval post for vessels of war acting for
defence.
Tliese opinions Sir Peter Scratchley thoroughly
endorsed. In fact it is only necessary to examine the
chart of Southern Australia in order to perceive, at a
p 2
200 AUSTRALIAN DEFEXCES.
glance, that King George Sound is most favourably
placed as a base for operating against an expedition
that might be despatched from Europe, America, or the
East against Australia. Albany, too, is in telegraphic
communicaticn with Perth and Adelaide, and through
the latter place with the Eastern Colonies, New Zea-
land, Tasmania, the East, and Europe.
Similar views are entertained by some of the Austra-
lian Governments, and at the Intercolonial Conference,
lield at Sydney in January 1881, Mr. W. Morgan,
then Premier of South Australia, moved that the time
had arrived
when joint action should be taken for the more efficient naval
defence of the Australian Colonies and Xew Zealand, and for
the protection of the large number of valuable vessels now en-
gaged in the Australian carrying trade. . . . Any scheme of
naval defence should also include the naval defence of the
harlx)ui's of the capitals of the different Colonies, and the for-
tification of King George Sound or some other port in Western
Australia, and the maintenance of a sufficient force for holding
the same.'
Although the motion was defeated, it is not to be
supposed that the \-iews brought fon^^ard by jMr. Mor-
gan are not shared by a large number of leading men
in Australia. Public opinion in the Colonies, as in the
mother-country, is not always easy to move in defence
matters. Everv dav, however, statesmen are becoming
more aHve to the necessity of adopting all reasonable
precautions for making her Majesty's dominions abso-
lutely secure against foreign aggression. The Austra-
* For a fuller account of the debate on this resolution, see AppendLv A.
WESTERN A USTRALIA. 201
lasian Governments have given practical proof of their
determination in this respect by carrying out the re-
commended schemes of land defences. True the pro-
gress in the construction of these defensive works has
been slow, but tliere is now a reasonable prospect
of seeing the principal ports of all the Colonies well
protected ; while the question of Colonial naval defences,
auxiliary to the Imperial navy, is already ripe for dis-
cussion,
' No doubt,' said Sir Peter Scratchley, ' if the de-
fence of King George Sound were entirely undertaken
in time of war by the Imperial navy or by Imperial
troops, the maintenance of a garrison to man the de-
fences would be costly and embarrassing ; it Avould,
however, be infinitely more so if the place were left
unprotected, and thus became the only weak point in
the Australian system of defence.' ^
The Government at Perth is as much interested in
the defence of the Sound as the Government at Hobart
is in the defence of Launceston, and it has been reason-
ably observed that the duty which has been accepted
by the other Australasian Colonies of providing an
efficient defence for their ports should be undertaken
by Western Austraha. ' Were this done,' said Sir Peter,
' and the Imperial Government to sanction the carrying
out of the scheme of defence, such a course would have
a marked and most favourable efiect upon the proceed-
ings of the Eastern Colonies. In that event, they would
probably be prepared to include Western Australia in
their general scheme of naval protection without ex-
> See p. 72.
202 A USTRALIAN DEFENCES.
pecting any contribution from it beyond that of its local
defence.'
This Colonj^ stands in a totally different position
from the rest of Australia. Whilst its territory is
enormous, its population is very small and scattered in
unimportant settlements at long distances apart. Yet
its revenue is good, and the prospects of future progress
are highly promising. On the other hand, in the Eastern
Colonies, wherever protection against foreign aggression
is required, population and resources for defences are to
be found. ' In Western Australia,' Sir Peter Scratchley
said, ' Perth, Fremantle, and Albany are the only
places requiring protection ; at Albany the population
is so small that we must look elsewhere for the men
required to garrison such defences as may be provided.
Yet the place is of vital importance for the general
defence of Australia.'
' The city of Perth and the port of Fremantle are not
likely to be objects of serious attack, as they cannot be
looked upon as valuable prizes to an enemy.' It has, how-
ever, been urged that an enemy, finding the Sound in a
position to resist his attack with success, might direct
his attention to the capital, and endeavour to enforce
the surrender of Princess Eoyal Harbour by firing
into Fremantle and landing a force to advance upon
Perth.
Operations of this character, Sir Peter Scratchley
considered, should be met by naval means — i.e. the
combined action of the Imperial navy and the auxiliary
Colonial naval defences — supplemented by moderate
land defences. ' Although Fremantle may be exposed to
U^ESTERN AUSTRALIA. 203
bombardment from the sea, Perth is perfectly secure in
that respect. On the other hand, hostile vessels could
not take up a position off Fremantle which was not com-
manded by guns on shore, and, as there is no inner port
for friendly ships, the enemy's fire could only be directed
on the town.' Tliis is a risk which, in his opinion, could
not be avoided, in the event of the naval defences not
being available to prevent the operation.
A disembarkation having for its object an advance
upon Perth, he considered, could be opposed with suc-
cess by a moderate force on land, especially if it were
entrenched. The risk of being forced to retire by the
resistance offered, the liability to attack by torpedo-
boats, the chances of the British ships appearing on
the scene, the probability of bad weather cutting off
communication with the shore, in which case the party
landed might have to be abandoned, are all contingen-
cies which, in his opinion, would render it very doubtful
whether a naval commander would undertake such an
operation when the object to be gained is so small.
Although he deemed it would be very unwise to
overlook the possibility of such attacks being made, he
thought that undue weight should not be given to the
point, which certainly does not diminish the necessity and
iniportance of fortifying the Sound. ' It would suffice,'
he said, ' to provide two guns of position at Fremantle,
and a small field force for the purpose of resisting a
landing and covering the approaches to Perth, with
one or more torpedo-boats to harass the enemy's ships ;
but local defences must be provided at Kiniy Georore
Sound capable of meeting the attack o>[ an enemy's
204 AUSTRALIAN DEFEXCES.
squadron ; for however desirable it may be to keep the
enemy outside the Sound, on account of the magnificent
shelter it affords for vessels, this could not be effected
by means of fixed defences alone ; or, in fact, by fixed
and floating defences combined, except at a very great
cost ; while Princess Eoyal Harbour, being landlocked
and capable of accommodating a large number of ships
drawing twenty-three feet of water in all weathers and
at all times, must be sufficiently defended.'
To meet an attack on King George Sound, Sir Peter
Scratchley advised a combination of fixed and floating
defences. He recommended guns in suitable works at
the Heads, submarine mines at the entrance, harbour
defence gunboats, and several torpedo-boats. The guns
on shore and submarine mines in the channel, he con-
sidered, would effectually close the entrance of the har-
bour ; while the gunboats would co-operate with the
land defences in resisting a landing, and, with the tor-
pedo-boats, go a long way towards preventing the occu-
pation of the Sound by hostile vessels. An infantry
force with field guns, he thought, would be required to
resist tlie enemy as he was landing, and to arrest his
advance on the town. At the same time he was fully
aware that the maintenance of local forces presented
great difficulty, and, for that reason, was impressed
with the necessity of providing floating defences to act
against the enemy as he was landing.
Sir Peter Scratchley fully recognised the advantage
o^fioating defences,^ where they would afford the neces-
sary protection in a more economical manner and yet
^ See footnote to Chapter on Xaval Defences, p. 69.
WESTERN A USTRALIA. 205
be as effective as fixed defences, but entirely dissented
from the opinion that the defence of the Sound would
be sufficiently provided for by an extemporised battery,
a gunboat, and a few torpedo-boats. At the Sound
extemporised defences, he considered, ' could only be
established by the Imperial army and navj^, as the
men, stores, or appliances for the purpose are not on
the spot.'
The annual expenditure on maintenance would, in
liis opinion, be insignificant in the case of coast bat-
teries, as they could be added to from time to time so as
to increase their defensive power, and the works would
be practically indestructible, whilst gunboats, although
they could be hauled up out of the water, would
necessarily require periodical renewal ; besides, were
gunboats alone provided at the Sound, he considered
it very probable that an enemy would endeavour to
destroy them by torpedo-boats sent in for the purpose
at night.
The relative importance of the measures for the de-
fence of Princess Eoyal Harbour, Sir Peter placed in
the following order : —
Guns in batteries on shore.
Torpedo-boats.
Gunboats.
Submarine mines in the channel.
The guns, he considered, would, besides command-
ing the interior of the harbour and its approach from
the Sound, practically close the entrance, and render
a landing outside very difficult. The torpedo-boats
2o6 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
would co-operate in the defence of the entrance by-
attacking ships as they were passing in ; or by attack-
ing the enemy's vessels whilst engaged in landing a
force ; and they would also be available in the event
of the guns on shore being silenced, besides render-
ing the blockade of the port by the occupation of
the Sound a much more hazardous undertaking.
He thought that the torpedo-boats might, at first,
be improvised torpedo launches, which, in time of peace,
could be utilised for harbour service both at Albany and
Fremantle. Torpedo-boats of great speed he believed
absolutely necessary for European warfare, but did not
think them of importance for Colonial defence ; in fact,
he would rather have made up by quantity for inferiority
in quality, two or three boats of moderate speed being,
in his opinion, more formidable than one boat of great
speed and power. ' The former,' he said,^ ' can be readily
found in most of the Colonial ports, whilst the others,
being practically useless in peace time, are out of the
question on account of their cost, at any rate for the
present, at such a place as King George Sound.'
These measures, he considered, would meet all
probable attacks on the harbour itself, and it would
only be necessary to provide, in conjunction with the
Eastern Colonies, external naval defences for the pro-
tection of commerce.
The gunboats ^ would be invaluable for preventing
^ In 1882.
- The gunboat, Sir Peter Scratchley considered, should be of the ' Staunch '
class, of low speed, and shallow di'aught, and armed with a gun capable of
piercing such a thickness of armour as could be carried by ships sent out to
attack the Australasian Colonies.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA. 207
an occupation of tlie Sound and for co-operating gene-
rally in the defence, especially if an armoured vessel
were to form part of the attacking squadron. Sub-
marine mines, however desirable, he thought scarcely
applicable to the defence of Princess Eoyal Harbour ;
as it would be extremely difficult to organise and main-
tain them. At the same time, he advised a few mines
in the channel, in order to produce the moral effect re-
sulting from their employment.
The occupation of Mounts Melville and Clarence
has been recommended in order to guard the coal depot
and stores against attack by land. Such a defensive
position Sir Peter considered too retired to serve this
purpose, as a landing on the south side would lead to
no result, whilst ' a landing on Middleton Beach would
be best resisted by the construction of a semi-perma-
nent work, to be held by a small field force, and so
placed as to command both the beach and road leading
to Albany.'
The suggestion that the Imperial garrison at Ceylon
should furnish a contingent for Albany, and the
recommendations by Admiral Wilson that marines,
provided by the Australian squadron, should form the
garrison for the extemporised battery, and a paid naval
reserve should be raised for the floating defences, are
thus commented upon by Sir Peter Scratchley : ' If
Western Australia were to depend upon Imperial assist-
ance, circumstances might arise which would render it
impossible either to send men from Ceylon, or for the
Commander of the Australian squadron to spare a
sufficient force of marines, especiall}^ on the outbreak
2o8 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
of war, the time of greatest danger to Kinj? George
Sound. No doubt, either of these arrangements would
be the best in a military sense ; but there is an element
of uncertainty connected with them which it would be
extremely unwise to admit in establishing a system of
defence.'
It has also been proposed that the Eastern Colonies
of Australia should combine to supply a contingent of
the defending force. This proposal found no favour
with General Scratchley, who, knowing it is no easy
matter to induce these Colonies to maintain sufficient
forces for their o^vn protection, was opposed to increas-
ing the difficulty by asking them to undertake the
responsibility at a time when they might be heavily
pressed to provide for local defences.
There is, too, a reasonable prospect of Albany, and,
in fact, the Colony generally, increasing in importance,
and therefore in population ; accordingly no reason
exists why the defence organisation of Western Aus-
traUa should not be self-supporting and self-reliant. In
Sir Peter's opinion, the total strength required for the
defence of Pertli and King George Sound was 770 ^
officers and men. Although this force could be raised
within the Colony, he thought it was a matter for
consideration whether, for a few years at least, a
money contribution towards the cost of maintaining
these forces should not be made to the Government of
' This total, however, provides the maximum mim}>er which he con-
sidered necessary. "Writing on the subject in 1882, he said, * I think that the
present requirements will he met by 350 at Perth and 300 at Albany.' It
should be noticed that a large expenditure on barrack accommodation is not
necessary for Sir Peter's scheme of defence.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA. 209
Western Australia by the Imperial authorities or the
Eastern Colonies.
He believed, too, that by adopting an organisation
differing from that of an unpaid Volunteer force, it
would be practicable to form corps at Perth and Fre-
mantle from which, in time of war, men could be
transferred to Albany when required. The organisa-
tion he proposed was that of a Volunteer Militia^ similar
to that in New South Wales ^ and South Australia.
He considered too that a detachment of mounted men
should be raised to perform, in time of war, the
duties of orderlies, scouts, and escorts ; but until the
defence of Perth and Albany had been provided for, it
appeared to him unwise to expend money upon the
maintenance of country corps, unless required for
police purposes.
The remuneration of Volunteers by land grants,
which had been tried in the Eastern Colonies, thouo-h
without success,'"^ he considered would be well adapted
to Western Australia ; but there appeared to him
another source from which men could be drawn, viz.
a pensioner force somewhat similar to that which was
in existence at Perth up to 1880.^ Writing on this point
in 1882, he said : ' Considerations of expense would
doubtless prevent the re-establishment of this force on
its original footing ; and no doubt there are very few
• See recommendation of New South Wales Commission on this
point, p. 156.
* ' The cause of this,' said Sir Peter Scratchley, * is to be found in the fact
that although these grants were given as a reward for a certain term of
military service, no attempt whatever was made to enforce a high standard
of efficiency.'
^ When 133 N.C.O.s and men were serving.
2IO AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
of the old pensioners remaining who would be fitted for
further mihtary service. If any were available they
micrht be induced to join a paid Volunteer ]\lilitia.
Others might be willing to remove to Albany, pro-
vided that the Government gave them free grants of
land conditional on their joining the militia for a term
of five years. If some arrangement were devised
whereby these men, besides receiving the payment for
attendance at drill, could at once enter into possession
of the land,^ an immediate inducement would be
given to them to settle on it and build cottages
for themselves and their families. Time-expired men
from the Imperial army, carefuUy selected for the
purpose, might be enrolled for service at Perth
and Albany, on the understanding that they would
receive a small rate of pay for a term of years in
addition to grants of land. The men might be en-
couraged to seek employment after their arrival within
a certain distance of the places named, and, if successful,
transferred to the ranks of the Volunteer Militia on the
same conditions as the old pensioners.
'Besides the artillery corps, a naval brigade, fifty
strono", would be required for the gunboat and torpedo-
boats, which would have to be recruited from that por-
tion of the population which is engaged in maritime
pursuits. This brigade should be organised on tlie same
system as the land forces.'
Considering the scarcity of labour in Albany and
the importance of keeping down the money expendi-
' Somewhat on the plan adopted with free selectors in the Australian
Colonies, who pay for their laud by yearly instalments.
WESTERN A U STEAL I A. 211
tiire, Sir Peter Scratchley advised the employment of
prisoners in the construction of the defence works.
These prisoners ^ might be housed close to Point Pos-
session, and being cut off from communication witli
Albany, except by water, could be easily guarded.
Such an arrangement, too, would be economical, al-
though the time required to construct tlie works might,
perhaps, be greater. Good lime is to be had in the
vicinity, but though bricks are made near Albany, they
are scarcely suitable for defence works. The stone
from the excavations for tlie battery would, however,
do for the concrete and masonry ; while cement, timber,
bricks, and all ironwork and fittings could be procured
from Perth. "Water could be readily stored on the site.
A railway is now in course of construction, which
when completed will join Albany and York- — a rising
township situated in the centre of an agricultural dis-
trict — and open up a large quantity of good land still
the property of the Government. When this railway
is finished, Albany, being the only natural outlet for the
produce of the country to be traversed by the line, will
at once become the most important place in Western
Australia.
An offer has also been made to the "Western Austra-
lian Government by an English syndicate, to construct
a railway on the land-grant system from York to Eucla.^
The proposal is being favourably entertained. In the
event of the work being undertaken some arrangement
will probably be made with the South Australian
^ The cost of keeping and clothing a prisoner is about \s. Sd. per diem.
^ 60 miles east of Perth. ^ 700 miles due west.
212 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
Government to extend the line from Eucla to Port
Augusta. In this event direct communication will be
established between Perth and Brisbane vid Adelaide,
Melbourne, and Sydney.
I was much struck, when at Albany two years ago,
with the amount of land commanding the harbour and
its approaches that appeared unoccupied. On remark-
ing this to Sir Peter Scratchley at the time, he told me
that when last at King George Sound he had advised
the Government to make considerable reservation of
land near the harbour for naval and military defence
purposes. Fortunately for Western Australia, his sug-
gestion was adopted, and the land referred to, greatly
risen in value both on account of its position and other
advantages, was the very land Sir Peter Scratchley had
advised the Government to reserve.
213
CHAPTER XII.
TASMANIA.
Tasmania, an island nearly equal in size to Ireland, lies
near the south-eastern extremity of the Australian Con-
tinent, between 40° 41' and 43° 39' south latitude, and
between 144° 30' and 148° 30' east longitude. Bass's
Straits, which average about 150 miles in width, separate
the island from Victoria. Between its north-east point
and the mainland of the continent is the Flinders Group,
and about midway between its north-west point and the
mainland lies King's Island.
To the westward, between South-east Cape and
Cape Grim, are the bar harbours of Port Macquarie and
Port Davey, and the mouths of the rivers Pieman and
Arthur. The coast on this side is dangerous, owing to
the heavy rolling sea. On the northern coast, which
is comparatively sheltered, are the ports Duck Bay,
Circular Head, Boat Harbour, Table Cape, Port Frede-
rick, and Port Sorell. The principal harbour, however,
on this side, is Port Dalrymple, at the entrance of tlie
river Tamar, forty miles from the mouth of which lies
Launceston, the second place of importance in the
Colony. On the eastern coast, which consists of per-
pendicular clifis, with long intervals of low sliore, are
Q
214 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
George's Bay, Oyster Bay, and Spring Bay, while many
deep bays and harbours aflfording safe anchorages for
ships of any size are to be found on the south-eastern
part of the coast. The best known are Port Arthur,
Storm Bay, Frederick Henry Bay, Norfolk Bay, D'Entre-
casteaux Channel, Port Esperance, South Port, Recherche
Bay, and the Derwent, upon whicli river Hobart Town,
the capital of the Colony, is situated.
Tasmania occupies an important position with refer-
ence to the general defence of the Australasian Colonies.
Being within three days' steaming distance from Adelaide,
one from Melbourne, two and a half from Sydney, and
four from Xew Zealand, it would be no difficult task
for an enemy, occupying any of the fine harbours it
possesses, to harass the commerce of those Colonies.
A hostile occupation of the Tasmanian harbours can
only be prevented by naval means, for the provision
and maintenance of which the Colony has not sufficient
resources ; therefore, their defence against such occupa-
tion must be considered in connection with that of the
coast and harbours of the adjacent Colonies.
In 1878 Sir Wilham Jervois prepared a memo-
randum on the subject of Tasmanian defences in con-
junction with Sir Peter Scratchley. This memorandum
deals with the principles upon which, in their judgment,
the defences of Tasmania should be based ; but the
recommendations were restricted to such measures as
were requisite for protection against attack by a cruiser
or privateer, and as were within the means of Tasmania
to afford. I give some extracts concerning the defence
of Hobart and Launceston : —
TASMANIA.
215
DEFENCE OF HOBART.
It would be out of the question to provide local defences to
prevent the occupation by an enemy of the numerous harbours
upon the coast of Tasmania. It is, however, practicable to pro-
tect Hobart Town against the attack of an unarmoured vessel of
war, which, eluding our naval squadron, and in the absence of
JSaiUi caX Jffiles
f
sufficient defences, might, under threat of bombardment, or after
actually firing into the place, levy a heavy contribution upon the
Colony.
The width of the Derwent, below Hobart Town, being from
4,000 to 5,000 yards, the depth of water being sufficient for
vessels of any size, and the passage perfectly clear, it would be
out of the question, by means of land batteries, to prevent an
Q 2
2i6 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
enemy's vessel steaming rapidly up the river aucl occups^ing a
position whence she might throw shells into the city. If, how-
ever, batteries be established which would bring an effective fire
to bear upon her when she lay opposite the town, and if a line
of obstructions be placed in such a manner as to prevent her
running up the river beyond the town and out of fire from the
batteries, she could neither remain in such a position nor get
to any other point whence she could effect a bombardment.
She would then be obliged to retire. It is on this principle
that the defence of Hobart Town should be based.
DEFENCE OF LAUXCESTON.
The only other town in the Colony besides Hobart Town
which can be considered liable to attack, with a view to levying
a contribution, is Launceston. This town is in the northern
part of Tasmania, and forty miles distant from the mouth of the
Tamar River. It is 130 miles from Hobart Town, and the two
places are connected by a railway.
The best plan of defence for the Tamar River would be to
establish a small strong work at its mouth, near the lighthouse,
and to place some torpedoes in connection with it across the
entrance passage. This would at once protect Port Dalrymple,
George Town (a small place three or four miles from the entrance),
and the town of Launceston itself. There is, however, no
population near the mouth of the river from which a force could
be drawn to man a fort there ; and altogether the project is
beyond the present resources of the Colony to undertake. Any
provision for the defence of Launceston must be near the town
itself.
The passage up the Tamar is tortuous and difficult, and only
vessels of light draught can navigate the river. It appears at
most only necessary to provide for the protection of Launceston
against the attack of a small gun-vessel. Considering the
small size, and the limited number of the crew of a vessel
that could navigate the Tamar, it is scarcely probable that
any body of men would be landed on either shore of the
TASAIANJA.
217
river to attack Launceston. It is, however, desirable, in
order to protect the battery against assault, that, besides the
artillery required to man the guns, a small volunteer force of
infantry should be organised and maintained in the place.
Xiaunceston & Port Dalryinjjle .
Stxoifurd:s G^op^Zstnb^
Sir Peter Scratchley found it desirable to introduce
several modifications ^ in the proposed recommendations
in consequence of changes and improvements which
had been made since 1878 in the construction of
ordnance and the mode of mounting guns in coast
batteries. In consequence of the increasing importance
of Launceston it was decided to defer the construction
of the battery on Pig Island for the defence of the
These modifications received Sir William Jervois's concurrence.
2i8 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
river Tamar ; and Sir Peter recommended that, on the
outbreak of war, a defensive position should be esta-
bUshed at Brown Bkiff, about nine miles from Launceston,
on the left bank of the river, so as to bar the advance
of an enemy by water or land. Movable defences were
proposed to be established at Brown Bluff. It was con-
sidered that, if a battery were required for the defence
of the river, it should be placed close to the entrance,
in order to prevent an enemy's vessels fi'om entering
the Tamar. Under the then^ circumstances of the
Colony the cost of such a work was too great to
warrant its construction ; nor would it have been
possible, without great expense, to have provided for
its garrison.
The general effect of the changes at Hobart was to
largely increase the defensive power of the batteries ;
in fact, to render them capable of repelling the attack
of an ironclad when auxiliary floating defences were
added. Sir Peter recommended that Alexandra Bat-
tery and Kangaroo Bluff should be completed, and that
Queen's Battery, then in good order, should be mainly
used to guard the torpedo defences, the organisation of
which was at that time being vigorously carried on in
accordance with his suggestions. Tlie works were
designed on a more extensive and substantial scale
than was originally contemplated, so that it should be
practicable at any time, without much alteration of
the several batteries, to add guns or to replace the
smaller guns by more powerful ordnance.
These changes, of course, increased the cost of the
1 1882.
TASMANIA. 219
scheme ; and it became necessary to ask Parliament for
a further grant of money ; a proceeding entirely justi-
fied, said Sir Peter, on the ground that, having in view
the improvements in ordnance already mentioned, it
would have been a serious mistake not to have intro-
duced them in the coast batteries at Hobart, more
especially as the same course had been adopted in all
the Australian Colonies, where considerable modifica-
tions had been made in the original schemes of def«ice.
For the purpose of comparison I give (1) the
Original Scheme of Defence as codified by Sir Peter
Scratchley, and (2) his Modified Scheme : —
Original Sclieine of Defence codified.
LAND DEFENCES.
Hobart.
Quern's Battery. — Reconstruction, To be armed witli two 70-pr. rifled
improvement, and repair. guns, three S.B. 8-inch shell guns,
and two S.B. 32-pr8.
Kangaroo Bluff. — Enclosed work To be armed with 8-ineh (new
with barrack. pattern) and two 80-pr. (con-
verted) rifled guns.
One Tree Point, Alexandra Bat- To be armed with two 6-inch (new
tery. — Enclosed work, with keep. type), two 7-ineh, and one 70-pr.
rifled guns ; enclosure and accom-
1 modation for garrison.
LAtJNCESTOIf.
Pig Island River Tamar. — Enclosed
work.
To be armed with two 64-pr. rifled
guns, stockaded enclosure, and
accommodation for grarrison.
TORPEDO DEFENCES.
Hobart 1 Observation and electro-contact mines
at mouth of river Der«-eut.
River Tamar (Launceston) . . . | Electro-contact mines across river.
AUSTRALIA N DEFENCES.
MILITARY FORCES.
Regular Artillery detachment ..... 20 officers and men.
Volunteer (Auxiliary) Garrisou Artillery . . 130 „ „
Torpedo detachment ....... 30 „ ,,
Volunteer field force to repel landings at Hobart and
Launceston 4o0 „ „
Total . 630
Scheme modified by Sir Peter Scratchley.
LAND DEFENCES.
Hobart.
Queens Battery. — Reconstruction, To be armed with two medium rifled
improvement, and repair. guns, five 8-inch S.B. shell guns.
Alexandra Battery. — Enclosed work, To be armed with two 7-inch and
with keep. three 70-pr. rifled guns.
Kanc/aroo Bluff. — Enclosed work, To be armed with two 8-inch (new
with cover for men. i pattern chambered) and two me-
I dium rifled guns.
LAtmCESTON.
River Tamar. — Defensive position on ' To be armed with two 20-pr. B.L.
the left bank near Brown Bluft'. , rifled guns.
TORPEDO DEFENCES.
Hobart ' Mines at mouth of river Derwent
with advanced group in front of
Sullivan's Cove.
River Tamar (Launceston) ... Mines across river at Brown Bluft".
MILITARY FORCES.
Garrison Artillery for Hobart 200
Toi'pedo detachments for Hobart and Launceston . . 50
Field forces to repel landings at Hobart and Launceston . 600
850"
In 1882 Sir Peter Scratchley inspected the Volun-
teer force of Tasmania, and arrived at the following
unfavourable conclusions : —
(1) The Volunteer force was in an unsatisfactory condition.
(2) It was not sufficiently drilled.
(3) Its discipline was indifferent.
TASMANIA. 221
(4) There were elements of disorganisation in the force,
which, unless checked, would prove fatal to its military efficiency.
(5) The force was not improving,
(6) It could not, as then organised, and in the absence of
a regular or highly trained force, be entirely relied upon for
defence purposes.
(7) Changes in organisation were imperatively necessary.
(8) It was practicable to introduce these changes, but they
would involve an increase in the annual expenditure. He felt
bound, however, to make an exception in many respects in
favour of the Artillery branch of the force.
It was, therefore, obvious that changes would have
to be introduced and the local forces reorganised. Sir
Peter considered it unsafe to rely upon the force in its
then condition for defence purposes, and, after carefully
weighincf the matter, came to the conclusion that an
organisation similar to that of South Australia, modified
to suit local circumstances, would be found best adapted
to Tasmania.
Tasmania did not stand alone in respect to the
unsatisfactory condition of its Volunteer force. In
Victoria, Queensland, and New Zealand the Volunteers
were reported to be inefficient from causes similar to
those which existed in Tasmania, such as want of day-
light drill, absence of power to enforce attendance at
drill, insufficient control over the men, and indifferent
discipline generally. Measures are, however, being
taken in the Colonies named to remedy these defects.
Before introducing any change. Sir Peter considered
it necessary to institute a careful inquiry into the whole
question — in fact, to follow the course adopted by the
Government of Queensland, where, on his reporting
222 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
that the Vohniteer force of tliat Colony was of little
value for defence purposes, a military committee, com-
posed of himself (as inspecting officer), the commandant,
the officer commanding the Volunteer Artillery, and the
officer commanding the Fh'st Eegiment of Eifles, with
the staflf officer as secretary, was appointed to enquire
' into the working of the laws and regulations for the
establishment and maintenance of the Volunteer force,
including the appointment, promotion, and examination
of officers, and the arrangements for the management
of the force ; also to suggest improvements in organi-
sation cr otherwise, with a view to military efficiency
and economy in expenditure.' ^
A Commission was consequently appointed to inquire
into the general condition of the local forces of Tasmania,
and the subject was considered under the following
heads : —
i. Authorised and present estabHsliment and distribution of
force.
ii. Laws and regulations. Corps rules.
iii. Present condition of force.
iv. Training of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men.
Encampments, daylight drills, field-firing for infantry, gunneiy
instruction, submarine mining.
V. Appointment, promotion, and education of officers and
non-commissioned officers.
vi. General stafi" and instructors. Inspecting officer.
vii. Eifle companies and Volunteer reserve.
Prior to the meeting of the Commission a series of
questions was addressed to the officers commanding
the various regiments and corps of the local forces, as
' For a detailed report of this Committee see ApjieniUx A.
' ■ TASMANIA. 223
well as to the staff officers. Returns were called for,
and the commandant collected information on all points
relating to the inquiry, and these reports, returns,
and documents were condensed and circulated among
the committee. The Commission came to the same
conclusions that Sir Peter had done on ]iis inspection,
and deemed it imperative that a change should be made
in the organisation.
Since Sir Peter Scratchley made the above suggestions
the land defences of Tasmania have progressed rapidly.
The improvements at Queen's Battery were finished
some time ago, and although operations at Hobart were
discontinued for a time in 1883, as the vote for works
and armaments had been expended, the Tasmanian
Parliament soon sanctioned a supplementary vote,
which enabled the work at Kangaroo Bluff to be re-
sumed and completed. The recommendations for One
Tree Point and Alexandra Battery have also been
carried out ; but the construction of a battery on the
river Tamar has been deferred, although it is intended
at some future time to proceed with this work. Mean-
while it has been decided to provide movable defences
in its place.
The military forces have been reorganised, and the
necessary funds for that purpose voted by Parliament,
so that they ought soon to be in a state of efficiency.
The plan of defence now being carried out is in-
tended to protect Hobart and Launceston against un-
armoured cruisers or privateers. The entrance to the
Derwent is guarded by a system of submarine mines,
and the Tamar is similarly protected.
-4 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
CHAPTER Xm.
KEW ZEALAXD.
The Colony of Xew Zealand comprises three islands,
two of considerable extent, and Stewart's Island, situated
in tlie extreme south, small and unimportant. In the
larger islands are numerous bays and inlets constituting
fine natural harbours.
In the Xorth Island, which embraces a coast line of
nearly 1,250 miles, the only ports ^ of importance are
Auckland, in the north, and Welhngton (Port Xichol-
son), in the south. On the west coast, the harbours at
Hokianga, Kaipara, and Manukau afford good anchor-
age and accommodation, while the small harbours of
Waikato. Whangaroa, and Kawhia, and a few open road-
steads,- serye as places of refuge for ships in case of
need. On the east coast the ports are Eussell, the
Thames, and Tauranga, while good roadsteads exist at
CTisborne and Xapier.
In the South or Middle Island the extent of coast is
about 1,130 miles. Lyttelton and Otago^ are the prin-
cipal harbours, both on the east coast. Further south
the Bluff holds an important position, being the last
and first port of call for yessels trading between
' coo miles apart. - Such as New Plvmoutb.
^ About 190 niile« apart.
N£JV ZEALAND. 225
New Zealand, Tasmania, and tlie southern ports of
Australia. The minor harbours are Akaroa, Nelson,
and Picton, but there are several roadsteads, such as
Timaru and Oamaru, on the east ; and Hokitika, Grey-
mouth, and Westport, on the west coast, where break-
waters shelter vessels in all weathers. The Sounds along
the south-western portion of the coast are numerous,
and the water is deep, but being surrounded by high
and precipitous mountains, without any settlements on
their shores, they are of httle practical value.
New Zealand stands in a somewhat different position
from the Australian Colonies. In Australia there are
few harbours of importance which are not the centres
of large populations, consequently the resources in men
and appliances for defence are to be found where they
are most wanted. In New Zealand, on the contrary, the
population is scattered over a wide area, and there are
several large harbours requiring protection. Many
settlements on the coast are exposed to attack, but these,
Sir Peter Scratchley considered, could not be included
in a general scheme of defence without great expense.
Owing to the very extensive seaboard and the prin-
cipal harbours being situated at great distances apart,
the Colony can scarcely be properly defended by naval
means alone. Even the possession of a ship in one or
more of the harbours, or a small squadron for general
defence, could not Ije relied upon as a sufficient protec-
tion for individual ports scattered over a length of coast
from north to south of over 1,000 miles. For instance,
supposing an attack were made upon Auckland, when
the ship or squadron was at Lyttelton, two or three daj^s
226 AUSTRALIA A' DEFEXCES.
must inequitably elapse before the protecting ship could
reach Auckland, during which time much mischief might
be done ; while if the squadron happened to be at sea,
instead of in port, an extra day or even more might
elapse. Or again, a feint by a single ship on one port
might be made, to draw the squadron away from the
real point of attack. These reasons made it obvious to
Sir Peter that the principle upon which the defence of
New Zealand should be based was to place each of the
principal harbours in a position to repel attack from one
or two hostile cruisers, and at the same time afford points
of refuge and support to such of her Majesty's ships as
would, in time of war, be detached to co-operate in the
creneral defence of Austraha and New Zealand.
e
Sir Peter Scratchley gave much time and attention
to considering the nature of attack to wliich Xew Zea-
land was likely to be exposed, and the measure of
defence that should be adopted for the protection of the
Colony in the event of the mother-country being at war
with a foreign Power.
The only places that appeared to him of sufficient
importance to require local protection were Auckland,
WeUinorton, Christchurch, Dunedin. and Invercarcfill.
' An enemy might possibly occupy one of the minor har-
bours, such as Eussell, Tauranga, Xelson, Picton, or
Akaroa, with a view to an attack upon one of the large
ports, or as a means whereby to capture passing vessels,
or might lie off such roadsteads as Gisborne, Napier,
Timaru, or Oamaru, for the purpose of levying contri-
butions ; ' but such operations, he considered, could be
counteracted either by naval means or local protection
NEW ZEALAND. 227
for each place. To provide against these contingencies,
however, a large expenditure would liave to be incurred ;
accordingly he directed his attention more particularly
to the measures necessary for tlie defence of the five
principal harbours, Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton,
Chalmers, and tlie Bluff.
' The towns situated on these harbours can only be
approached by sea through channels that afford, more
or less, natural facilities ioi fixed defences.' These de-
fences, he advised, should consist of land batteries ren-
dered self-defensible and independent of external support,
in combination with offensive and defensive torpedoes ;
and the best mode of providing against attacks made by
bodies of men landed for tlie purpose of turning tlieni
would be to maintain local troops capable of meeting the
enemy in the field. It has been suggested that floating
defences might with advantage be adopted in preference,
or as auxiliaries, to the batteries on shore ; but Sir Peter
Scratcliley thought nothing would be gained by the sub-
stitution.^
The plan of defence he considered best adapted for
the harbours of New Zealand was similar in desi^xn U)
that recommended for the harbours of the Australian
Colonies.'- Had, however, the question been merely the
defending of one harbour, he would probably have
inclined to the adoption of defensive torpedoes. Wel-
^ For farther particulars on this point, see p. 69.
- Batteries armed with heavy rifled ordnance, together with suboiariue
mines in the channels, and torpedo-boats for attacking the enemy's vessels.
For the protection of the principal cities near the seaboard, from attacks by
bodies of men landed from the enemy's ships, the maintenance of local forces
capable of operating in the lield.
228 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
lington is the seat of Government and tlie headquarters
of the telegraph system of the Colony, consequently he
saw less difficulty existed in establishing there a reliable
organisation for the purpose. But after carefully weigh-
ing all points, and bearing in mind that other harbours
equal in importance to Wellington required considera-
tion, he came to the conclusion that it would not be
practicable to maintain in a state of efficiency complete
systems of submarine defences at each place, except by
a very great expenditure of money. He estimated that
it would require 20,000/.^ for the establishment of
complete systems of defensive mines at Auckland,
Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers. A Torpedo
corps, too, would have to be raised ; buildings for the
reception of the stores erected ; and a small staff main-
tained at each place to look after the equipments ; while
at the outbreak of war, the mines having been laid by
the Torpedo corps, men would have to be permanently
stationed on the spot to look after them. At the same
time, holding as he did the opinion that no scheme of
defence could be considered complete without sub-
marine mines, he thought it would be advisable to esta-
blish the nucleus of a Torpedo corps at Wellington, and
to arrange for the instruction of a certain number of
employes in the Telegraph Department.
As guns alone will not prevent liostile vessels fi-om
forcing their way into a port, lie considered tliat in tlie
absence of submarine defences offensive torpedoes should
be employed in order to support the batteries on shore,
' Inclusire of works, toi-pedo stores, and equipments, but exclusive of
tbe cost of laying the mines in time of war.
A^EJV ZEALAND. 229
and that the kind best suited for New Zealand harbours
was the spar torpedo.^ I may add that although he was
Avell aware an attack upon an enemy's vessel with tor-
pedo-boats would be attended with great danger, he
was quite satisfied no difficulty would arise in obtaining
volunteers for that purpose in the harbours of the
Colony.
Let us now investigate the requirements considered
necessary for the defence of the five principal harbours.
AUCKLAND.
This town is situated on the south shore of the
harbour, at about 4,000 yards from the entrance.^
Ships can approach this entrance by three channels,
which join in two outside the Heads, where the navi-
gable width is reduced by a shoal. Supposing no
defences to exist, a vessel could either enter the harbour
or lie off the entrance and bombard the town. In order,
therefore, to secure the town and shipping from such
attacks. Sir Peter Scratchley advised the erection of
batteries at the Heads in conjunction with submarine
mines in the channel, or in the place of the mines three
torpedo-boats.
An enemy thus prevented from attacking Auckland
by sea, might land a body of men at some convenient
spot outside. Such an enterprise, he considered, would
have to be met b}" a field force, and, if the attack were
* Which can be adapted for use from ordinary steam launches and pin-
naces. For further information about the spar torpedo see p. 97.
- 2,000 yards wide.
R
230
A USTRALIAX DEFEXCES.
from the north, the signal station on Mount Victoria
would have to be occupied.
AuxiMaxLcL
Stanfar^::s (Seoj'-Zstai*
WELLINGTON,
the seat of government, is situated on the west shore
of Port Nicholson, at a distance of seven miles from
the entrance. This extensive inlet, about eight miles
long and six broad, ^vith deep water throughout, is
crenerally free from obstruction. The entrance to Port
Xicholson is through a channel about 2,000 yards
wide and 5,000 long. Barrett's Reef inside the mouth
divides the entrance into two channels. The main pas-
sage is 1,300 yards across and perfectly straight, while
Chafier's Channel is about 500 yards at its narrowest
NEW ZEALAND.
231
part. These passages, Sir Peter advised, should be
guarded by torpedoes, the main one both against hostile
LyBllBA\ J^-* 'fj^^
WeUiagtoiL
Stzm/hrdJs- G%o$^ E^tab?
and friendly vessels, but Chafler's Channel only against
the enemy.
232 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
' Finding the Heads defended, the enemy might
attempt to attack WeUington by landing at one of the
adjacent bays.' This operation would be difBcult, but
a landing might possibly be effected at Island Bay,^
from which a valley extends towards the city. At Lyall
Bay, however, the sea generally breaks in all weathers.
Two roads lead into Wellington from Lyall Bay ; one
skirts the shore of Evans Bay and Lambton Harbour,
the other passes over a high range of hills. It has
been suggested that an enemy might land in Porirua
Harbour;^ but, being a bar harbour, with an entrance
not easy of navigation, Sir Peter looked upon such an
undertaking as improbable.
The possibility of hostile vessels bombarding tlie
city from outside the entrance to the port is a risk
he thought might be safely disregarded, but in order to
meet this mode of attack, suggested the employment of
spar torpedo-boats.
LYTTELTON.
The town of Lyttelton^ stands on tlie north side,
about 8,000 yards from the entrance of the harbour,
which is six miles in length and a little over 2,000
yards in width. The requirements for the protection
of Lyttelton being nearly similar to those at Welling-
ton, it was proposed to adopt the same defensive
' Situated about 6,000 yards to the west of the entrauce aud 4,000
yards from the southeru portion of the city.
'^ Distant VI miles from Wellington, with a fair coach ride all the way,
which could, however, be easily obstructed.
* The port of Christchurch.
NEW ZEALAND. 233
measures — viz. batteries on shore and torpedo-boats,
to be afterwards supplemented by submarine mines.
' In the absence of any batteries,' said General
Scratchley, ' for the defence of the harbour no landing
could be effected within the Heads which could not be
resisted with the local forces proposed for the place.
It has been suggested, however, that if the battery were
constructed on the southern side an enemy might enter
Port Levy and send a small body of men across the
range of hills ^ which separate the harbour from the
port, with a view to capture the work and bombard
the town and shipping. Such an operation is not at all
likely, as it would be extremely difficult owing to the
very rough nature of the country ; and, as the battery
would be well secured from assault, it could not be
seized by any force likely to be landed.'
It has also been urged that the weak point of
Lyttelton and Christchurch is that both places are
open to attack from the direction of Sumner, a small
settlement at the mouth of the river Avon, situated
about eight miles from Christchurch. To the supporters
of this theory Sir Peter replied, ' Unless the enemy
possessed a force superior to that of the defenders,
he would not attempt to land his men on an open
beach where, even if he succeeded in obtaining a foot-
ing, his retreat might possibly be cut off" by a change
of wind or weather. Operations of this sort, there-
fore, are not likely to be undertaken if a small field
force is maintained at Christchurch to counteract them.'
1 Over 1,000 feet high.
234 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
CHALMERS.
The harbour of Otago is a narrow estuary, twelve
miles long, running nearly parallel to the coast, from
which it is separated at its upper end by a narrow neck
of land, called Ocean Beach. ^ Dunedin is situated at
the upper end of this estuary ; and Port Chalmers,
which is in railway communication with the city, lies
about halfway between it and the sea. Although
a considerable expenditure has been incurred in im-
proving the channel leading up to Dunedin, the ship-
ing lies at Port Chalmers. The channel has a bar
across the entrance, and its navigation is somewhat
difficult. Point Harrington, within the Heads, in Sir
Peter's opinion, affords an admirable site for a battery.
It is extremely improbable that an enemy would be
able to land on Ocean Beach, as the sea breaks upon it
all the 3'ear round ; while no favourable point is to be
found for such an operation along the coast outside the
harbour.
The bombardment of Dunedin from the open sea is a
dauger which should be well considered before the ex-
penditure required for the defence of Port Cli aimers is
incurred. Sir Peter Scratchley considered the most
eifectual way of keeping the enemy's ships at such a
distance from the shore as to render a bombardment
impracticable would be to erect two batteries, one on
Lawyer's Head to the east, the other on the west of
the beach.
' 1,500 yards wide at its narrowest part.
A^EJV ZEALAND. 235
BLUFF.
This harbour, situated at the south-east corner of
the South Island, is the port of Invercargill, a city
rising in importance. The harbour, which is capable
of receiving vessels of large tonnage, is being improved,
but the entrance is narrow and the navigation difficult.
It would therefore be easy, said Sir Peter, by means of
fixed defences, to keep an enemy beyond bombarding
range of the wharves and shipping.
Although General Scratchley was of opinion that
the Bluff is not at present of sufficient importance to
justify so large an expenditure for its protection as
that proposed for the defence of one of the large
harbours of the Colony, yet it stands in a different
category from Nelson, as its harbour is capacious,
well sheltered, and not difficult to enter. Moreover,
it is much exposed to attacks by sea and land,
whilst the harbour at Nelson is small and not easy
of access by sea. Invercargill is situated eighteen
miles by railway from the Bluff, and the only ap-
proach to it by water is up the New Eiver, which
is not deep enough to admit vessels drawing over seven
feet.
For the defence of Nelson, Timaru, Oamaru, and
other places not large enough to require local defences,
he proposed that small bodies of riflemen, provided
with field artillery, should fulfil the double pur-
pose of keeping hostile vessels at a distance from the
shore with their guns, and also of resisting predatory
236 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
attacks on land undertaken with the object of levying
contributions.
It is sometimes advanced as a weak point in a
scheme of defence by coast batteries that an enemy
could pass them at night. At Wellington, Auckland,
and Lyttelton Sir Peter considered this would perhaps
be practicable, but at Port Clialmers and the Bluff there
was much less likelihood of its occurring. At all events,
he advised the provision of electric ^ lights at each
port to illuminate the channels and approaches, and
that the entrances sliould be patrolled by means of one
or more torpedo-boats, which in time of war should
always be kept ready for action.
As regards the men required to work the guns
and defend the batteries, he thought the best plan,
if expense had not to be considered, would be to
maintain permanent artillerymen at each port, who,
in time of war, would reside in the batteries. The
necessity for permanent garrisons has been urged as a
reason against guns being placed at a distance from
the object to be protected. It is obvious, however,
that, under any circumstances in time of war, wherever
the batteries may be situated, men must reside in them
to keep everything in order, and ready to open lire
at the shortest notice. Consequently, in his opinion,
the best arrangement would be one that provided a
nucleus of permanently enrolled men placed in the
batteries on the outbreak of war, supplemented by a
sufRcient force to complete the gun detachments and
garrison the works at the time of attack. ' There
* Concentric,
NEW ZEALAND. 237
already exists ^ in the colony the armed constabulary.
The depot for this force is at Wellington; ' and, ' in order
to render it in every way fitted to supply the per-
manent detachments for the batteries, it would only be
necessary to appoint a qualified artillery instructor
and provide the necessary appliances for drill. Every
man after he had passed in infantry drill should be put
through a course of gunnery instruction, including
shot practice. The amount of knowledge required to
work the ordnance in the several batteries will be small
and easily acquired, as all the guns will be alike in
character, and similarly worked and mounted.'
The auxihary detachments which are to reinforce
the permanent men, he considered, should be organ-
ised on a system analogous to the Xaval Eeserve "
in Victoria, for service afioat and on shore. ' Where
the number of men required at eacli place is small, it
is important to avoid the creation of a number of small
corps — an evil which, in the Xew Zealand Volunteer
force,'^ has reached such serious dimensions as to be
fatal to military efiiciency.' He proposed, therefore, to
establish at Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port
Chalmers, Xaval Brigades which would furnish detach-
ments for working the guns, garrisons for the batteries,
and crews for the torpedo-boats. Thus the defence
against attack by sea would be in the hands of one
commander at each port.
The number of torpedo-boats suggested was twelve,
three at each of the principal ports, Auckland,
^ Sir Peter Scratcbley made these remarks in 1882.
'' Seep. 127. " ^ g^^ p igj
238 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers. At least
three men, he considered, would be required for each
boat : one to command, an engineer for the engines,
and a man to work the spar torpedo. The sections of
the naval brigades entrusted with the torpedo-boats
he thought might number in peace-time ten men ; but
in time of war the crews woidd have to be per-
manently enrolled, and so increased as to have men in
reserve to fill up vacancies, and ready for duty, day and
night.
As to the constitution and strength of the field forces.
Sir Peter Scratcliley thought the idea of maintaining a
nucleus of permanent infantry at each place could not
be entertained until the country was more advanced ;
nor, indeed, was it quite clear to him that such a step
was necessary. At the same time he thought it desir-
able to draw attention to a source from which a sub-
stitute could be drawn. ' If, while serving in the police,
the military training of the men were kept up, it is
obvious that a reserve would be created which, in
time of war, would furnish a most valuable nucleus
of trained men of the highest class for the volunteer
field forces. But it would be possible to go further,
and to throw open to the armed constabulary employ-
ment in all departments of the State, on condition
that the non-commissioned officers and men agreed to
serve in a Eeserve for a term of years, and be liable to
be called out in time of war. By such inducements
a superior class of men would be attracted, who
would be content to serve for small pay in consideration
of the chances of obtaining permanent and well-paid
NEW ZEALAND. 239
appointments under the Government as a reward for
efficient service and good conduct. At the same time
the evils would be avoided which inevitably result from
the maintenance of armed bodies of men in time of
peace, with insufficient employment and indifferent pro-
spects of advancement. Under such a system the de-
fensive power of the country would be increased j^ear
by year, and there would be absolute security that a
small, but thoroughly trained, force would be imme-
diately available when it was wanted.'
In the absence of this reserve of trained men he
considered a Volunteer force must be relied upon, of
sufficient strength at each place to repel an attack
by one or two cruisers landing from two to three
hundred men. For this purpose he deemed it neces-
sary that a field force should be maintained at Auck-
land, Welhngton, Christchurch, and Dunedin ; as in
this manner a compact body of men would be pro-
vided at each of the principal harbours, with a de-
finite sphere of action. The battery at the entrance
to the port being secure from capture, owing to its
being enclosed and self-defensible by its garrison, the
field force would be free to act to the best advantage
in repelling an attack by land.
The mounted detachment, Sir Peter thought, might
well be designated ' Mounted Rifles,' a description of
force, better suited to the work required from them
than ' cavalry.' ' The officers and men should be good
horsemen, expert in the use of the sword and rifle, and
trained especially with the view of acting in time of
war as scouts, escorts, and orderlies, while reconnoitring
240 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
and the conveyance of accurate intelligence should be
carefully practised.'
The Field Artillery, he considered, should be taught
such movements as are likely to be required on ser-
vice, and the men armed with carbines, and properly
instructed in their use. Arrangements should also be
made to estabhsh a school for the instruction of the
employes of the Telegraph Department in torpedo
work. The object of this proposal was to create a
corps whose duty would be to study the subject and
carry out experiments, to watch what was going on in
England and elsewhere in torpedo matters, and collect
information concerning the harbours of the colony.
A general impression seemed to prevail that, in time
of war, the Volunteer corps would afford valuable
reserves from which to draw the necessary forces
for defence, and that their organisation into fighting
bodies could be safely left to the time when the emer-
gency arose. ' On this point,' Sir Peter observed, ' to
oppose with success the sudden attacks that an enemy
would probably make upon the shores of Xew Zealand,
the armed forces of the Colony should be ready on the
spot, commanded and administered in peace and war
upon one and the same system. If the object is to
foster the military spirit of the country it is probable
that it could be done equally as well, and probably
better, by adopting a less costly organisation. The
military forces of Xew Zealand have done good service
in the field, reflecting the greatest credit on both the
officers and men engaged ; and the Volunteers have
shown patriotic spirit and devotion in giving their time,
NEW ZEALAND. 241
and in many cases tlieir mone}^, to the service of the
State ; bnt I fear that their energies will be misdirected
and wasted unless a better organisation is adopted.
The principle of making a distinction between forces
maintained so as to be immediately available for
defence against foreign aggression, and others which
are estabhshed for the encouragement of rifle -shooting
and other reasons, has already been recognised in South
Australia.^ I believe that an organisation of a similar
character would be well adapted to certain districts of
New Zealand.'
The defences of New Zealand are not so far advanced
as those of the Australian Colonies. ' In this colony
the defence affairs,' said Sir Peter Scratchley in 1883,
' are in an unsatisfactory state.' When I was in New
Zealand in 1885 (during the time of the Eussian war
scare), great anxiety existed among the colonists gene-
rally with regard to the defence of their coasts, Avhile
hurried preparations were being made for the expected
appearance of Eussian cruisers. Sir Peter, who was
at that time in Sydney completing his arrangements
with the mother colonj^ before proceeding to New
Guinea, wrote me a letter (dated March 28, 1885) in
which he made the following pointed reference to these
islands : ' The Colonies, excepting New Zealand, are
fairly well prepared.'
It is but fair, however, to remark that previous to
' Fr)r information concerning Ihe South Australian organisation see
chapter on Local Forces and Appendix A.
242 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
1883 the Government decided to purchase four torpedo-
boats of the second class (one for each of the four
principal harbours) in accordance with his recom-
mendations ; and early in 1884 an officer of the Royal
Engineers was appointed to carry out his scheme for
the construction of batteries at Auckland, Wellington,
Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers.
2+3
CHAPTER XIV.
TORRES STRAIT.
Torres Strait is about seventy miles across from land
to land, and separates New Guinea from Queensland.
To tlie west the sea is open, and the only dangers to
ships approaching from that direction are the Proud-
foot Shoal and Cook's Reefs ; but on the east lies the
northern end of the Great Barrier Reefs ; indeed, the
whole strait is more or less obstructed by islands and
reefs, rendering navigation very dangerous.
Although there are many channels and passages
through the reefs of Torres Strait, Prince of Wales
Channel, a little north of Thursday Islanol, is the safest
and most expeditious. It is about ten miles long by
one wide ; and although the tide flows with consider-
able velocity ^ it so nearly follows the direction of the
channel that navigation is not difficult.
Further south lies Endeavour Strait, another passage
between the group of islands and the mainland ; but
though the most extensive of the western channels, and
quite practicable with due precaution, it abounds in
numerous and dangerous sunken patches. Prince of
Wales Channel can be well observed from a signal sta-
tion within a sliort distance of Thursday Island ; but to
' Three to five knots.
244 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
watch Endeavour Strait Sir Peter Scratchley considered
additional look-out stations would have to be established
in time of war. The other channels in the north are
not used, although it is possible to navigate them. In
a report to the Queensland Government Mr. Chester,
states
that there is probably a deep passage between Talbot Island and
New Guinea which, if properly surveyed and marked, would be
available for the largest vessels. If so, a man-of-war, by send-
ing her steam launch ahead to sound, could in moderate weather
avoid Torres Strait — i.e. Prince of Wales Channel — altogether.
In war-time an enemy's ship might thus elude observation, and
before her presence was known intercept every vessel passing
through the North-East Channel.
A vessel coming from the westward, after passing
through one of these channels, would have the choice
of two routes if proceeding to the southward: the
inner route, which lies within the Great Barrier Eeefs,
alono- the eastern shore of Australia ; the outer route,
outside the Great Barrier Reefs.^
The inner route is chiefly used by the steamers -
which run between Singapore, China, and the east
coast of Australia, and by the steamers that carry on
the coasting trade of Queensland.
The Great Barrier Eeefs extend south from New
Guinea for a distance of about 1,300 miles, as far as
^ To get outside these reefs the A-essel can proceed througli two open-
jjijTs — the Great North-East Channel, near the coast of New Guinea, and
Raine Island Entrance, 170 miles south and about 100 miles from Cape
York. The latter is not, however, recommended, as it is very difficult to
navigate.
^ Steamers are now rapidly taking the place of sailing ships for the
carrying trade of Australia.
TORRES STRAIT. 245
Port Curtis, in Queensland, and thus protect about five-
sixths of the eastern coast of the Colony. These reefs,
Sir Peter considered, will be found to have an im-
portant bearing on the naval defence of Queensland.
Their direction is generally parallel to the coast, and
at one part, near Cape Melville, they approach within
ten miles of the shore. Besides the Great Xorth-East
Channel and Eaine Island Entrance, several openings
are quite practicable, although seldom used — Cape
Melville Entrance, the Lizard Entrance, Trinity Open-
ing (near Cairns), and the Fhnders Passage.^ The latter
is nearly opposite and about seventy miles distant from
Townsville,^ a rising place in Queensland, situated close
to tlie sea, and likely to become an important port.
Further south the Capricorn and Curtis Channels lead
into Keppel Bay (Eockhampton).
The principal islands in Torres Strait are, Prince of
Wales, Friday, Horn, Goode, Hammond, Wednesday,
and Thursday Islands to the north. They vary much
in size. The largest of the group is Prince of Wales
Island, eleven miles long by ten broad. Horn Island,
nearly rectangular, is fifteen miles in circumference.
Friday Island is only two miles long by three-quarters
of a mile wide. Goode Island, still smaller, is a signal
station, from which all vessels approaching and passing
through Prince of Wales Channel from the east and
west can be observed. Hammond Island, hilly and pre-
cipitous, is about three and a half miles long, and
two broad ; at the north end it is 495 feet high, and
' About 250, oOO, 4.40, aud 620 miles respectively soutli of Cape York.
- See Chapter on Haval Defence, p. 71.
246
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.
Torres Sti'ait and TJiursday Islatid.
CoT-al ree^3 exterutin^ to ^
1 "\ Ante, p. 292.
312 NEW GUINEA.
"VVe do not feel it, however, onboard, because the vessel
lies head to wind, and the motion does not affect her.
Askwith returned, and had shot a good nuiny birds and
a Avallaby. Doctor is ill.
Friday., September 4. — Up at six as usual. S.E.
breeze freshened about noon. Last niglit it blew a
strong gale. The sea is rough for a small boat, but
with the steam-launch, however unsatisfactory, we get
on very well. We find it best to sit in a wliale-boat
and be towed.
To-day Anthony Musgrave has gone off in the
Ellangowan mission schooner to see the Eoman Catholic
missionaries wlio are located at Yule Island without
authority, or rather have located themselves there.
His orders are to do his best to persuade them to move
to the eastern end of New Guinea. If lie succeeds he
will have rendered an important service, as the Eoman
Catholic missionaries, I regret to say, have shown
in some of the other islands of tlie Western Pacific
that they are utterly unscrupulous, grasping, and
treacherous. The end justifies the means. They tell
the natives tliat tlie Protestants teach the wrong
religion, that of the devil. Eomilly, wlio has had
considerable experience of them, gives them a bad
cliaracter. I luive given Musgrave a letter to the nn's-
sionaiy flither and a translation. I find my French
is very rusty. I believe Musgrave can talk a little.
At any rate ]ie will be able to report wliat they are
up to. His journey there will be rough but pleasant ;
the return journey, I fear, will be trying, as the
schooner will liave to beat against a strong south-easter.
SIR PETER'S DIARY. 313
which always freshens in the afternoon. He is a plucky
fellow, and volunteered to go. I find him most useful,
tlioughtful, businesslike, and tlioroughly upright. I am
fortunate indeed in havino- such an assistant.
Askwith returned from his shooting expedition j'es-
terday afternoon, having shot several wallabies, ducks,
&c. I would not let Tort go, as there is so much to
be done. It is fair to state that he declined to go on
that account. lie is very useful, most willino-, and
does his work thoroughly well ; always cheerful. We
are getting rather short of coal. The calculations
made at Sydney were all wrong. I have written to
Townsville for a hundred tons.
I see my way clearly about this whole New Guinea
affair. It will not be unpleasant, and I find that I am
liere at a very good time. The S.E. trade is cer-
tainly a blessing. I begin to think I shall be able to
stand it for two years, but not for longer. There are
more chances of getting letters over than I expected.
In time I shall have my own schooner and establish
regular comruunication. I do not often go on sliore,
as it is so rough and windy ; but if we did not have
the wind, the heat would be trying.
Saturday, September 5, Port Moresby. — We started
at 5.30 A.M. in the launcli, with a whale-boat in tow, for
Bootless Inlet, about seven or eight miles off, within the
Barrier Eeef. The S.E. wind was fresh but not too
strong. The party consisted of self. Fort, Eomilly,
Askwith, Pullen, Chalmers, and a native pilot, who was
of little use, as by standing up in tlie boat one can
easily see the reefs and the shoal water. We took
314 ^'£Jy GUINEA.
our breakfast A^^th us. We found the launch very
uncomfortable, and as there was a head sea we had
to put on our waterproofs. Going round Pyramid
Point we found the sea rough, and we tumbled about,
shipping a few seas. The whale-boat was best off
(happy thought ! go in future in the whale-boat).
On arrival at Bootless Inlet (called Bootless by the
navigator who discovered tlie harbour there, l^ecause
he found nothing to see when he got tliere), the
captain asked me where shall we go now ? I replied
land, breakfast, and get back as fast as we can. He
appeared surprised, as he thought we had come to see
something. So had I. Well, we landed on a nice
little island called Lion Couchant, from its resem-
blance to a sitting lion. The trees at this end gave
the appearance of a mane. We landed on a nice
beach, boiled our kettle, made tea, ate some cold duck,
marmalade, and bananas. The crew had beef and
mutton.
I walked over the ridge of island, found it very bare,
with no soil, and tufts of grass with a few trees at the
end, which had shed their leaves from the force of
the S.E. winds. As the S.E. wind always freshens in the
afternoon and I foresaw that it might be uncomfortable
in the launch, I gave orders to embark. So we re-
turned ; the breeze lulled and we had a very slow
voyage home. The whale-boat left us Avith sails set, and
simply sailed right away. She got in before us by some
time. We reached ship at 1.30 p.m., eight hours away,
tired and hungry.
Sunday, September G. — Got up at G A.^r.. liad nearly
S/R PETER'S DIARY. 315
two liours' walk, then a bath and breakfast. I have
rigged up a sort of private arrangement in front of my
cabin. I have had a large table made, and around it
have placed heavy canvas screens to intercept the glare
from the sea, which is trying to my eyes, and prevent
my being overlooked, unless the passers-by choose.
I have just concluded service ; it was successful as
usual. We had three hymns, and the men selected them,
215, 234, 264. They sing very well. I read most of
the prayers ; Fort a short Lesson and a Psalm.
Monday^ September 7. — Musgrave surprised us yes-
terday afternoon by turning up about 1 p.m. in the
FAlangowan. She had made a splendid passage to
Yule Island and back. It is evident to me that with
this incessant S.E. wind blowing there can never be any
really calm sea. The Barrier Reef does not do much
to shelter you, as the wind threshes across and regularly
beats upon the ship.
I find that owing to unforeseen circumstances at
Thursday Island, our little scheme of removing the
Roman Catholic missionaries may fall through. I
luid intended leaving this morning for Redscar Ba}',
where I wished to have a look at some land which is
said to be valuable. But Chalmers, who had promised
to come with me, told Askwith he thought he would
not go, not even to the eastward. This was serious,
so I countermanded our departure until Tuesday and
sent early a note to Chalmers to say that I would deeply
regret if he abandoned the idea. He came to breakfast
and gave in. So this is a rehef, for I feel that Muthout
him I could do nothino;.
3i6 ATir GUINEA.
I lauded about 11 a.m. to call on the missionaries,
and stayed to lunch. It was a very curious sight. We
sat in the verandah, a large party from the ship. It
was a very good lunch. We were waited upon by
naked boys and men with simply a waist-cloth ; one of
them had clothes. In the back premises natives of all
sorts swarm, women and children, the wives and families
of the teachers. Mr. and Mrs. Lawes are most hospi-
table. They keep open house and entertain every one
and any one. It was a beautiful day, and I felt quite
reconciled to the place. Lawes' house is a large
Austrahan pattern bungalow, one story, and built on
piles ; very wide verandahs and plenty of air. After
lunch I proposed a walk, and it ended in my going up
a hill 750 feet high. It was a capital walk and I
thoroughly enjoyed it. I was not in the least tired.
Eeturned on board al)out -1 p.m.
Tuesday^ September 8. — Off the Skittles, near Eed-
scar Bay.
We left at 7.15 a.m. for the westward, and after
steaming about thirty miles, going very slowly, with
Captain Lake in the foretop, we arrived at our destina-
tion at 12. We are anchored on the lee side of the
Skittles — some fine rocks, which stand out of the sea.
We are also protected from the S.E. trade (which is
now blowing pretty hard) by a long reef. We remain
for the night and go on shore in the morning. The
land is very ugly. It is low and flat. We saw the
top of Mount Owen Stanley on our way. By the bye,
Forbes left us some days ago, and is now a short
distance on his wav He returns on the lltli.
SIM PETER'S DIARY
Here is a table tliat may interest you as it gives a
fair estimate of the weather and chmate : —
Date
Temperature
Weather
Maxi-
mum
Mini-
mum
August 29
m
„ SI
Septeniljcr 1
9
)> -'
')
4
5
6
78°
82
83
81
78
80
79
79
81
7(3°
76
7(j
77
78
77
77
77
77
S.E. wind ; clear day ; dry air.
Dead calm morning ; slight breeze iu
afternoon ; rain and hot at uiglit.
Cloudy and muggy in morning ; N. W.
wind ; appearance of rain,
('loudy and muggy ; vvind changed iu
afternoon to S.E. ; rain m evening.
Beautiful cool S.E. wind iu morning;
\ gale in evening, and thick weather.
Cloudy morning; fresh S.E. breeze
sprung up, very strong ; in afternoon
cleared up.
Pleasant breeze in morning; bright
weather, hazy to seaward ; S.E. wind
freshening in afternoon.
Slight S.E. breeze; sunny; freshened
as liefore in afternoon.
do. do. do.
Wednesday, September 9. — We landed this morning
at 7.30 in the whale-boat towed by the steam-launch.
Chalmers, self, Komilly, Fort, Askwith, Chief Engineer
Lindt, Anthony (my servant), and several sailors. We
took a tent and food for spending a day on shore.
We had to wait for the tide to rise, as there is a
bar to the river Aroa. The rolling surf was not high,
and we got in without getting wet. We left the tent
and some of the men on a nice sandy patch at mouth
of river, then proceeded up it for about two miles.
The vegetation was tropical, palm trees of all kinds,
tangled undergrowth, trees in some places meeting
overhead. We rowed up, and it reminded me of our
excursions up the backwaters of tlie Thames. It was
cool and pleasant.
3t8 new guinea.
At last we reached the landing-place, where we found
an old hag and an old man making sago. The man was
cutting away witli a wooden adze at tlie sago trees, which
contain a fibrous sort of substance. The old woman took
it to a sort of sieve close to edge of water, where she put
in the fibre and added water. After kneading the pulp
slie pressed it tlirough the sieve, and the sago came away
with the water. It was received in a sort of trough, and
then the sago, a fine powder, settled. We walked up to
the village, where there is a mission teacher. He was
out, but his wife, daughter, and son were at home.
Their house consists of one large room on piles, very
clean, roof and sides made of native thatch, cool and
comfortable. There is a kitchen outside. The house
stands in an enclosure fenced with reeds or thin poles
stuck into ground. There were numerous houses in
the village, all of the same kind, consisting of one
room on piles with a verandah. There were very few
people at home, but plenty of pigs and a few dogs.
The men and women are away planting in the fields.
We drank some cocoanut milk and, after remaining
a short time, started for another village four miles off,
walking through a plain covered with tall coarse grass.
On arrival, we found a similar village to the last, all the
people away at their plantations. We found tlie teacher
at home. The chief was in half mourning, i.e. more or
less blackened, with his head adorned with cassowarie
feathers. He wore no clothes, but had several armlets,
made of reeds, on his arms, and a very tiglit waistbelt
of a kind of fibre, which had the effect of dividing his
body in two and gave him a fashionable Avaist. He
S/J^ PETER'S DIARY. 3x9
squatted and I made him the usual present. He then
ate cocoanut and afterwards chewed betel, and helped
himself freely to lime water tliick as cream. We walked
about village. There are plenty of cocoanut trees
planted by the natives. Their banana and yam planta-
tions are some distance off. After resting a bit, we
walked back to the first village, and there had a very
good lunch provided by the missionary teachers. The
wives and daughters, dressed in bedgowns, waited on
us. The teachers and wives are Samoans ; the men
large and stately, one had a particularly fine face.
They own land in their country and give up everything
at the call of the missionaries. The lunch was good ;
simple, and fairly well cooked — fowls, yams, gravy,
banana compote, tea. After we had lunched, they dined,
then the sailors. The chief came in (the old man in
mourning) and his wife, a lady old and plain, with a
petticoat and ornaments. They fed copiously, and par-
took of betel and lime, picked their teeth, and made
themselves quite at home. Numerous natives of all
ages and sizes looked on. Then a head chief called, and
I also made him a present. He complained that his land
had been bought by a white man, and purchase had
not been properly effected. I promised to see into the
matter. He then made me a present ; afterwards the
other chief and the teachers' wives and the daughter
gave me crifts, all of little value, but as a token of good
will, and in accordance with custom. The return pre-
sents for teachers were given the day after, and in-
cluded blue calico with white spots for the women
teachers. Tliey are plain but graceful creatures.
320 iV^/r GUIXEA.
simple and unaffected, and sinile pleasantly when they
see you are pleased. After awhile we left to walk
down to our camp. On our arrival there, having
walked some twelve miles, I had a bath and, after a
time, dinner, which we enjoyed verj* much. I did not
feel in the least tired, and was surprised to find that
the heat was not oppressive, except when we were
sheltered from the S.E. trade. I slept vei"y well,
although lightly, and woke in the morning refreshed.
Thursday^ September 10. — I took a short walk on
the sands of the sea-shore, then lay in a hammock, and
after breakfast we started for the ship at about 9 a.m.
We sailed for the Burra Burra Islands, where we arrived
at 3 r.M., and remained the night.
Some of the men have gone off in a boat to shoot
pigeons. Fort enjoys himself immensely, but is insane
in the matter of clothes. He dresses as if in the Ai'ctic
regions. I warn him that he will soon find to his cost
that this warm clothing takes it out of him. I dress
in the lightest things, but always liave a change ready,
and a cummerbund to put on if it gets chilly.
Friday^ Septemher 11. — "We anchored last night
under the shelter of the Vari Vare Islands (not Burra
Burra), and found it a much better anchorage than
Port Moresby. In the morning got up at 5.30 a.m. for
a walk on the island. We found that the islands are as
usual without water, although they are covered with
grass. In walking round, one of the sailors found a
pigeon which had been wounded yesterday afternoon.
We brought it with us and hope it may be saved.
The party got some eighteen pigeons yesterday. They
SIR PETER'S DIARy. 321
were cooked to-day and found tough ; no, I am wrong,
they made a very fair pigeon-pie. The tough one
was a large grown pigeon, hke a fowl, which had been
set apart for my special delectation.
Saturday^ September 12. — Last night, through some
stupidity, the launch foundered ; of course nobody in
her. She has just been got up ; it was done very well
and expeditiously. Captain Lake, however, has his
wits about him and is very careful. This morning
two chiefs of inland tribes came to see me and the
steamer. Tliey had never seen a ship before. They
were taken below to the ladies' cabin and were much
pleased with the looking-glass. These chiefs had been
looking after tribes which had just returned. The
natives peer in at my cabin windows as I write.
They have begun to call me the Queen's son.^
Tlie Lark lias just returned. The afternoon is
very fine. I shall probably go on shore for a walk.
I did not go on shore, but did a lot of official papers
and felt tired in the evening in consequence. Went to
bed at 9 p.m. as usual.
Sunday, September 13. — This morning was calm and
lovely. Fort and I went for a row in tlic dingey. I
shall continue to row, as a way of taking exercise plea-
santly and easily. The boat is a tub, l)adly finished,
and tlie oars simply laughable.
As usual, at 10.30 we had tlie inspection of the
ship's company. I sit at my table, and the officers and
men parade, and their names are called out. At 11 a.m.
our service, well attended, and good singing. This time
^ Sep Nciv Ciuhipci Xotea, p. .",71.
32 2 NEW GUINEA.
one of the men played the fiddle ; he does it very well,
only rather too slowl}'. He will improve. There is a
talk of a concert, but it is so rough and boisterous in the
evenintJ- that I do not see how it can come off; I am
afraid we should not hear the music. Thankful are we
to have this squally w^eather, as it keeps the thermo-
meter down ; never higher than 80° in my cabin and
76° at night, with a fine breeze blowing over one.
When I go down below I pity Eomilly and the others
in their stuffy cabins, because there is no means of get-
ting the air down. The ship lies head to wind, and the
ventilators are not constructed to catch wind.
Monday, September 14. — Up at daylight ; cocoa, and
into dinge5^ We try sailing, but there is no wind, so
cjive it up. I met Musgrave on shore, took a look at
site for his house and walked about ; then back to ship,
leeling refreshed. This afternoon Askwith lands to
join Pullen and officers of Lark in an expedition
inland under guidance of Chalmers. They will be
aw^ay until Saturday.
Half gale as usual springing up at 4 p.m. ; gusts of
wind, slight motion of ship ; all very pleasant. We
have not taken to dining on deck. It is ' blustery,'
out pleasant. We hear that Forbes is laid up with sore
throat, also Lawes.
Tuesday, September 15. — Eow as usual ; walk on
shore. No Herbert ; what can have delayed her ?
Go on shore at 10.30 to inquire into a reported rob-
bery. Examine teacher, whose evidence is interpreted.
Keturn on board ; at work again, looking over papei's.
l»y the way, I rcmemliered you on the 23rd, and
S/R PETER'S DIARY. 323
thought of my own birthday. I am sending you a
card, not a New Guinea one ; brought on purpose to
send it to you. I wish you very many happy returns of
tlie day.
I got the violets all right ; and also the three cards
for my birthday. Thank Val and Violet ^ for tlieirs.
Eemember me to your dear mother.
Have I told you of our cat ? She pays me visits at
intervals during the day, but I object to her sleeping in
my cabin on me I
Wednesday^ September 16. — As usual, tliis morning I
was up at 5.30, after a good night. I got into the
dingey and rowed ashore. Inspected waterworks, site
lor future town and botanical gardens. I attach much
importance to planning everything out from the begin-
ning. One sees the evil in Australia of the principle of
hand to mouth, and want of foresight, in regard to sucli
towns as Brisbane, Sydney, and others.
After breakfast a vessel sighted. Some said she was
a foreigner. We all agreed she was not the long-
expected Herbert, as she appeared too large and had
three masts. Shortly she took in all sail and steamed
into the harbour. She was the Raven, which the admiral
had sent from Cooktown with despatches for me and
mails. I was very pleased, because from the despatches
I found that Clayton, of the Diamond, was coming to
New Guinea with a gunboat and a schooner to make a
demonstration. The captain of the Raven called offici-
ally, and we agreed that he need not return to Cooktown
until Friday morning. He re})orted that the sea outside
* Sir Peter's daughters.
324 ^'I:JF GUINEA.
tlie reef was very heavy. I was still more delighted
when on "[oincf to cabin I found two letters from you
dated 24th and 31st August ; also three letters from
Victor, one from Mr. Wright, one from Philip ^ on busi-
ness, and one from Kinloch Cooke. Numerous other
letters of no interest from all sorts of people. I liave
had a good read of them all, and could not help crying
\\\\\\ delight at reading dear old Victor's enthusiastic and
happy letters, showing him to be becoming so self-reliant
and able to take care of himself Every one is so good
to him, and it is most comforting to find that he is get-
tincr on so well in his form.
o
I am making a good start in Xew Guinea, but must
devote next year to it. I do not now fear the climate.
As for the blacks, they are easily met by firmness, justice,
and caution. I am more tlian ever convinced that all
the outrages are justifiable. I have heard horrible
stories about the doings of the whites, and, please God,
I sliall let the light of day into them. A righteous
cause I am engaged in, and that gives me zest in
working it.
Fort is really very hard worked. The mere looking
after the catering and general conduct of the ship is
enough for one man. He has lots to write, and 1 keep
him employed. He is a very good fellow, and I should
miss him much. I shall not leave liim behind me at
Port Moresby, as it w^ll be uncomfortable.
So far as I can foresee, my plans are as follows. Go
to eastward and round to German boundary, part of
^ Sir Peter's son Victor -was at that time in England with bis tutor,
Mr. Wright. Mr. Philip Scratchley is Sir Peter's nephew and executor.
S/J? PETER'S DIARY. 325
the time with Clayton, and get back here towards the
middle of November ; then go westward as far as
Thursday Island, down to Yorktown, there change into
a steamer for Sydney. You may not see me until
Christmas Day, but on the other hand T shall stay with
you until end of February and see you off to England.
I shall then return here for four or five months, go to
New Zealand or Tasmania for one, and then go back
until you are coming out again. By that time everything
will be finished.
Even if you were without Violet and Yal I would
not bring you here. The life is not suited to a lady,
unless she has a calling for it like Mrs. Lawes. Poor
woman, she is not very well. What self-denying lives
she and Lawes are living. The surroundings are dis-
gusting ; naked barbarians (not savages, because, poor
creatures, they are quiet enough if only fairly and
justly treated) everywhere ; dirty, without clothes, and
living purely animal lives, but with great capabilities for
a better and more useful life in the future. They must
have energy, when you see a fleet of canoes going for
a voyage of several hundred miles. Several hundred
men and children (no women) taking some thirty thousand
pots to the westward to be exchanged for sago and other
things.
Thursday, September 17. — We are still at Port
Moresby. I went for my usual row at daylight, and
walked on the beach, with a delightful S.E. breeze blow-
ing. After breakfast the Herbert, which we had so long
expected, arrived.
I sent on board the Herbert to warn the captain that
z
326 NEW GUINEA.
no one was to land or stores to be put on shore without
my written permit. I found, after a time, that there
were three men on board who had come over without
permits, and also a stowaway. I forbade the former
landing until I had seen them, and cautioned the stow-
away not to be allowed on shore, also that he was to
go back. I then cancelled the permit of the steamer,
and gave the owners another. They will all find that
they have caught a Tartar in me.
The Raven left at daylight, and had some gun prac-
tice outside. Herbert commenced discharging cargo,
including sheep, which were landed on an island in the
harbour as an experiment. We received mails, and I
was busy writing.
Friday., September 18, Port Moresby. — Discharging
of cargo continued from the Herbert. Musgrave came
off to say that Currie was intoxicated and disorderly.
I arranged to send off a petty officer and two men to
arrest Currie if necessary. It turned out afterwards
that on seeing the men land, he thought it advisable to
' skedaddle ' back to Hula. In discussini? these matters
afterwards, I Avas met with official difficulties. I said
we had to deal with each case as it arose, and not to
anticipate a difficulty in its settlement. Few men recog-
nise the fact that there is no difficulty which cannot be
dealt with, and that the word ' impossible ' should not
exist. I had also to deal with the case of the three
men who had come over without any permits. They
were brought on board. The leader of the party was a
Swede, and a very decent fellow ; his companions were
Australians. One, I am happy to say, said he did not
SIR PETER'S DIARY. 327
intend to stay. I gave permission to the others to land
their goods and commence building their store.
Saturday^ September 19, Port Moresby. — Eowed as
usual before breakfast. Then a hard day's work
with despatches and letters, as the Herbert was leaving
early on Sunday. It was hot in the afternoon, but the
cool breeze prevented the high temperature being un-
pleasant.
Sunday, September 20. — I could not have my row,
as I was busy with letters until 9 o'clock, when
I closed the mail bag. I had remained up writing
last niglit until past midnight. It was delightfully
cool. We are leaving to-morrow for our voj^age to
the eastward. We had our usual service, with the fiddle
for the hymns — the singing much improved. As usual
the men select the hymns, and they are always very
good.
Monday, September 21. — Up at 5.30 a.m. and at 6
for a row. Forbes came off to say good-bye. He has
quite recovered from his sore throat, and is satisfied
that he will get on very well, although he does not
expect to reach Mount Owen Stanley this season. He
will be stopped by the rains.
We started at 10 a.m. We arrived off Tupuselei,^ a
village about twelve miles from Port Moresby. In the
afternoon we went on shore for a walk of a few miles.
It was pleasant ; the inhabitants with their chief received
us. The chief had called in the morning and received
presents.
Tupuselei is smaller than the Port Moresby villages.
' See New Guinea Notes, p. 370.
z 2
328 NEW GUINEA.
The houses are built in the sea, the teacher's house being
the only one on shore. These sea villages are like the
lake villages which have been found at the bottom of
the lakes in Switzerland. I. fancy, however, that the
latter were much stronger, as they have stood for cen-
turies under the water. The New Guinea houses appear
very rickety ; at a distance they look like a bundle of
sticks carrying a thatched house. The piles are hard
wood from the mangrove swamps, and are worked into
their places until they stand firm in the bottom of the
sea. The piles are crooked and irregular, yet they stand
the strong winds. The roofs and sides of the huts are
thatched mtli the palm tree leaves. The floors are
rough board laid on sleepers on top of piles.
A short distance inland we saw the remains of what
must have been a temple — a sort of scaffolding with a
platform. The poles of the scaffold were carved very
rudely at the top and end in a sort of horn. There
are no traditions about these structures, which are to
be found in other villacres and also inland.
Tuesday^ September 22. — We landed this morning
at daylight, walked inland a few miles to a village
called Padiri on top of a hill, and were disappointed,
as we expected to see the houses in the trees. There
was only one and it was deserted. We were accom-
panied in our walk by the chief, the teacher, and sundry
persons cariying our food. We were met by the village
chief and a portion of the inhabitants, a large propor-
tion being old hags, to whom we gave tobacco.
In selecting a suitable place on which to eat our
breakfast, we came across a grave, which was simply a
S/Ji PETER'S DIARY. 329
platform on four posts, on which the dead person was laid
— somewhat after, only not in fact like, the Towers of
Silence in parts of India. We avoided the dried-up
mummy and went to another hill, where our natives fol-
lowed us.
Wednesday^ September 23. — After our return yester-
day we got up steam and left for Kaile, another village
on the coast. I should mention as an indication how
friendly the natives near Port Moresby are — that is,
showing how well they are under the influence of the
missionaries — when we returned to the beach we found
our men surrounded by a large crowd of men, women,
and children in great excitement, laughing and talking.
The men were running races for pieces of tobacco.
They were more like boys. The natives of Tupuselei
are fine powerful fellows.
We started early this morning for our excursion to
the plantations. We had first to row about two miles
along the beach to the entrance into a small creek
where we landed. We were accompanied by several
natives dressed up, carrying spears and shields — and
most picturesque they looked. The walk to Veiburi,
another hill village, was pleasant ; the inhabitants
received us with acclamation. After looking round
the village we returned to the steamer, and started for
Kapa Kapa, some ten miles ofi' on the coast.
During our walk Askwith complained that he did
not feel well, and on reaching the steamer showed indi-
cations of having caught the fever. Romilly we found
also complaining, and Skinner, one of our petty officers.
It became evident that thev all three had tlie fever.
330 JVI^JV GUINEA.
It was caused by their having gone on shore a fortnight
ago in the dingey, and owing to the lieavy surf they
were not able to return. Consequently they had to
remain on shore, sleeping in the teacher's house, but
without changing their clothes. They liad gone quite
unprepared for sleeping on shore.
Thursday^ September 24. — We decided to take a
rest at Kapa Kapa, and not to land to-day. Seventeen
chiefs came on board and received presents. We had
a long talk with them, because it appeared that there
was a quarrel between the hill tribes and those on the
coast. I told the chiefs that I insisted upon there
being no fighting, and that they were to make up their
differences. They agreed to, but we shall see whether
tliey will keep their promises. I noticed amongst the
cliiefs a very intelligent man — more like a Malay — the
head chief of a village I am to visit to-morrow. He
seemed to take a fancy to me. It is a great nuisance
having to do all the talking by interpretation, because
T always feel doubtful whether one's meaning is cor-
rectly conveyed to the natives, and vice versd. I believe
further on we shall be compelled to resort to double
interpretation !
The days are beginning to pass quickly, as the
routine of going on shore, making a march, visiting a
village or two, and returning to the steamer, is be-
coming monotonous. I am also beginning to take an
interest in sensational novels, of which we have a large
stock on board — always a bad sign that I am becoming
lazy. Writing is becoming an exertion, although I
never really felt better.
S//? PETER'S DIARY. 331
Friday^ September 25. — This morning we got up
at 5.30 to walk to Rigo, a village seven miles off. The
way led through the bush. The village was most inter-
esting. There were regular streets in it, although they
were very irregular as to the roadway. We found the
remains of booths which had been erected on both sides
of the main street for a village feast, also a large sort
of Christmas tree, a big pole in the ground with festoons
of vegetables. We returned by about 1 p.m., having
done our fourteen miles without being over-tired. I
rested all the afternoon.
Saturday, Sejjtember 26. — Left this morning for
Hula, the residence of Messrs. Guise and Currie. Did
not go on shore, but Renaki, a very intelligent old chief,
came on board and lodged his complaint. He asked me
whether I was powerful enough to remove Currie and
Guise. I said I was, and would do so on my way back.
Sunday, September 27. — Our service was badly at-
tended because I had refused to allow any men to go on
shore, as Hula does not bear a good character.
Monday, September 28. — We went on shore early to
walk to a village called Kalo, about seven miles off.
A pleasant trip. The walk lay through groves of cocoa-
nut trees, and we passed through several interesting vil-
lages, where the grounds round the houses were enclosed,
and banana and cocoanut trees planted in them. One
of the chiefs' houses had a sort of spire, thatched roof,
and sides. We saw a number of men suffering from
skin diseases — a very unpleasant sight. We joined the
launch in the creek close to the village, and went about
five or six miles by sea to Kerepunu, where we found
332 NEW GUINEA.
our steamer which had left Kalo in the morning. We
did not land that afternoon.
Kerepunu., Tuesday., September 29. — Went on shore
after breakfast to spend the day in the native teacher's
house, which is on the beach and well exposed to the
S.E. wind.
It is warmer here than at Port Moresby. The place
is very pretty ; the village is situated on one side of the
entrance to a large inlet called Hood's Lagoon. Canoes,
heavily laden with produce, and m.anaged by women,
are constantly passing to and fro, as there is a great deal
of trade between Kere|)unu and Kalo, the inlet being
well sheltered by a reef. We lie very comfortably at
anchor. It is one of the best anchorages on the coast.
I received large quantities of presents, yams, cocoa-
nuts, and spears, from the native teacliers and chiefs.
Koapena,^ the cliief at Aroma, arrived to meet me.
He is a fine old fellow, over six feet high, about sixty
years old. I believe he has been a great warrior in his
youth. He is very good-tempered. He pulled the
ornament out of his nose and presented it to me. This
is considered a great compliment. The ornament is
made out of a shell, and when in the nose gives the
appearance of a moustache. When lie laughs, which
he does very often, and shrugs his shoulders, he has the
appearance of a Papuan Mephistopheles.
Wednesday., September 30. — It was reported to me
that four men went on shore without leave after dark
and returned about half past nine o'clock ; and that
there was a great uproar in the village before they came
' A further account of Koapena will be found in Nexv Guinea Notes, p. 371.
S//^ PETER'S DIARY. m
off. I sent at once to enquire what had happened, and
was told that the men had been behaving improper^.
I decided not to make an excursion into Hood's Lagoon,
and went on shore after breakfast to take depositions of
the natives in the matter. 1 decided to hold a court
to try the men on the charge of behaving so as to cause
or excite a breach of the public peace. I find that I
have the power to constitute myself and Komilly into a
court of justice, and try any one for almost any offence ;
but, as I have no jail at Port Moresby, there is a difficulty
about punishment.
Thursday, October 1. — The trial came off to-day, but
we did not give our judgment as the native witnesses
were not very satisfactory. We had to resort to double
interpretation. Of course the men pleaded ' not guilty '
and made up a defence. The result will be that there will
be no more going on shore. I was not sorry for the oppor-
tunity of having the trial, as it showed the natives that
their complaints would be inquired into when addressed
to me.
Friday, October 2. — We started at 9.30 a.m., but
ran on to a sandbank close to the entrance of Hood's
Lagoon. As I write there is an amusing scene on the
shore : two sailors in charge of the hawser are practising
jumping, and the natives looking on are trjdng to do the
same, only they fail utterly, having no elasticity or spring
in their legs. Tliey seem immensely tickled by their
own failure, and express their delight by giving their
thighs a smack — it is their custom. They have a way,
too, of giving a curious ' click ' with their tongues when
pleased. I am beginning to like them very much.
334 NEW GUINEA.
The result of our accident was that we had to wait
for the tide, and then could only go a short distance to
anchor. The weather is deliciously cool.
Saturday, October 3. — We started early for Pare-
mata and arrived there about 9.30. We anchored
close to the shore, and landed at 10.15 for a walk
through the village to Maopa, where the old chief
Koapena lives. Koapena came with us from Kerepunu,
and whilst on board wandered everywhere — on deck,
into the cabins, and below also ; looking at himself in
the glass in Eomilly's cabin, sitting by Fort as he writes,
putting elastic bands on his arms, behaving altogether
like a child. We walked to his village, which is not
much of a place, but he is the head of a tribe of about
fifteen hundred. He has great authority all along the
coast, and if he chose could be very troublesome to us,
but he appreciates the advantages of having the white
man with him. Altogether he is really a very fine
specimen of a barbarian savage.
We returned to the sea-coast, and, after lunching
with the mission teachers, I inquired into a robbery
case. I also presented a native teacher with a silver
watch for having saved the lives of fifty-six natives who
had been wrecked close to the village.^
After presents to the chiefs, we returned on board.
The teachers gave me the largest present I have had —
pigs, yams, sweet potatoes, and spears. I, of course, re-
turned suitable presents. By the way, as a return pre-
sent to Koapena for his nose ornament, 1 took off my
neck a policeman's whistle, which I had put on for the
' See England's New Colony, p. 291.
SIR PETER'S DIARY. 335
purpose, and put it round his neck. The old man was
highly pleased. They appreciate presents given in this
way. At parting he came to my cabin and insisted upon
rubbing noses.
Sunday^ October 4. — Having lost a day on the 2nd,
we were obliged to leave to-day for South Cape, a dis-
tance of ]40 miles. We could not in consequence
have service. We left at 10.30 a.m., and did not reach
South Cape until 9.15 a.m. on
Monday^ October 5. — We had a rough passage of it,
outside the reef all night. Still the Blackcdl is a very
dry boat and ships no seas, only tumbles about like a
cork on the waves. We went on shore after breakfast,
and strolled on the beach. I am much taken with
South Cape, but it is not so healthy, I fancy, as Port
Moresby. It has the advantage of being well sheltered
from the S.E. trade and N.W., so that there is smooth
water in the anchorage at all times.
In the afternoon, after lunch, we had a row, and
visited, or rather looked at from the shore, the ancient
place where the natives used to hold cannibal feasts.
They do not now, and are very harmless ! There are
very few natives on the island, which is a very long one
with plenty of high hills. As we decided to start very
early next day in order to go to the top of a hill 800
feet high, I determined to sleep on shore in Chalmers's
house. So after dinner we all went ashore. I had a
comfortable bedroom and slept well, waking long before
daylight. Of course no one had brought a watch on
shore, so that we had to wait for dawn.
Tuesday, October 6. — We climbed up to the top of
336 NEW GUINEA.
the hill — and a very rough walk it was : up a water-
course and through thick scrub, regular Australian
alpine climbing. At the top we had a beautiful view
and there was a refreshing breeze. After a light re-
fection of raisins and a few dates we descended the hill
and found our boat waiting for us. Off to the ship for
breakfast. In the afternoon we went ashore to arrange
sites for liouses and for purchase ; then visited a large
lagoon afterwards. 1 like the place very much.
Wednesday, October 7. — In the morning landed early
again and walked along boundary of land I had pur-
chased from natives.^ At 10 a.:^[. we left for Dinner
Island and arrived there at 3 p.m. Here we were in-
formed tliat another murder had been committed — a
Captain Miller at Normanby Island. We found his
grave at Dinner Island. His crew brought back his
body to the pi ace. ^
' A7ite, p. 287.
- Captain Miller was murdered on a small island off Normanby Island,
on October 3, 1885, tlie facts of the case, according to native evidence, being
as follows : — He went that morning in his schooner to Normanby Island,
lie had with him on board an Italian, a Manilla boy, a Chinaman, and an
Australian black. His object was to erect a smoke-house, and fish for beche-
de-mer. The natives appeared friendly and collected stones for him. Sud-
denly two approached him from behind and killed him, one braining him
with a tomahawk, the other cutting his throat. From the investigation,
which was conducted by Sir Peter Scratchley on tlie spot, it was difficult to
discover any motive for the murder. Miller had never been to the island
before, and the outrage appeared to be actuated by mere bloodthirstiness.
Afterwards, however, when at Port Moresby, the prisoner Diravera told the
native interpreter that a brother of Nagodiri"s and a cousin of Diravera's had
been taken away with others in a labour vessel some years before ; that the
others had been returned, but that he, as well as others, had died in Queens-
land ; that payment had been made for the others who had died, but that
none had been made for his death ; consequently, Nagodirihad determined to
kill the first white man who came to the island, and asked Diravera to help
him. Upon the arrival of H.M.S. Dort, which happened to be surveying
SIR PETER'S DIARY. 337
I am satisfied that these traders are often reckless,
unscrupulous, brutal, and piratical. They cheat the
natives and are apt to appeal to their revolvers. I can-
not feel any sympathy for such men. They go where
they have no business to. They are a thorn in my side,
and I do not think the life of any white man should be
risked in avenging their deaths.
Hearing that Captain Miller's cutter had gone to
Teste Island, I decided to start early to-morrow morn-
ing to catch it up.
I do not think much of Dinner Island. It is an un-
healthy place and not nearly so nice as South Cape. It
is situated amidst a group of islands of all sizes, all
clothed with tropical vegetation ; and in the evenino-
the views are very fine.
Thursday, October 8. — Eowed early in morning,
and afterwards left for Teste Island. All the islands
to the eastward have been discovered and named by
Frenchmen. We arrived there at noon. I landed to
near Normanby Island, at the scene of the outrage, Diravera voluntarily
came on board, bringing with him what he believed in all good faith was the
proper payment for his share of the murder, viz., a few arm-shells, a native
basket, some tobacco, and tortoise-shell. He was, however, made prisoner
and handed over to Captain Clayton, of H.M.S. Diamond. After two days
spent in vainly endeavouring to capture Nagodiri, it was decided to burn
down the cluster of villages to which he belonged, but to spare the villao-e
to which Diravera belonged, as the latter had given himself up. The villages
were accordingly burnt to the ground on October 14. Diravera was detained
on board H.M.S. Diamond until the arrival of that vessel at Port Moresbv.
There he was kept prisoner, and employed in making roads and other occupa-
tions. Sir Peter Scratchley wrote a despatch to the Secretary of State for
the Colonies, explaining the circumstances of the case — the low value of life
among the natives, and their universally recognised custom of receiving pay-
ment as compensation for murder. He recommended that Diravera should
be kept a prisoner at Port Moresby for some ten or twelve months, after which
he should be returned to his native island.
338 NE]V GUINEA.
lake evidence concerning Captain Miller's death ; walked
over the plantations attached to mission; was given
some pine-apples, and vii, the land is low and swampy, unfitted,
without gi'eat outlay, to carry erections of a permanent character
to constitute, as would be desired, an important and extreme
western station ; besides, it would be necessary for security, as
the district will probably for some time be exposed to native
raids and aggressive disturbance.
Bootless Inlet. — Long. 147° 17' E. Starting at the coast,
say two miles west and east of the inlet, cariying the inter-
mediate frontage ; thence inland to the Laroki River, with such
length of allotment E. and W. thereupon, with the intermediate
land, as can be accorded back to the west and east starting-
points.
Or, as an alternative plot. — Any other eastern point near
Yule, which in the opinion of H.M. High Commissioner would
be a desirable station for a township or city eventually, on
which the company could create a port, erect wharfages, build-
APPEhWlX B. 413
ings, and occupy or apportion the inland beneficially for coloni-
sation.
(Signed) New Guinea Syndicate.
August 13, 1885.
lY. CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH PERMITS TO TRADE,
FELL TIMBER, ETC., WERE GRANTED.
(a.) That you keep me and my officers informed of your
proceedings on the coast of New Guinea, from time to time
sending me the names of the vessels employed.
(6.) That the permission hereby given you to remove the
timber confers no right to fell any more timber without a fresh
permit ; this fresh permit, however, cannot be issued until I, or
one of my officers, have visited the place where the timber is to
be felled.
(c.) That you conduct your operations entirely at your own
risk, and on the understanding that I, as Her Majesty's Special
Commissioner, or any of my officers, undertake no responsibility
whatever.
(cZ.) That you agree to obey such Regulations as may from
time to time be issued by me for the government of the British
territory in New Guinea.
1. I enclose for your information and guidance a copy of
the Arms Regulations of 1884, issued by Her Majesty's High
Commissioner for the Western Pacific.
2. I have further to inform you that I reserve to myself the
right of cancelling this permission ; calling upon you to leave
the island should you or your agents at any time perform any
act which I should consider detrimental to the maintenance of
good order and government within the limits of the British
territory in New Guinea.
3. You are requested to understand that this case is treated
as a special one, and that the exemption from a licence or ex-
port duty will not apply to future cases.
(Signed) P. H. Scratchley.
F F
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