A Colonial Navy. 69 



Art. XX. — On Suggestions for the Formation of a Colonial 

 Navy, and for securing Speedy and Certain Communi- 

 cation with Europe, and Defence of our Coasts in time 

 of War. By T. E. Rawlinson, Esq., C.E. 



[Read 2 1st November, 1862.] 



1. The great desirability and need to Australia for in- 

 creased facilities for mail communication with Europe, have 

 long been felt and earnestly advocated in this colony, whilst 

 our defenceless condition is notorious. 



2. The object of this paper is to consider the subject in 

 reference to the above-named points, and to suggest prac- 

 ticable means for affording relief, by giving the increased 

 facilities required, and at the same time providing a self- 

 contained system of protection and defence, which can be 

 adopted wholly or in part, and at the same time be nearly 

 if not entirely self-supporting. The few remarks which I 

 venture to put forward on this subject, are the result of 

 deep convictions, the gradual growth of years. 



3. It is readily admitted that the present ocean postal 

 service has been admirably carried out within the terms of 

 the contract and the means of the Company, but the service 

 is not the best that can be had either for frequency of 

 delivery or speed ; in addition to which, it may be discon- 

 tinued at the will of a private company, without reference 

 to the interests of the nation. 



4. "Whilst England remains at peace with the great mari- 

 time powers which are capable and enterprising enough, to 

 fit out, or even to hire cruisers, for aggressive naval warfare, 

 the whole of the evils consequent upon our present defective 

 system and defenceless state are not felt ; but such halcyon 

 days may have an end, and the time may come when even 

 the most peace-loving administration may find the empire 

 under its care silently but inevitably drifting into war ; and 

 it is such a possible contingency we ought to contemplate 

 when considering our future position and prospects. As the 

 strength of a cable is determined by its weakest part, so the 

 strength and security of a nation may be measured by its 

 power not of aggression but of self-defence, and her weakness 

 in this latter respect must be the measure of her strength. 



5. In the question of mail communications and defence, 

 Victoria is essentially imperfect and weak, and it becomes 



