72 A Colonial Navy. 



so to defend it justly deserve to lose it ; and lastly, those 

 who are not willing to work and fight, to realise their own 

 liberty, are not worthy defending or fighting for "by others. 

 That situate as this country is now, in reference to England, 

 we have little more than a federal claim upon her for pro- 

 tection in the event of war, and hence the greater necessity 

 for providing for ourselves by timely and efficient measures. 

 A hostile squadron in Hobson's Bay would in a few 

 hours levy a contribution, or do damage to the extent of 

 double or quadruple the amount of the most ample means 

 of defence in their first cost. Whilst on this part of the 

 question, I may remark that, by a careful consideration of the 

 subsequent statements and estimates, it will be seen that an 

 efficient peace establishment can be maintained without 

 actual war charges, and that in war it can be readily raised 

 to the full strength, whilst the extra charges for men and 

 material will be covered by the avoidance of the enormous 

 war premiums which otherwise would be requisite to cover 

 risks. 



10. Having thus far endeavoured to show the reasons for 

 entertaining the question of mail communication and defence, 

 I will now summarise the existing means for such ends, and 

 afterwards submit my proposed means for improving the 

 same. 



11. Firstly, our mail communication is monthly, and 

 conducted by a private company under contract, and liable 

 to be terminated at the interest or caprice of private persons, 

 over whom the country has no control beyond the penalties, 

 under a contract which may be forfeited, if more remunerative 

 engagements are offered, or if they shall think the existing 

 contract not sufficiently profitable. The system is monthly, 

 and occupies upwards of fifty days in transit, whilst part of 

 the route lies through what may be occupied at any time as 

 an enemy's country. 



12. Secondly, our defences consist of one steam sloop and 

 shore batteries at the Port Phillip Heads and round Hobson's 

 Bay. 



13. Thirdly, the volunteer force on shore, consisting of 

 rifle and artillery corps, with a naval brigade, and a small 

 company of horse. 



14. Some of the objections to the present system of mail 

 communication have been already stated, but, in addition to 

 such, there is a necessity for a more frequent and quick 

 communication with Europe, together with a tolerable 



