424 
COMMENDED ESSAY, 1899. 
One who would have an idea of what punishment a man ought to get 
for variour classes of offences. One who could be trusted to take 
ranges during practice and who could examine the layers at their 
weekly test. 
Such an officer any major would be glad to have sent to him. 
He should then be sent to join a service company at home, Malta 
or Gibraltar and should serve in it for two years, taking things as 
they came and having his share of leave. It would be preferable to 
have all the young officers at home, but there are not sufficient com¬ 
panies to receive them; the balance might be sent to Malta or Gibral¬ 
tar. There they would be within easy reach of England so as to re¬ 
turn for their second course, and there are so many companies in these 
fortresses, that it would not be necessary to send more than one young 
officer to each company, and to have one young officer in them would 
not alter their conditions of service. 
When he had two years and six months service he should be 
brought back and put through a specialist course lasting six months, 
specialist The special subjects as has already been stated 
course. would be five. 
First .—Position finding, electricity and telephony, 
position This would be very much the same as the Posi- 
c'ourse! tion Finding course at present, but more thorough. 
The specialist would be made a good electrician with practical, 
as well as theoretical knowledge. He would be taught the care 
and conduct of search lights, which is at present left in the 
hands of the Engineers. He should, when he has finished this 
course, be not merely a theorist, but a good practical electrician. 
Secondly .—Steam mechanics and movement of heavy guns. 
Mechanics This only includes steam as applied to gun mountings, 
course. The specialist in this class would be given a thorough 
knowledge of all mountings likely to be met with. His knowledge 
should be so practical, that he could put in order any small defect or 
jam which might occur at practice, without being dependent on the 
Inspector of Ordnance Machinery. He should have a thorough prac¬ 
tical knowledge of heavy shifts, moving guns from barges into and 
out of casemates in cramped positions and under unfavourable circum¬ 
stances. This course would take the place of the present Steam 
Mechanics course. 
Thirdly .—Siege Artillery and theoretical gunnery. 
Gunnery In this course the specialist would be taught the plac- 
course. ing and forming of siege batteries. Effect of shells 
on earthwork and masonry. Penetration of armour. Effect on range 
and trajectory of altering gravimetric density, working out probabil¬ 
ities, checking and criticising range reports. This course would be a 
modification of the Long Course and would take its place. 
Fourthly .—Chemistry and ammunition, 
chemistry This course would include the effect of climate on 
course. powder, fuzes, etc. The examination of ammunition 
and a thorough knowledge of all laboratory operations. It would 
take the place of the present Firemaster’s Course. 
