SHOOTING^OF COAST ARTILLERY. 
177 
often incomplete and incorrect, and the criticism dragging a slow 
length along through days and weeks after the practice. Both these 
two are serious defects in the existing system. 
(g ). Prizes . 
It is not proposed, at present, to make any changes in these either 
in number or distribution. 
The above are the main points, in which the new system proposed 
differs, or otherwise, from that now existing. All details necessary to 
ensure its being satisfactorily carried out are given in Appendix I. 
There are a few points which I wish to emphasize, a propos to the 
subject, before leaving it. 
1. My thanks are due to Lieut.-Colonel J. McDonnell, R.A. (who 
came to Malta on promotion from the R.H. A.) and, who, at my request, 
drew up a very useful memorandum for me, on the matter of practice, 
to which I am much indebted. 
2. As to materiel, there is no doubt that even with the existing 
materiel and works at their disposal. Artillery officers can much im¬ 
prove tactical working and rapidity and accuracy of fire, by a hundred 
minor alterations and improvements. If they know their own minds 
on the subject of these and bring them clearly to the notice of the 
authorities—without being discouraged by delays and difficulties— 
they will, as a rule, find that the improvements will be eventually 
carried out, and that the shooting of their works will, by so much, 
be improved. It is proposed to show in another paper some of the 
many ways in which this can be done. 
3. With regard to Q.F. i.e. shoulder firing guns, I am very strongly 
of opinion that the results of their firing and the mode of giving re¬ 
wards for prize-firing, should be treated quite separately, and in a 
different way, from those in connection with heavy coast artillery. 
Appendices. 
I. —Details as to carrying out the proposed new system of company, 
i.e., competitive prize firing; with specimen of written critique upon 
one day's practice. 
II. -Mode of working out the “ figure of merit." 
III. —Table showing the results of a day's practice in 1898 on the new 
system, as compared with the results of the whole of the competitive 
practice of 1897-98 on the existing system. 
IV. —Method introduced by Brigadier-General (now Major-General) 
Owen, of rewarding good shooting at musketry practice by badges for 
the best shooting company in 1885-88, when Commandant of the 
South Australian Military Forces. 
