§ MR. WATNEYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether the appointment in the Marine Artillery of "Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant for duties as Military Instructor," has been substituted for that of "Second Captain and Adjutant," thereby reducing the number of Captains by one; and, if so, by what authority?
§ MR. GOSCHENSir, in a scheme for the re-distribution of the Royal Marines, which is now awaiting an Order in. Council to give it effect, it is proposed to substitute a Military Instructor for one of the captains and adjutants, Royal Marine Artillery. This officer is to be a captain or lieutenant, to have passed the Staff College, and to be employed in instructing the officers in military law, field fortification, field sketching and reconnaissance, and military history and administration. This is considered a most desirable change, as the Staff captain and one adjutant are found sufficient for the military and office duties of the Royal Marino Artillery, and an instructor for officers is urgently required. By Board letter of the 7th of March, 1873, their Lordships appointed one of the captains and adjutants (Captain Suther) to be Instructor of Fortification at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. Pending, therefore, the bringing out of the Order in Council, it was considered advisable to appoint a Staff College officer (Lieutenant Needham) as Acting Adjutant for duties as Military Instructor. As this officer happens to be a subaltern, and no captain is eligible for the appointment, it reduces the number of captains by one; but the change is a most desirable one. The vacancy will be regained on this officer's promotion.