323
5. You will observe that this scheme would involve the Colony in very heavy expenditure and the expenditure would not be limited to the provision of a new Naval Yard and Dock, since the removal of the existing Yard would also neces- sitate the removal of the whole or a large part of the Military Establishment adjoin- ing the Naval Yard, and the erection of new Ordnance stores, magazines, barracks, &c., and possibly of new defence works.
6. I have very carefully considered the whole subject, and while I am at once most reluctant to negative a proposal put forward by influential members of the community and supported by yourself, and am well aware how strong are the objections to existing arrangements, I regret to have to inform you that I have come to the conclusion that the expenditure would be heavier than the Colony could bear. and I therefore request you to inform the petitioners that I do not find myself able to meet their wishes,
Governor
Sir HENRY A. BLAKE, G.C.M.G.,
fc.,
&c.,
I have, etc.,
J. CHAMBERLAIN.
Se.
EXTRACT
From a letter from the Admiralty to Colonial Office, dated 9th March, 1903.
Their Lordships' first duty is to provide for the necessities of His Majesty's ships on the China Station, present as well as future, and under no circumstances can they assent to abandon the present works, the early completion of which they believe to be necessary to security.
Subject, however, to the requirements of the Navy being met, their Lordships are anxious to place no obstacle in the way of the commercial expansion of the Colony, and they fully recognize that it is best whenever possible to establish Naval Stations outside the boundaries of great Commercial Harbours.
Whilst, therefore, their Lordships, for the reasons already stated, cannot see their way to themselves negotiate for any new site for the Naval Yard, they would not refuse to consider an offer from the Colony to re-provide equivalent accom- modation on an approved site.
In suggesting equivalent accommodation, their Lordships have in view not only the Docks, Basins, Stores, Magazines, Workshops and other accessories to a Naval Yard, but also the available anchorage and whatever defences are necessary to ensure security equal to that obtained under present conditions, and it might also be necessary to replace the Naval Hospital which is in the vicinity of the present Yard.
It is further necessary that the Navy should continue to occupy the present Yard and anchorage until the new establishment is ready, and can be handed over
to them.
If the Colonial authorities are prepared to deal with the matter on this basis, I am to suggest that they should in the first instance foward full particulars of any site they propose to offer, which must not be on the mainland.
Should their Lordships find it possible to accept any one of the sites, the details of all necessary works would next have to be considered and agreed to. These could then be executed by the Colonial Government to their Lordships' satisfaction, but entirely at its own cost.
When completed the new establishment could be taken over by the Navy, and the present Yard handed over to the Colonial Government,