Admiral
very
Expense which otherwise must be met soon, as the present temporary Sheds at West Point cannot be looked upon as likely to last for any length of time. The Ordnance Storehouses are spacious and well constructed, and with the wharf would afford ample accommodation for the stowage of all the Naval Stores & Provisions which it may be necessary to keep on hand. The Ordnance Wharf, with some slight improvements would be well adapted to receive the cumbersome articles, such as coals, Anchors, Boats.
"The late Commodore of the Command
Having furnished me with a copy of Lord Grey's Instructions to Your Excellency & your letter having also informed me that the Investigation with which you have been entrusted, extends to Civil as well as Naval & Military Matters, I am sure it must be a matter of sincere congratulation to your Excellency and the Public, that the opportunity has been thus afforded you of pointing out to H. M. Government the numerous Civil situations held by various Government Officers at Hong Kong of which the Salaries are very high, while on the other hand the duties are extremely light, & in some instances I should imagine merely nominal. Having Experience
Your Excellency has in conducting for so many years the admirable system of Government pursued at Singapore, where an adequate Establishment for a much larger Settlement is maintained for at least one half of the Expense of this Colony, will enable Your Excellency
to judge how many Civil appointments there are existing here, that may be dispensed with, with great advantage to the Public Service and at a vast saving of the Public Expenditure.
I shall have the honour of transmitting a copy of this letter to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
I have &c.
(Signed)
Francis Collinson
Commodore in Chief