the inconveniences
The Secretary of State for the Colonies
inconveniences resulting from the reservation of so many isolated sites for Batteries which in many cases are a great obstruction to the develop-
ment of the Colony and in my opinion many of them
may be dispensed with, not only for the advantages which would accrue to the Colony but for the
purpose of more effective arrange-
ment and concentration.
I am sure it will be admitted that Hong Kong Harbour without the assistance of the Navy is indefensible against any regularly equipped European fleet; and I am aware the late Right Honorable the Secretary of State for War was of opinion that the object to be sought in any defence of the Harbour and Colony was such a disposition of a few effective
Batteries as would prevent any sudden descent upon the Colony
of a flying Squadron of two or three Ships.
I have lately perused the Par-
liamentary Paper Military Defences
(Colonies) and I am now convinced than ever that remonstrances originally made against the reservation of such a variety of points on the Island for small detached Batteries were justifiable and such reservation I submit is clearly recognised, in the Paper referred to, as defective in principle and objectionable in the highest degree.
I cannot better exemplify the position I wish to bring to the notice of His Excellency than by enclosing for his consideration a Plan of the Island, Kowloon and Stone Cutter's Island, showing the
several