9. If this application be granted I think that £4,500 of the probable surplus of £10,000 estimated for next year could not be better expended than in the hire of a Gun Boat from the Admiralty, and a second vessel might be obtained in like manner whenever the finances of the Colony admit of it.
Should however my appeal for time be refused this additional burden could not be met, and the suppression of piracy in the neighbourhood either be undertaken by the Imperial Government, or must be left, as at present, in a great measure unperformed.
10. In the event of the Colony being in a position to undertake the duty, I would recommend that the Admiralty should place a Gun Boat properly equipped at the disposal of the Colonial Government for this special purpose, the Admiralty being relieved of all the expense of arrangement by an annual payment. The vessel were placed under the orders of Naval Commander-in-Chief, in the same manner as all other vessels.