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I cannot imagine that there are any which will not admit of easy arrangements. Two modes present themselves for the purpose of accomplishing the object which we have in view.
That the Admiralty should lend you one or more H.P. Gunboats as required on the condition that they are returned when no longer required in the same state as when they were lent to the Colony or that should the exigencies of the service require them to be returned in a different state, that a reasonable time (say six months notice) should be allowed to the Colony to replace them.
I may add that this latter contingency is improbable that the inconvenience it involves should be avoided to avoid the risk of the expense which this furnishing of Vessels in the first instance would occasion to the Colony.
That the Admiralty should place one or more H.P. Gunboats, properly equipped for the purpose at the disposal of the Colony for this special service the Colony relieving the Admiralty of all expense arising from them payment.
The disadvantages of the first plan are that it would involve difficulties in the maintenance of discipline both as regards officers and men, the employment of officers and men inferior in quality may very safely be risked in our purely Colonial Service.