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China, - of which she would form a part - in the event of war. In that event her service would undoubtedly be valuable at Hongkong, but Their Lordships do not consider that they should be restricted to the duty of defending that port, as her powerful armament and light draft render her especially suitable for service in rivers, where her armoured cone would protect her crew against any guns likely to be brought to bear on her.
3. With regard to Sir Eyre Henchy's suggestion that a permanent crew should be put on board the "Wivern", my Lords desire me to state that the expense of maintaining her in commission, with Captains, Officers, and crew, would be considerable, and that they do not consider it would be necessary during peace time.
4. As however Vice Admiral Shadwell, who