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188
Unfortunately, when the arrangements were almost completed, the intending contractors withdrew their offer, and the project had for the present to be abandoned.
4. My Government still continues desirous to co-operate with that of Western Australia in establishing such a line of steamers as was in contemplation, though unfortu- nately there is no immediate prospect of this being done.
I have, &c. (Signed)
J. WAY, Administrator.
No. 339.
The Earl of Dufferin to the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart.
(Telegraphic.) (Secret.)
September 28, 1878. Defence.-STATES that works at Esquimalt have been stopped, and that plan, with Report of Engineer officer sent to superintend works, will be transmitted home.
No. 340.
Admiralty to Colonial Office.
(Confidential.) Sir,
Admiralty, September 30, 1878. WITH reference to former correspondence respecting the protection of Esquimalt, Cape Town, Hong Kong, and Singapore, by torpedoes, and in reply to your letter of the 16th ultimo,** asking for some information in regard to the cost, working, and management of a simpler form of torpedo than the Whitehead, I am commanded by my Lords Commis- sioners of the Admiralty to transmit herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs, a copy of a letter of the 9th instant from Captain Arthur, of Her Majesty's ship " Vernon," recommending the "Outrigger" as the simplest and most efficient torpedo for attack by comparatively inexperienced hands.
2. With reference to the third paragraph of Captain Arthur's letter, my Lords do not think the second class steel torpedo-boats could be adopted with advantage in our Colonies, but they would recommend a good strong steel or iron-decked torpedo-boat; the price of such a boat would not exceed that of our second-class torpedo-boats, say 2,500l.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
ROBERT HALL.
Inclosure in No. 340.
Captain Arthur to Admiral Fanshawe.
Sir,
"Vernon," Portsmouth, September 9, 1878.
WITH reference to your Memorandum No. 3,175 and Admiralty letter of the 23rd August, I have the honour to state that I consider the "Outrigger" the simplest and most efficient torpedo for attack by comparatively inexperienced hands.
It would also have the advantage over the "Whitehead" of entailing considerably less expense, both in the original outlay and subsequent maintenance in an efficient working condition.
2. I would suggest the adoption of wet gun-cotton as an explosive, which, if packed in the new pattern cylindrical tin case, would be available for use as a torpedo in the form used for stowage.
3. I should recommend one fast second-class steel torpedo, thoroughly fitted, to be sent out to each port, and the torpedo fittings for three other boats to accompany her. The cost can be estimated from the following list of prices:
Two sets of iron-work for torpedo-boat (two sets required for cach boat) Torpedo-pole complete (three spare ones desirable) .
Steel rifle-proof shield
Gun-cotton, at 2s. per lb., two 12 lb. wet charges, two 2 lb. dry charges; case
and detonator complete, each torpedo
Battery, boat, firing
•
Test battery and galvanometer
..
* No. 289.
:::
2000
£ s. d.
35 0
0
9 0
24
3 10 0
6
0
0
5 0 0
+
OOO
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