Page 271
12
draw up specification for the same, so that immediately I am put in possession of the land I may call for tenders. The distance of Tanjong Katong from the other batteries is so far that I would not have had the opportunity nor time to construct this battery at measured rates, in the same way as the other batteries are being carried out. I anticipated, more- over, that by properly framing the terms of contract, I will make far greater progress before the 31st March, under a lump sum contract than by measured rates, and thus carry out the spirit of the instructions conveyed in your letter. Until I receive the tenders I cannot estimate what sum should be reprovided next year, but I will telegraph to you on the subject as early as possible.
Hoping that the arrangements I am making will give satisfaction, I have, &c.
H. E. McCALLUM, Lieutenant,
Commanding Royal Engineers.
(Signed)
The Inspector-General of Fortifications.
Inclosure 2 in No. 14.
Sir,
Defence Office, Singapore, December 19, 1878.
I HAVE the honour to report, for the information of his Excellency the Governor, that an additional sum of 4,2001. has been voted for the construction of a battery at Tanjong Katong, and that I have received instructions to complete this battery before the close of the financial year.
Upon receipt of this information I proceeded to the reserve site at Tanjong Katong, which I find to be a mangrove swamp, quite unsuited for the construction of a battery, though capable of reclamation, and of becoming a valuable site for boat building, &c., such as that now occupied in the immediate vicinity towards Tanjong Rhoo.
I have, therefore, the honour to request that the Colonial Government be good enough to take steps to secure for me a piece of ground in the cocoanut plantation nearer the Obelisk (as shown in the accompanying tracing), so that I may immediately commence operations according to instructions.
(Signed)
I have, &c.
H. E. McCALLUM, Lieutenant,
Commanding Royal Engineers.
The Hon. the Colonial Secretary,
Straits Settlements.
Inclosure 3 in No. 14.
Sir,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Singapore, December 30, 1878. WITH reference to your application for a certain plot of land at Tanjong Katong for the purpose of the military defences, I have the honour to inform you that the Govern- ment will at once take the necessary steps to place you in possession of the land you require.
I am to state, however, that the Colonial Engineer estimates the cost of resumption at about 4,400 dollars, and the Governor desires me to add that it is expected that whatever the cost may be, it will be defrayed in the first instance out of Imperial funds. The instructions which have been received by his Excellency indicate that the expenses of both works and armaments will at the outset be borne by the Imperial Government, the question of apportionments of the total cost between the two Governments being left to future adjustment.
I have, &c.
Lieutenant McCallum,
(Signed)
Commanding Royal Engineers, Singapore.
CECIL C. SMITH, Colonial Secretary.
Inclosure 4 in No. 14.
Sir,
Defence Office, Singapore, January 2, 1879. WITH reference to your letter of the 30th ultimo, stating that his Excellency the Governor expected that the cost of the resumption of land at Tanjong Katong would be borne in the first instance by the Imperial Government, I have the honour to inform you the sum voted by the Imperial Government is for the construction of works only, and not
Page 271
Page 271
Page 271