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Appendix No. 4.
FIJI ISLANDS.
With reference to the postcript of the Report relative to the supposed naval reserve at Walou Point, the following is an extract from a note received by me from the Governor this day, after the Report had been finished and signed :-
"Your informant was mistaken in supposing that there is now any 'naval reserve.' It was, at one Marked D on plan 2.* time, intended to reserve the plot at the mouth of the Walou Creek, but that proved to be claimed by
whites; it was granted by Sir Arthur Gordon before my arrival here.
Marked E on plan 2.*
"The two acres referred to comprise probably a plot which is intended, not for a native (? naval) reserve, but for a hospital.”
*
C
*
*
*
*
Unfortunately, Namuka is also, perhaps, private property, as, though a claim to it has been disallowed, it is one that admits of two views, and may possibly be allowed after all, on re-hearing."
Our information in the first case was received from the Acting Colonial Assistant Surveyor, and, as regards Namuka, from the Colonial Secretary.
In consequence of this subsequent information, no change, however, is rendered necessary in the recommendations of our Report. It will only have to be noted that, whether a naval establishment is placed at Suva or at Namuka, the ground for it will have to be purchased, and probably at a cost of from 3,000 to 4,0001.
The cause of the delay in sending this Report is explained in my letter of this date, reporting my movements since leaving Singapore.
I have, &c. (Signed)
W. CROSSMAN, Colonel, R.E.
P.S.-A copy of this Report has been sent to the Governor of Fiji.
W. C.
Harbour Battery.
Main Entrance-
Inclosure 3 in No. 132.
Joint Report of Colonel Crossman, C.M.G., R.E., and Acting Commander T. E. Maxwell, Her Majesty's
Ship “Cormorant," on the Defences of Suva, Fiji Islands.
(Confidential.)
HAVING had before us the War Office Memorandum relative to the defences of Suva,† in the Island of Viti Levu, Fiji, and having carefully examined the harbour and adjacent coast, we have to report-
Sea Defences.
That the best position for a battery to secure the harbour against an attack by sea is near the northern edge of the reef, on the eastern side of the main entrance, as shown in the plan* accompany- 4 10 4 in. B.L.R. ing the Memorandum above referred to, this battery being supplemented by submarine mines, as
guns behind iron therein recommended. shields.
2 10 4-in. B.L R
guns in cupolas.
Cost-
£
Battery 121,900
Armament 23,100
Total.. 150,000
Garrison, 135 men,
Position of battery. Plan 1.*
Eastern entrance to the harbour.
It would be necessary to place this battery about 800 yards from the northern end of the reef near the position marked A on the accompanying plan,* where the coral flat is always uncovered at low tide.
The battery should be constructed for six 10'4-inch breech-loading rifled guns, and should be case- mated and iron-shielded.
Everything required for its construction would have to be brought from England or Australia, and arrangements would have to be made for landing men, materials, and-not the least important--fresh water. at all times of the tide, both while the work is being constructed, and also after it has been armed.
The cost of skilled labour is very high, good mechanics receiving 16s. a-day.
The expense would, therefore, be very great, and it is not anticipated that the battery and arma- ment would cost less than 150,000%, a sum which would have to be provided from Imperial funds, as no assistance could be obtained from the Colony in the present state of its finances, the estimated revenue for 1882 being only 72,500l.
As regards the entrance into the harbour by the channel running inside the main coral reef, and connecting Suva and Lauthala Bays.
This channel should be obstructed to such an extent as only to permit of boats drawing 6 feet of water passing through at all times of tide, thus preventing the passage of any hostile vessels likely to be sent here.
There could be no objection to this course, as this channel is not used by merchant-vessels of any size, but only by boats and steam launches of light draught.
Sugar from the Rewa district is brought down the river in punts, and put on board ship in Lauthala Bay, where also is discharged coal and other stores required for the plantations up the river,
* Not printed.
† No. 133.
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