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thus rendering it unnecessary for vessels connected with what is expected to be in future the principal Appendix No. 4. trade of the Colony to enter Suva harbour at all.
FIJI ISLAND3.
Submarine Mines.
Special arrangements must be made for the employment of submarine mines, owing to the great depth (40 fathoms) of water in the channel.
£
Cost..
8,000
Land Defences.
Landing from boats could be effected at all times of tide on the coast east of the harbour only between the points B and C on the accompanying plan.*
In Lauthala Harbour, at low water, the shore is soft mud, and landing could only be effected at high tide, and then only in boats of very light draught of water.
But the whole of the country between the harbours of Suva and Lauthala is densely covered with scrub and high reeds, and intersected by impenetrable mangrove swamps, so that any attempt to advance in that direction upon the rear of the town would be attended with the greatest difficulty.
The site (Mission Hill) overlooking the narrows off Suva Point, on which a small work is shown in the War Office plan, certainly affords a commanding position, but, if permanent obstructions are put in the channel as proposed, no guns would be required there for the purpose of protecting submarine mines, and two guns placed there would have but little effect in preventing a landing if such au operation were attempted.
On the west side of the harbour any force landing outside would have a long march through an almost impassible country.
We are of opinion, therefore, that no works of defence are required on the land side, and that, at present, a small movable force of infantry will be sufficient to watch the ground to the eastward of the town.
When the country becomes more clear, which it is not likely to be for many years, a few field- works may be required, for which the ground, so far as it could be examined through the dense under- growth, would appear to afford good positions.
Position of Naval Depôt.
On reference to the chart, it will be seen that on the eastern side of the harbour the deep water only approaches the shore for a short distance north and south of the Walou Creek, near the site of the town.
A site for a naval depôt was selected by the late Commodore Goodenough at the point marked D on Plan 1 (see also inclosed Plan No. 2*) at the entrance to this creek.
It is well suited for the purpose, but, unfortunately, it was discovered, after the land had been noted as a naval reserve, that it had already been granted to a private individual.
Plan 1.*
Plans Nos. 1 and 2.*
Another site of about the same area (viz., 2 acres) was then marked out on the position E (Plan 2*). Plan 2.* This latter site is not suited for naval purposes, as there is only about 70 yards frontage to the sea, the water is very shallow, and a public road has been made between it and high-water mark, which it would be difficult to divert.
It will be necessary, if it is decided to have a naval establishment in this part of the harbour, to purchase the ground originally marked out for the purpose, and, as a lot adjoining it was purchased by a private individual a short time ago at the rate of 1,000l. an acre, to obtain the ground required would, even if it were compulsorily taken for public purposes, probably cost the Government 3,5001.
Without compulsory reservation 5,000l. will doubtless be asked for it.
We examined, on the western side of the harbour, the smaller inner waters of Nai-Ngalo-Ngalo, where we found that a tolerably convenient site for naval stores might be obtained on the island of Vuo, but the deep water within the bay is of very small extent, and the place is not one which could be recommended as an anchorage for vessels of war.
It may be remarked that the Island of Nukumaroreha, which would appear at first sight to give good facilities for the defence of Nai-Ngalo-Ngalo, is a low mud flat, there being no high ground upon it, as shown in the Admiralty chart.
If, therefore, it is intended to establish a naval depôt in Suva Harbour, it will be necessary to make arrangements for the acquirement of the site formerly decided upon near Walou Creek, this being the most suitable place for the purpose.
For the defence of Suva Harbour we recommend-
A battery for six 104-inch breech-loading rifled guns on the eastern side of the harbour entrance, mounted under cover, and protected by iron, with the lines of fire directed as shown in the War Office plan.
Submarine mines (electro-contact), with special arrangements on account of the great depth of water (40 fathoms) in the channel.
Garrison.
One hundred and thirty-five men would be required for the service of the battery, fifty of whom Artillery- would be artillerymen, and at first it would be necessary that these latter should be of the regular forces.
Though we are informed by the colonial authorities that there would be no difficulty in raising amongst the natives of the island any number of men that may be wanted for military service. it is
* Not printed.
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