2
Page 233
proposed. The armament would be useless in the case of a friendly vessel, and powerless against a hostile ship of any real force.
3. As King Tom and Falconbridge Batteries are so low, regulations appear necessary for berthing ships when passed in to the inner anchorage, so that they shall not mask the fire of those works on the main channel. No boom or breakwater at this inner anchorage appears necessary, nor any special extra armament as proposed at (C). The King Tom and Falconbridge Batteries have already a movable armament of six machine-guns in addition to the large armament for general defence allotted to the station; and it lies at the discretion of the Officer Commanding Troops to use these guns as he may think necessary.
As regards the special regulations proposed for stopping all boat traffic in the harbour by night, the Local Committee should be the best judges whether this measure is necessary. It may be observed that similar regula- tions have not been proposed at other stations.
4. Electric Lights. Two installations are required, viz. :—
(a.) One of one fixed beam of about 20° divergence, well retired on the left flank of King Tom Peninsula so as not to interfere with navigation. This will bear on the examination anchorage, and illumine the field of fire of King Tom Left Battery.
(b.) One at Farran Point of one fixed beam of 20° divergence to bear on the eastern passage, and of one beam capable of being trained to bear up the Creek.
All projectors to be fitted with interchangeable lenses, so as to allow of the beams being concentrated in thick weather.
The lights should be under the orders of the Officer Commanding Troops, not under the orders of the Officer Commanding Royal Artillery, as stated.
5. Heavy Armament.-A proposal to substitute 6-inch B.L. for the 7-inch R.M.L. guns at King Tom is at present under consideration by the War Office. Owing to the lowness of the site it may safely be anticipated that these B.L. guns will be on H.P. mountings, which arrangement will meet the objections mentioned in the Report.
The Colonial Defence Committee are unable to recommend any extension of the sea defences.
6. With regard to magazine accommodation for the reserve ammunition of the Navy, mentioned at page 5, the Committee are informed that the subject is at present under consideration by the Admiralty.
(Signed)
June 29, 1894.
Page 233
W. PEACOCKE, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. Harrison.~30/6/94.
Page 233