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Forces in the Colonies.
2.
It will be seen from the enclosed Report of the experienced Harbour-Master of Hong Kong (Captain Thomsett, R.N.), that no local Force of the kind contemplated has hitherto been organized in this Colony. But it will be perceived that the Colonial Government possesses six steam-launches, and a considerable number of rowing boats, which I am not without hope may be utilized as a defence Flotilla, in aid of Her Majesty's ships, and of the submarine Mining Department. With regard to the last-mentioned subject, the late Administrator of the Government, (M. Marsh) has already reported in his despatch No. 92 of the 30th January ultimo.
83 Gend
3.
The formation of an Auxiliary Naval Defence Force is of manifest importance. I believe, moreover, that proper discipline and training would increase the efficiency of the crews of the Government boats in the performance of their ordinary civil duties. The great difficulty will, of course, be to find competent English seamen for the Department.