4
"with the boats
"are wanting in stability. They "might be available for thes purpose of towing Store-lighters " and this will not interfere
s being armed for other purposes. One of the smaller "launches could be usefully employed in conveying the "Superintending Officer from "place to place, as, in the stress " of war the laying Mines might "be proceeding " three points. There is no doubt
"that in a
at two or even
state of
war
"constant communication will
" have to be kept up between the "Forts, and Steam launches would
409
"be of great use for that purpose. "He concur that for the purposes of towing, conversing Officers and men, and carrying the folonial launches
messages,
would be of great use, but we do not think they should be confined to such services only. The launches should be will
manned and armed, and they could then be usefully employed in patrollins, the waters
of the folony, more especially in the event of a war between great Britain and China, as the force to contend against in such a
case would not be of
no