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leasonably be expected of the Colony, I may state, I have rea- son to know that Governor George Bowen is most anxious to press forward the defences of the Colony; Governor Sir Harry Ord and His Excellency have promised their cordial support in furthering a scheme for the construction of Batteries out of Colonial Funds. And I may also add that I have urged, upon many of the most interested and leading men of the Colony, the desirability of their giving practical proof of a readiness to devote a share of the wealth, acquired by their trade in these waters, towards rendering trade more secure, by taking the initiative and voting a sum of money sufficient to convert this important centre of Commerce into a Fortress.
The proposal is not likely to meet with any opposition here, as the owners of property recognise it to be for their own interest. It is moreover only fair to the Colony that the Military Authorities should come to a definite decision as to what lands they require for the erection of Defensive works. At present several works of utility and advantage to the Colony...