Praya works as rapidly as possible, and with this view I propose to lay a line of rails along the quay, between the Blocks and the coaling, on which is to travel a movable steam crane as described in the requisition forwarded to you 3rd instant for transmission to Agents. I now propose in the first place to commence with one Floating Crane for setting Blocks in the wall, but it may be found advantageous with a view of carrying on operations at a maximum speed to order a second Floating Crane or Derrick. The land crane must be obtained from England, but time and money will be saved by ordering the Steam Tug and Floating Crane of the Dock Company. The Block and Hopper Barges (14 Barges should, the latter be decided on) can be made locally either by English or Chinese contractors.
As regards the Floating Crane and steam Tug, I cannot too strongly urge that I may be authorised to enter into a contract with the Dock company without further delay, as recommended in my letter of 25th ultimus. I am deeply impressed with the importance of pressing on the Works. The importance of delay of a single month means a loss to the Government and the Lotholders combined of $50,000 (assuming my former calculations which are based on official estimates to be correct), an amount considerably exceeding the total cost of the Tug and Crane. In my report of 9th January...