timber, brass, copper, engine fittings and every description of
necessary ships' fittings.
My Board, being well aware that the construction of docks by
Her Majesty's Government would be very costly, and that the up-keep
of such ocoks, exclusive of the interest on capital out-lay, would
certainly amount to more than is at present paid for the docking
of the whole of Eer Fajesty's China Squadron, and, believing that
an arrangement, mutually satisfactory to the Admiralty and my Company
permitting of an intense saving of the National Funds, coulo be ar-
rived at, and which at the same tine would afford facilities unattain-
able even if the Admiralty built their own decks and establishments,
deemed it advisable to have the necessary surveys of our property
made with a view to the construction of another dock which would be
of dirensicos sufficient to contain the largest vessels at present
built or building. The surveys, plans ano estimate were accordingly
prepared for us, but before going further into the matter, my Board
desired to know whether Your Excellercy would be prepared to place
before the Loras Ccmissioners of the Aamiralty such proposal as we
might be able to make. For your courteous intimation in reply that
you would lay our communication before the Lords Commissioners, my
Board desires me to tender you our thanks.
I have now the honour to enclose:-
Flans, numbered 1, 2, 3, & 4.
Report,cumbered 5 prepared by Mr.Darby. MI.Q.E.
(the constructor.of our No.1 dcok and cur
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