No.881.
Sir,
Enclosure.
COPY.
C.O.
21470
REC
Rest 14 AUG 19
Police Office
321
5th July, 1899.
In my report on the policing of the New Territory dated February last, I recommended the acquisition of a steam pinnace from Messrs White of Cowes for use in Mirs Bay.
The steam pinnaces obtained locally are a failure as local Firms have no experience in building vessels of this type.
I have now obtained the enclosed particulars of a type of pinnace supplied some ten years ago to the Imperial Chinese Maritime Customs by Messrs White of Cowes.
The pinnaces are carried by the Revenue cruisers built for the Maritime Customs by Sir William Armstrong & Co.
I believe these pinnaces were built specially light so that the cruisers could carry them.
This adds to the expense and a heavier built boat not designed to be carried on a ship would suit my purpose better and would be cheaper.
I recommend that the Crown Agents be asked to obtain from Messrs White a pinnace of the general dimension and description shown and like those supplied some ten years ago (except on the matter of weight) to the Imperial Chinese Maritime Customs, in the Enclosure hereto with hoods, weather cloths and other fittings complete, with room forward to mount a 303 Maxim gun on a tripod.
The boat should be specially designed for work in a seaway