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the Naval Authorities with reference to the present Dock
was secured by a considerable loan to the Dock Company
and a further payment of £25,000; the right of priority
contiming to 1905, or until the entire loan be paid off.
I have suggested to the Directors that possibly the pre-
sent arrangement might be rendered permanent by a further payment of £25,000, but after consideration this was de....
clined, the Company stating that they would prefer not
to construct the Dock to accepting the condition.
The result will be a serious diminu-
tion in the proposed additional docking facilities of
this Port, the loss of a handsome premium down, and a
considerable annual Crown Rent, I cannot consider this
satisfactory and the loss of a valuable addition to the facilities for docking His Majesty's Ships of the largest
class must be detrimental to the interests of the Navy.
Nor do I consider that the same necessity will exist in
the future as in the past for this right of priority having regard to the fact that Docks of the largest aise are about to be constructed by the Lords of the Admiralty
and by Messrs. Butterfield and Swire in this Harbour.
In view of these facts I have the
10,
honour to request that you will induce the Lords of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State for War to abandon
this claim which is Inimical to the interests of the Colony. As the matter is of very pressing importance I shall feel obliged if you will telegraph your decision
in