}
188
Unfortunately, when the arrangements were almost completed, the intending contractors withdrew their offer, and the project had for the present to be abandoned.
4. My Government still continues desirous to co-operate with that of Western Australia in establishing such a line of steamers as was in contemplation, though unfortu nately there is no immediate prospect of this being done.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
J. WAY, Administrator.
No. 339.
The Earl of Dufferin to the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart.
(Telegraphic.) (Secret.)
September 28, 1878. Defence.-STATES that works at Esquimalt have been stopped, and that plan, with Report of Engineer officer sent to superintend works, will be transmitted home.
189
This does not include the cost of the torpedo-boat, which information could be furnished by the Admiralty; but I would point out that the boat would also be useful for other Colonial purposes.
The three other steam-launches could be so fitted as to be available in a few hours. Of these there are many belonging to private firms at all the ports named, and they might receive a small retaining fee, and be exercised in torpedo work, say one day in cach quarter.
4. One seaman specially instructed in torpedo work might have charge of the steel torpedo-boat, and give the necessary training to the coxswains of the other boats; the remainder of the crew would not require any special training.
I have, &c.
(Signed) W. ARTHUR, Captain.
No. 341.
h
(Confidential.) Sir,
No. 340.
Admiralty to Colonial Office.
Admiralty, September 30, 1878. WITH reference to former correspondence respecting the protection of Esquimalt, Cape Town, Hong Kong, and Singapore, by torpedoes, and in reply to your letter of the 16th ultimo, asking for some information in regard to the cost, working, and management of a simpler form of torpedo than the Whitehead, I am commanded by iny Lords Commis- sioners of the Admiralty to transmit herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs, a copy of a letter of the 9th instant from Captain Arthur, of Her Majesty's ship "Vernon," recommending the "Outrigger" as the simplest and most efficient torpedo for attack by comparatively inexperienced hands.
2. With reference to the third paragraph of Captain Arthur's letter, my Lords do not think the second class steel torpedo-boats could be adopted with advantage in our Colonies, but they would recommend a good strong steel or iron-decked torpedo-boat; the price of such a boat would not exceed that of our second-class torpedo-boats, say 2,5001.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
ROBERT HALL.
Sir,
Admiralty to Colonial Office.
Admiralty, September 30, 1878. REFERRING to previous correspondence relative to the loan of guns, &c., for the Dominion Government, British Columbia, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to forward to you the inclosed Papers to be laid before the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and I am to request you will move him to be so good as to inform their Lordships-
1. Whether the stores, according to the accompanying list, which have been supplied for the service of the Dominion Government from the Naval Depôt at Esquimalt, may be considered as having been supplied on repayment to the War Department by the Dominion Government, as, if so, their Lordships would propose to inform the War Department accordingly, in order that the stores thus supplied may be replaced.
2. What steps the Colonial Office propose to take as to the future supply of the stores necessary for the guns which have been supplied to the Dominion Government with reference to paragraph 3 of the letter of the Commander-in-chief, Pacific Station.
reply.
3. It is requested that the inclosures may be returned to this Office with your
I am, &c.
(Signed)
ROBERT HALL,
Inclosure in No. 340.
Sir,
Captain Arthur to Admiral Fanshawe.
"Vernon," Portsmouth, September 9, 1878.
WITH reference to your Memorandum No. 3,175 and Admiralty letter of the 23rd August, I have the bonour to state that I consider the " Outrigger" the simplest and most efficient torpedo for attack by comparatively inexperienced hands.
It would also have the advantage over the" Whitebead" of entailing considerably less expense, both in the original outlay and subsequent maintenance in an efficient working condition.
2. I would suggest the adoption of wet gun-cotton as an explosive, which, if packed in the new pattern cylindrical tin case; would be available for use as a torpedo in the form used for stowage.
3. I should recommend one fast second-class steel torpedo, thoroughly fitted, to be sent out to each port, and the torpedo fittings for three other boats to accompany her. The cost can be estimated from the following list of prices:-
£
a. d.
Two sets of iron-work for torpedo-boat (two sets required for each bost) Torpedo-pole complete (three spare ones desirable).
86
0
9 0 0
Steel rifle-proof shield
·
24 0 0
Gun-cotton, at 24. per lb.,-two 124 lb. wet charges, two 2 lb, dry charges; case
and detonator complete, each torpedo
3 10 0
Battery, boat, firing
6 0 0
5 0 0
Test battery and galvanometer..
• No. 289,
:::
Sir,
Inclosure 1 in No. 341.
Guns, &c., for Dominion Government, British Columbia.
"Shah," at Esquimalt, July 29, 1878. WITH reference to Admiralty cypher telegram of 9th March last, and Secret cypher telegram, also to Admiralty letter of 29th May, subsequently received, directing the loan of guns to the Government of the Dominion of Canada, I have the honour to report, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that as the guns would have been of no use without their appurtenances, fittings, ammunition, &c., I have under- stood their Lordships to intend that all requisite stores should be supplied.
2. Qn the above understanding I have caused the various demands for ordnance stores to be complied with as far as naval requirements would admit. I append a list of stores furnished up to the present time, and I propose further to supply any or all of the guns in store, together with all requisite stores which may be demanded and can be spared..
3. I shall be glad to learn whether the view I have taken is in accordance with their Lordships' -intention, merely observing that the military authorities have, I believe, no persons or places for the charge and proper keeping of those stores, and that the Naval Department, as at present constituted, is hardly adequate to perform the extra work entailed by meeting military requisitions.
4. As I am about to sail for the southern part of this station, I beg to recommend
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