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G. But he agrees with Commodore Sullivan in thinking that shore defences, however powerful, will not avail to defend the dockyard and stores from attempts to burn them, which may be made by small vessels, and that to render the place reasonably secure from such attempts the batteries should be supplemented by torpedo boats.

6. In a joint report, which they will, I hope, be able to send home by next mail, I am informed by the Commodore they have recommended that four “ Lightning" torpedo boats, and sixteen Whitehead turpedoes, new pattern, be provided for the defence of Simon's and Table Bays.

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7. In a memorandum on Table Bay, Colonel Hassard has proposed the following armament of the batteries, which he, in concurrence with all previous military authorities, considers necessary for the defence of the bay:--Ten 38-ton guns, two 25-ton guns," twelve heavy guns in all, as a minimum. 18-ton guns Colonel Hassard considers would be useful, but unless heavy long range guns are used, the object of the works will not be attained.

We cannot, of course, expect such an amount of armament to be furnished without a very definite and formal settlement of the incidence of cost between Her Majesty's Exchequer and that of the Colony.

But as a long time must elapse in preparing either guns or torpedoes, I write now in order that Her Majesty's Government may be aware of the extent of our requirements, so that no time may be lost in supplying what is required as soon as the question of payment can be settled.

In the meantime, I would suggest that some of the heavy long range guns, and at least two "Lightning" torpedo boats, with a suitable supply of Whitehead torpedoes, new pattern, may be sent out on account of Simon's Bay, where they are beyond question required for the defence of Her Majesty's Dockyard, and that a moderate sum, say 10,0001, be placed on the Estimates on account of works, the construction of which will be required during the coming year towards the completion of the defences of Simon's Bay and a commencement of those of Table Bay.

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Inclosure I in No. 189.

Sir,

War Office, June 6, 1878. IN reference to the Commanding Royal Engineer's letters of the 16th and 30th April, 1878, on the subject of the defence of Table Bay, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to inform you that the instructions for the erection of temporary works sent to you on the 23rd May, 1878, will have fully informed you of the views, with reference to Table Bay, of the Committee appointed, at the instance of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, to report on the measures to be taken for the temporary defence of the morr important Colonial ports, and that the armament therein proposed, which has been sanc- tioned by the Secretary of State for War, is based upon the supplies that are available, or can be most readily procured at the present moment.

I am to observe that it is desirable that the works to be erected for mounting these guns should be on the sites best suited for permanent defence, to which they might hereafter be adapted; but for the present heavier guns (18 to 38 tons), such as the Com- mittee presided over by Mr. Sprigg have recommended, are not available, and as their manufacture is not only very costly, but would cause great delay, the question of their provision, as well as the permanent defences of the port, must be reserved for future consideration.

The General Officer Commanding, Cape of Good Hope.

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I have, &c. (For J. G. F.),

(Signed) C. H. NUGENT.

Inclosure 2 in No. 189.

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I have, &c.

(Signed)

H. B. E. FRERE.

No. 188.

The Earl of Dufferin to the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart.-(Received June 24.)

(Telegraphic.)

THIS Government is anxious to know if the naval authorities at Esquimalt will be able from time to time, on repayment, to supply powder and shot and shell for the gun which has been lately mounted near Victoria, as Canada has no magazine at that place.

Sir,

Chief Resident Engineer's Office, Cape Town, April 16, 1878.

I HAVE the honour to forward herewith, for your information, copy of a correspon- dence which has recently taken place respecting the provision of defences for Table Bay.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

The Inspector-General of Fortifications, War Office, London.

F. C. HASSARD, Colonel, Commanding Royal Engineer, South Africa.

No. 189,

War Office to Colonial Office. Sir,

War Office, June 24, 1878. REFERRING to the letter from this office of the 18th June, 1877,* on the subject of the coast defences of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to request that you will be good enough to lay before Sir Michael Hicks Beach the accompanying letters, dated 16th and 30th April last, from the Commanding Royal Engineer at Cape Town, inclosing copies of correspondence which has taken place between the Colonial Government and the officers of the War Department at the station respecting provision of defences for Table Bay; and a copy of a letter from this Office to the General Officer Commanding, dated 6th instant, on the subject.

I am to request that the letters from the Commanding Royal Engineers, and copies of correspondence forwarded therewith, may be returned to this Office in due course.

I have, &c. (Signed)

• Net printed.

EUSTACE G. CECIL.

Inclosure 3 in No. 189.

Cape Town.-Table Bay Defences.

THERE has been a great amount of correspondence on the defences seaward of Simon's Bay and Table Bay, the result of which has been that plans were prepared for Simon's Bay, and are now in the War Office. No plans have, I believe, been prepared for Table Bay.

Something was done last year to throw up temporary batteries at Simon's Bay; one of these, I believe, is now completed and armed, and another in progress.

Ministers are very anxious on the subject of Table Bay. I shall be very glad if General Thesiger should see fit to put the Commander Royal Engineer in communication with the Ministers (represented at present by the Honourable Mr. Miller, Treasurer- General), and any other officers he thinks proper, and the Commodore, and to let us know-

1. What can be done to throw up temporary works on or near the sites selected in Table Bay, as has been done in Simon's Bay ?

2. What will each work cost ?

3. How can it be executed?

4. How armed ?

5. How manned, iu our present dearth of Royal Artillerymen, by Volunteer Artillery? On this latter point, Colonel Dean Pitt and the Honourable Mr. Southey will probably

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