132
made up in earth and sand-bags; the superior slope should be heightened by three feet of earth and sand-bags; an interior lining six feet thick of earth and concrete should be provided; traverses should be thrown up between the guns; existing embrasures not required filled up; shell and powder recesses built under the parapets for the service of the guns; temporary wooden racers, buried in concrete and fitted with iron sweep-plates, laid down; and the magazines and shell-filling rooms strengthened.
H. E. McCALLUM, Lieutenant, R.E.,
Superintendent, Defence Works.
May 29, 1878.
(Signed)
Minute by his Excellency the Governor.
The Governor will be glad to receive the advice of the Defence Committee on the points raised by Lieutenant McCallum, under the head of "Defence by rifled artillery," page 28 of accompanying Report.
May 30, 1878.
His Excellency the Governor,
(Signed)
WILLIAM C. F. ROBINSON.
The Defence Committee having carefully perused the Report of the Superintendent of Defence Works, are of opinion that on all points it would be desirable to obtain three 7-inch muzzle-loading rifled guns and two 64-pounders to be mounted in Fort Cornwallis, and that the work to be done in the fort, and recommended in the last paragraph of Lieutenant McCallum's Report, should be carried out.
The Defence Committee do not advise the transport to Penang of any smooth-bore guns either to be placed in position at Pulo Jerajah or elsewhere.
(Signed) C. A. S. DICKINS, Colonel Commanding,
Straits Settlements.
J. F. A. MCNAIR, Colonial Engineer.
A further report will be made by Colonel Dickins on his return from Penang, to which place he is shortly leaving on inspection duty.
133
No. 245.
Governor Hennessy, C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart.—(Received
July 22.) (Telegraphic.)
DESPATCH by this inail thoroughly agreeing with the Colonial Defence Committee, and suggesting permanent defences.
No. 246.
War Office to Colonial Office.
Sir,
Pall Mall, July 22, 1878. WITH reference to your letter of the 3rd instant, requesting to be informed whether the War Department will be willing to furnish a "nucleus of gunners," as requested by the Government of Newfoundland, I am directed by the Secretary of State to acquaint you, for the information of Secretary Sir Michael Hicks Beach, that it is not clear from the papers transmitted to this office whether the Government of Newfoundland wish that a certain number of men of the Royal Artillery should be provided by the Imperial Government as a nucleus on which to form a battery of local artillery, or whether drill instructors only are required.
In the former case, two sergeants, two corporals, and two bombardiers, with about ten experienced gunners, are considered sufficient; but for the latter purpose, two non- commissioned officers, one of them being an assistant instructor of gunnery, would probably suffice.
I am, therefore, to request that Secretary Colonel Stanley may be favoured with further information on these points, and also with some idea of the remuneration which would be offered by the Colonial Government, as it is not probable that competent men would be willing to undertake the duty unless sufficient pay is offered to them.
I have, &c.
(Signed) BURY.
Inclosure 7 in No. 243.
No. 247.
Sir,
Government House, Singapore, June 5, 1878. REFERRING to my letter to you of the 29th May, I have now the honour to inclose, for your information, copy of a Report by Lieutenant McCallum, R.E., Superin- tendent of Defences, on the subject of the defences of Penang, together with the remarks of the Defence Committee thereon.
I beg to call your attention to Lieutenant McCallum's suggestion under heading "Defence by rifled artillery." That suggestion is supported by the Defence Committee, and I would suggest, for your consideration, whether it would not be advisable that instructions should be given to land at Singapore three of the 7-inch muzzle-loading rifled guns and two 64-pounders, supposed to be now on their way to Hong Kong, these guns to be transported to Penang, and there mounted in Fort Cornwallis.
Should, however, the steamer which brings these guns call at Penang I would suggest that instructions be given to have the guns landed at that port.
I have, &c.
(Signed) WILLIAM C. F. ROBINSON. Major-General Donovan,
Commander-in-chief in China and Straits Settlements.
No. 244.
The Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart., to Governor Sir A. Phayre, G.C.M.G., K.C.S.I., C.B. (Secret.) Sir,
Downing Street, July 23, 1878.
I COMMUNICATED to the Secretary of State for War your despatch, Secret, of the 23rd May last,† on the subject of the defence of Mauritius, and I now have the honour
to transmit to you, for your information, a copy of the War Office reply.‡
(Secret and Confidential.)
Sir,
I have, &c.
(Signed) M. E. HICKS BEACH.
No. 248.
Colonial Office to War Office.
Downing Street, July 23, 1878. I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to request that Secretary Colonel Stanley will be good enough to give the necessary instructions to delay the manufacture of the guns for Canada referred to in your letter of the 18th instant,§ as it is proposed to consult the Colonial Defence Committee on the subject, as stated in the letter from this Department of the 11th instant.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
R. H. MEADE.
Governor Hennessy, C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart.—(Received
July 22.)
(Telegraphic.)
FROM General to Secretary of State for War. Authority for 30,0001. received. In view of present political aspect, shall wait further instructions before extending existing defences and shelter.
• No. 218.
↑ No. 178.
‡ No. 238.
No. 241.
No. 231.
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