CO129-271 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [1-4] — Page 10

timber, brass, copper, engine fittings and every description of

necessary ships' fittings.

My Board, being well aware that the construction of docks by

Her Majesty's Government would be very costly, and that the up-keep

of such ocoks, exclusive of the interest on capital out-lay, would

certainly amount to more than is at present paid for the docking

of the whole of Eer Fajesty's China Squadron, and, believing that

an arrangement, mutually satisfactory to the Admiralty and my Company

permitting of an intense saving of the National Funds, coulo be ar-

rived at, and which at the same tine would afford facilities unattain-

able even if the Admiralty built their own decks and establishments,

deemed it advisable to have the necessary surveys of our property

made with a view to the construction of another dock which would be

of dirensicos sufficient to contain the largest vessels at present

built or building. The surveys, plans ano estimate were accordingly

prepared for us, but before going further into the matter, my Board

desired to know whether Your Excellercy would be prepared to place

before the Loras Ccmissioners of the Aamiralty such proposal as we

might be able to make. For your courteous intimation in reply that

you would lay our communication before the Lords Commissioners, my

Board desires me to tender you our thanks.

I have now the honour to enclose:-

Flans, numbered 1, 2, 3, & 4.

Report,cumbered 5 prepared by Mr.Darby. MI.Q.E.

(the constructor.of our No.1 dcok and cur

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