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commercially. The strategic importance of Mauritius calls for a naval station, and a first class dock and establishment to work it.
The magnificent harbour of Grand Port in this island, hitherto but little used, owing to its position on the weather side of the island, and the consequent difficulty of entry and egress of sailing ships, would appear to be the best site, both from con- siderations of health, easy defence, and the protected space afforded for the muster of a fleet or transports.
Colombo.
It
Colombo is one of the main line of ports of call when the Suez Canal is open. has no dock, and is 900 miles from Bombay, where there is one good dock, not capable, however, of taking a larger vessel than the belted cruisers. Calcutta is 1,220 miles.
The necessity of a dock on this important line has long been recognised, and negotiations are on foot for enlargement, to meet Admiralty requirements, of the Colonial dock about to be constructed here.
Singapore.
Singapore is on the main line of trade whether the Suez Canal be closed or open, and a most important strategical point. The largest dock here will not take a larger vessel than a second-class cruiser. Singapore is 1,400 miles from Hong Kong, and 1,560 from Colombo. A large dock would he urgently needed in war time, and could be established by the Commercial Company, aided by a subsidy. Preliminary arrangements with this object are now in progress.
Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is fairly off for docks. There is one which will take the "Royal Sovereign," lightened, and "Terrible; one which will take first-class cruisers lightened; and two others.
AUSTRALIAN Station.
LIST of Important Docks.
Dimensions.
Place.
Name of Dock.
Remarks,
Length, Breadth.
Depth on Sill at H.W.
Feet. Feet.
Feet.
British.
Port Adelaide
Melbourne
Dunnikier Alfred
500
60
28
450
80
26
Fitzroy
430
59
21+
Sydney..
Sutherland..
600
84
32
Morts
395
GO
191
Brisbane Lyttleton Auckland
430
60
191
460
62
224
Calliope
..
500
BQ
33
Foreign.
None.
The Australian Station is, for the probable requirements of war, well provided with docks. Two docks (at Sydney and Auckland) will take the first-class battle- ships, and two more (at Melbourne and Adelaide) first-class cruisers.
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