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6
Mauritius.
Passing on from South Africa, the Committee proceed to consider the Mauritius, a position rendered unusually important, apart from its value as a coaling station and harbour, by the possession of a good graving dock, capable of accommodating a moderate sized ship of war.
This island presents so many practicable points for a hostile landing that it would be. vain at a time of pressure to attempt more than the defence of Port Louis. Other points, such as Grand Port, Black River, Flacq, Grand River, and Souillac, are furnished with block-houses, and, in some instances, with small batteries armed with light smooth-bored guns, which might, perhaps, be turned to some account in resisting a landing from boats.
The situation of Port Louis, at the end of a deep bay, approached by a comparatively narrow entrance, is well adapted for defence; and there already exist works which, with a slight addition to their present armament, may be regarded as sufficient to secure the place from attack by sea, under the conditions previously stated. The entrance to the harbour is guarded by Forts William and George, one on either side; but at present the latter only is armed, Fort William having been abandoned owing to the unhealthiness of its situation. Fort George numbers among its armament four 7-inch breech-loading rifled guns. To these the Committee recommend the addition of two 6 or 7-ton guns.
栽
Armament-
7-inch breech-loading rifled guns
68-pounder smooth-bore guns
8-inch
»
8-inch howitzer
32-pounder smooth-bore guns
No.
4
2
11
7
21
They also recommend a small supply of submarine mines, the employment of which
would contribute materially, as well as morally, to the strength of the defence.
The estimated cost of these proposals is :-
Two 7-ton guns, complete
Additions to existing batteries Submarine mines
·
£
2,000
400 2,000
Total
4,400
Owing, however, to the facilities for landing, alluded to above, at many points on the coast, the Committee deem it to be indispensable that there should be a moveable field- force, for repelling invasion, if the capital is to be made secure. The present garrison consists of a wing of a regiment, with a battery of artillery. As at least 1,000 regular infantry would be required for the defence, the Committee are of opinion that in the event of war the garrison should be made up to that strength. The peculiarly mixed character of the population is not favourable to the enrolment of a local force for general purposes; but there can be no doubt that a small force of about 150 men might be raised to supple- ment the artillery, who, at their present strength, are not numerous enough to serve the whole of the guns.
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