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I shall be prepared to telegraph to Hong Kong on hearing from you the amount of ammunition, &c., required.

The Commandant,

Straits Settlements.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

WILLIAM C. F. ROBINSON.

Inclosure 6 in No. 224.

Summarized Recommendations of the Defence Committee.

THE Committee advise that 68-pounders be placed in the following positions :-- Two 68-pounders at Tanjong Kutong.

Three 68-pounders at Mount Palmer.

Two 68-pounders at Mount Faber (lower battery).

The Committee further recommend that the carriages of all guns to be placed in postion be thoroughly overhauled, and any necessary repairs made forthwith. Further, that the guns to be removed from Fort Canning be replaced by such serviceable 8-inch and other guns as may be available, to be ready to meet with any local disturbance that might arise.

The Committee consider that no time should be lost in placing these guns (68 pounders) in the positions indicated.

(Signed)

C. A. S. DICKINS, Colonel, Commanding 28th Regiment,

Straits Settlements.

CHAS. F. HOTHAM, Captain, R.N.

J. F. A. McNAIR, Colonial Engineer.

Singapore, April 17, 1878.

Colonial Engineer,

I forward to you copy of a letter which I have addressed to the Commandant with reference to carrying out the recommendations of the Defence Committee. You will be so good as to co-operate with the military authorities in the matter and render all such assistance as it may be in the power of your Department to afford.

Government House, April 19, 1878.

(Signed) WILLIAM C. F. ROBINSON.

Inclosure 7 in No. 224.

My dear Sir William,

April 18, 1878.

I WAS in hopes you would have seen Captain Curtis, R.A., this morning, as he said he was going to call; he could have given you all the information as he is in charge of warlike stores, and is now inspecting them here; there are seven 68-pounders here, I believe, serviceable, as to bore one wants reventing, and apparatus for that must come from Hong Kong. Captain Curtis, R.A., is the best man for guns we could have, as all guns, naval and army, have to pass through his Department. He is now, I think, at the fort, but as soon as he returns I will find out from him the amount of powder required and let you know without delay.

Sincerely yours,

(Signed)

C. A. S. DICKINS.

P.S.-Impressions of the vents of the guns could soon be taken, but I should think if the bore is sound, as they seem to be, the vent is of a secondary consideration except in very accurate firing.

His Excellency the Governor,

Straits Settlements.

C. A. S. D.

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