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larger than is necessary (60 feet in length) she is very fast, handy to steer, and her engines reverse easily and effectually when she is going at full speed. She has been to the Sultan Shoal and back, twenty miles, in two hours, towing a heavy boat all the way back.

I therefore have, as instructed, arranged to buy her, and her price has been reduced to 6,000 dollars, which is certainly cheap.

She is now ready to be handed over. I may add that she will carry a couple of Gatling guns well.

J. DOUGLAS, Colonial Secretary.

(Signed)

Approved,

(Signed)

WILLIAM C. F. ROBINSON.

Inclosure 17 in No. 224.

The Commandant, Straits Settlements,

Commissiarat, Straits Settlements, Singapore, May 6, 1878.

I have the honour to forward you copy of a letter from the Financial Secretary's Department of the War Office, dated 10th August, 1872, conveying the decision of the Secretary of State for War that the cost of works of defence and their armament should be borne by the Colony, in case of attack from seaward, and, in doing so, I beg to point out that I have no means whatever at my disposal for transporting heavy ordnance, being solely dependent on the ordinary.bullock gharry of the country for transport. (Signed) E. C. SAUNDER, District Commissary,

Straits Settlements.

The Commandant,

Straits Settlements.

Inclosure 18 in No. 224.

Sir,

Financial Secretary's Department, War Office, August 10, 1872.

I AM directed by Mr. Secretary Cardwell to acquaint you that the period of five years during which the contribution of 59,300l., payable by the Colony of Straits Settle- ments to the Imperial Government in respect of the military expenditure in those Settle- ments, having expired on the 31st March last, the arrangements under which the amount of this contribution was decided upon have been reconsidered, and that from the 1st April last the amount of the contribution has been fixed at 51,5951. per annum.

I am to add that it has also been arranged that the cost of the works of defence and their armament (including torpedoes) required to resist casual attack from seaward shall be borne by the Colony, as well as that of the maintenance of its local forces and other contingent charges.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

JOHN MILTON, Accountant-General.

Straits Settlements.

The Assistant Controller,

Sir,

Inclosure 19 in No. 224.

Colonial Engineer's Office, Singapore, May 8, 1878.

I HAVE the honour to forward an estimate, amounting to 2,994 dol. 49 c., for work recommended by the Defence Committee, which has already been sanctioned by his Excellency the Governor to save time.

The Colonial Secretary,

Straits Settlements.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

J. F. A. Mc NAIR, Colonial Engineer,

Straits Settlements.

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