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5. He considers also, and I concur with him, that the defence of Table Bay and Simon's Bay are so mutually dependent the one on the other, that they ought to be in a position to support one another, to attain which object it is most desirable to connect Simon's Bay by railway with the existing line to Wynberg, and he will urge that a subsidy be granted either to the Colonial Government, or to a local Company, which it is already proposed to form to carry out this object. We both consider this a very important matter and well worthy of consideration, not only as the subsidy granted would probably not exceed the cost of the fortified posts, but would be of infinite use not only in times of war, but in those of peace.

As regards Table Bay, it is determined at once to adapt the Amsterdam and Kyk-in- de-Pot batteries for the reception of two and five 7-inch guns respectively, and further to protect Honto Bay by torpedoes, which I understand are now either on their way out or ordered to be sent from England for the purpose.

I have, &c.

The Secretary to the Admiralty.

(Confidential.) Sir,

(Signed)

No. 295.

F. W. SULLIVAN, Commodore.

Admiralty to Colonial Office.

Admiralty, August 17, 1878.

I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs, a copy of a letter from Vice-Admiral Sir E. Inglefield, reporting on the sea defences of Halifax, after having visited the forts, &c., in company with Sir Patrick MacDougall and other military officers.

2. A copy of this despatch has been sent to the War Office.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

ROBERT HALL.

Inclosure 1 in No. 295.

Sea Defences of Halifax.

Sir,

"Bellerophon," at Halifax, July 22, 1878. IN compliance with your Circular letter of the 24th April, 1878, in which their Lordships were pleased to direct that the Commander-in-chief should communicate freely with the military officers in command as to the operations necessary for harbour defence by submarine mines or otherwise, I made arrangements soon after the arrival of Lieutenant- General Sir Patrick MacDougall to visit the forts and sea defences of this port. Sir Patrick was accompanied by the officers commanding the artillery and engineers, as well as other superior officers of the garrison. I had, therefore, abundant opportunity for gathering information with reference to the defences, and I have now the honour to forward the accompanying remarks and suggestions for their Lordships' consideration.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

E. A. INGLEFIELD, Vice-Admiral.

The Secretary of the Admiralty.

Inclosure 2 in No. 295.

Remarks on the Sea Defences of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The approaches to the harbour are at present defended by batteries and works distin- guished and armed as follows:-

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