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Digest, pp. 608, 611.

Third Report, pp. 376, 377.

Digest. pp. 608, 612. Third Report, pp. 378, 379.

Works Armaments Submarine mines Naval defences

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therein, but adds that he regards the questions involved in it as entirely national, and not much affecting the Colony itself. From a colonial point of view, he thinks it would be preferable not to have any works constructed which would draw attention to the place or invite attack.

109. In the absence of precise information as to the Grusen turrets, it is impossible for us to appreciate the relative merits of the two projects, but, considering the central position of Jamaica, and that it is the nearest British territory to the Panamá Canal, 560 miles distant, we are of opinion that the defences ought to be so organized as to make it a secure coaling-station.

Antigua.

110. Although Port Royal is the best available station for observing the Panamá Canal, Cuba, and the smaller South American Republics, it is not equally suitable for observing Martinique, or for supplying coal to your Majesty's ships employed in the Windward Islands. Port Royal is 950 miles to leeward of Martinique, and is therefore almost useless for these purposes. It appears to us that a secure coaling-station in the neighbour- hood of the Windward Islands is indispensable if your Majesty's navy is to operate in these seas, and to observe the navies of France. The difficulty of capturing Martinique would be so great, that all we can contemplate is the blockade of the island and the interruption of supplies. In reference to this, two ports have been especially brought to our notice: English Harbour in the Island of Antigua, and Port Castries in the Island of St. Lucia.

111. English Harbour is a well-sheltered port about 1,200 yards long and 200 yards broad, but so shallow that it can only be used for vessels of aud under the "Encounter" class. There is a small naval yard in the harbour, but owing to the proximity of Falmouth Harbour, from which ships drawing 5 fathoms of water might bombard it, the protection of the dockyard would involve the defence of Falmouth Harbour as well as English Harbour. It is, moreover, 160 miles from Fort de France, and is therefore not so favourably situated as Port Castries, which is to windward of Martinique, and only 40 miles from Fort de France. Even if the necessary works, estimated by the War Department to cost 149,5407., and to require a garrison of 1,750 men, were erected, English Harbour would only be available for small vessels, and it would still be necessary to provide a secure port for the larger ships of your Majesty's navy.

St. Lucia.

112. Port Castries is an inlet of the sea, about 3,000 yards long and 500 It is yards broad, with a depth of 9 fathoms over the greater part of its area. more easy of access than English Harbour, and is capable of receiving the largest ships. Port Castries is well placed for the protection of the South Atlantic trade against cruizers belonging to the United States or any other Power, and the Admiralty have recommended it as preferable to English Harbour. Objections have been taken on the score of unhealthiness, but recent accounts in this respect are more satisfactory, and we have come to the conclusion that Port Castries is the best station in the Windward Islands £ for coaling and refitting your Majesty's ships. According to a plan and 87,061 estimate prepared for us by the War Department, the necessary works for its 9,620 defence would require an outlay of 140,8817., and a garrison of 1,750 men 9,000 of all arms. Having regard to the proximity of Martinique, we are of

opinion that an adequate garrison should at all times be maintained.

35,200

140,881

Third Report, pp. 379–381.

Barbados.

113. We have Reports from the War Department on the defences of Carlisle Bay, in front of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados.

Carlisle Bay is an open roadstead on the west or leeward side of the Island of Barbados, and is a safe anchorage, except during four months of the year, when it is exposed to dangerous hurricanes. There are several old batteries, one of which, Fort Charles, on Needham Point, has recently been remodelled to receive two 7-inch 7-ton R.M.L. guns and two 64-pounders. The works, however, are totally insufficient for the protection of ships in the

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