4.
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to bear on the dead water east of Plum Point in order to protect Kingston from bombardment from that water, the Colonial Defence Committee observe that the forts were designed for the defence of Port Royal, which is the point that the Admiralty desired should be protected, and not directly for the pro- tection of Kingston. They concur in the suggestion of the General Officer Commanding, that the best position in which to mount the 2-7" R.M.L. guns is on the site near the originally contemplated Fort Nugent, but do not agree that it is necessary to provide concrete foundations for their emplacements.
16. The Colonial Defence Committee note the recommendation of the Local Committee, that a stout steam-launch, capable in ordinary weather of manning, reinforcing, and supplying the harbour forts, is necessary for ordinary work, and absolutely necessary in time of apprehended hostilities.
The provision of such a steam-launch has been lately under consideration by War Office, and will most probably be included in the Estimates of 1893-94.
17. The other wants to which the General Officer Commanding draws attention at p. 28 and paragraphs 20-21, p. 6, are--
1. Apostles Battery.
2.
""
"
3. Salt Ponds Battery.
4.
"
5. Kingston.
6. Port Royal.
"
Permanently close the gorge.
Provide new pier.
Mount two 9" R.M.L. (long range).
Improve pier and provide mooring tackle. Reconstruct pier.
Extend submarine mining pier.
The Colonial Defence Committee are given to understand that, with the exception of the last-named item, all of these services are either in hand, or are provided for in Estimates of 1893-94.
18. The Colonial Defence Committee suggest that the foregoing remarks should be forwarded to the Governor for communication to the General Officer Commanding and Local Defence Committee, and consideration at the next annual revision of the Scheme.
(Signed)
W. PEACOCKE, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee
May 29, 1893.
PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.-8/6/93.
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