CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 191

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It is also claimed for this gun that it "could destroy any vessel that might succeed in running past the forts." But the probability is that its fire would be masked by our own shipping lying at anchor in the harbour.

The only at all sound reason given for the proposal is that "it would strengthen the land defence to the south." This additional gun would, how- ever, entail a further demand on the already insufficient artillery garrison, and the purpose named would be better served by providing an improved type of movable armament, for instance, 5-in. B.L. Howitzers. The supply of two 5-in. Howitzers is at present under consideration by War Office.

3. Illuminated Sights.--These will be supplied shortly for all Q.-F. guns. They are not thought necessary for guns of other natures.

4. Telegraphic Communication between Batteries.-A demand should be put forward in the usual way for what is required to complete communication between the different forts and batteries.

5. Search Lights.-The electric light for the illumination of the mine- fields should be in the form of a fixed beam or beams with dispersed light, as it has been found that little dependence can be placed on the efficacy of these lights unless they permanently illumine well-defined areas. One such beam of about 35° divergence, to be concentrated in thick weather, or two of about 16° divergence each, would suffice to illumine the mine-field and the approach to the harbour, and the most convenient position for them would seem to be at the end of the pier, near the coal-shed, close to Fort George.

In addition, a movable beam is desirable to bear on the examination anchorage. The site of old Fort Cumberland, on the right flank of Fort George, would seem to be a good position for it, as there it could be traversed to bear on the outer and a large part of the inner friendly channel to help to illumine them in thick weather. All these lights could probably be worked by the same dynamo and engine, though it appears to be a question whether the engines of all such installations should not be duplicated.

The light at the Caudan at the head of the harbour is not required, and should be suppressed. It would be likely to prove injurious rather than useful should a hostile boat penetrate the entrance defences, as it would enable her more surely to find her way up the harbour, and be of service to her in indicating the position of our own ships lying at anchor, docks, &c. It seems better to leave her to charge blindly up the harbour in the dark.

6. Mine-field. There is no objection to withdrawing No. 2 cable from its present position to the left flank of Fort George if thought desirable by the local Committee. As regards the actual position of the mine-field, no altera- tion appears to be called for, though, if at any time it were desired to extend the anchorage, the observation mines of the inner mine-field might be placed a little further to the front.

But arrangements must be made for the safe entry of friendly vessels with the least possible delay by night as well as by day, as, though the examination anchorage is in a measure protected by the shore batteries, any accumulation of vessels outside the port would furnish special opportunities to an enemy's cruiser.

The primary object to be kept in view is that our own ships shall find safe access to the port at all times. If, therefore, with the present width of the friendly channel a friendly vessel cannot be brought in by night, then the friendly channel should be widened sufficiently so as to allow of it. Its width was originally fixed in consultation with Naval Officers, but there can be no difficulty in giving it any desired width.

The entry or departure of local craft and fishing-boats, however, may be restricted to the day-time.

Mountain Carriages for 7-pr. Battery. The proposed change of gun- carriages is desirable, as the present heavy field-carriages are unsuited to hired mule draught and to the steep hills around Port Louis. It is understood that

the Director of Artillery has arranged for this change of carriages.

8. Q.-F. Guns in Forts William and George. The remark at p. 4 is not quite understood. These guns are, of course, free to act against any hostile vessels attempting to run past the forts. Stops are unnecessary except in peace time.

În war time the guns would of course fire on an enemy even if he were directly in line with another fort, and the risk to the other fort must be accepted. It may be mentioned that a proposal to substitute 12-pr. Q.-F. for

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