CAB9-1_PT2 — Page 183

Page 183

2

ones, or those exploded during attack. More especially provision should be made for a supply of mines for practice, separate from those provided for the defence, as well as some 50-lb. bont-mines for disposal against hoats.

5. The following mining craft will be required :—

1 miner

1 steam-launch

3 junction-box boats

1 eutter

3 dinghies.

1 skiff.

>with moorings complete.

I would suggest all these boats, in the first instance, being supplied from England, in consequence of the high price of labour and the difficulty of obtaining seasoned material in this Colony. When once supplied there will be no difficulty in keeping them in repair and serviceable with our own resources in the Dockyard.

6. With reference to the efficiency of the R.M.A. Detachment to undertake these duties, I would observe the present strength is seventy-two, sixteen of whom are trained submarine miners, which is inadequate, and should be increased by forty-nine more, making a total of sixty-five for submarine mining, as shown on the accompanying form. Of this number, one coxswain, one blacksmith, and one engine-driver should be trained men, which would be sufficient to train the others.

The detachment for manning the guns is sufficient with the assistance of the local militia.

7. Major Muirhead, R.E., applied to me to have transferred to the War Department the land appropriated in the Dockyard for search lights and 6-pr. Q.-F. guns. I have informed him I see no necessity for the transfer of any land in the Dockyard to the War Department for this purpose, taking into consideration there is no right-of-way through the Dockyard; and it being necessary at all times to have free access to the foreshore, it is undesirable to have any fences erected that would prevent the efficient patrolling of all parts of the Yard.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

The Secretary,

Admiralty.

Į

H. F. STEPHENSON, Rear-Admiral, Commander-in-chief.

1

Page 183

Page 183 -