No. 63

I have the honour to forward herewith for Your Grace's consideration,
an application transmitted to me by the Naval Commander in Chief Rear
Admiral Sir Thomas Maitland, from
the Lieutenants in Command of Her Majesty's Gun Boats Grappler
and Forward, for a rate of Colonial Pay
to be awarded to those Vessels during the period they are employed in
this part of Her Majesty's Dominions.

2. As Your Grace is aware, the Revenues of the two Colonies of
Vancouver Island and
British Columbia are
not yet in a state to admit of any charge
being
made upon them upon this account. Both Colonies
are still in that infant condition which requires the fostering care
of the Mother Country to provide the means necessary for safety and
protection. Towards this end these two Gun Boats are a most
invaluable auxiliary, and it affords me great pleasure to say that
recently they have upon several occasions been most judiciously and
usefully employed in the maintenance of law and order, and in the
preservation of life and property: and it is very desirable that
they should at all times be in a state of perfect efficiency and free
to be detached with confidence upon emergency or upon any service for
which they may be required. This, however, can hardly be expected
under the existing circumstances of the Country, when the rate of
wages, both afloat and ashore, is so high, and appears so extremely
disproportionate to the rate of Naval Pay; and when, as now, the most
exciting reports are daily received from the Miners, and fortunate
Miners are seen in the Streets with their glittering and seemingly
easily acquired treasures.

3. The Crews of the Gun Boats are exposed to temptation more than
the Crews of larger Vessels. The Gun Boats are permanently stationed
here. Larger Vessels visit other parts of the Station, have fresh
scenes before them, and are not constantly hearing the exciting and
unsettling tales incident to a Gold Country. Larger Vessels have
also Officers sufficient to supervise the Crew. The Gun Boats have
but one Commissioned Officer, the Officer in Command, so that the Crew must, to a certain extent, be more trusted, and less under surveillance.

4. Under these circumstances, and appreciating the value of the Gun
Boats, and the expediency of keeping them thoroughly efficient, and
considering their small cost in proportion to the services rendered,
I cannot but recommend the application to the favorable notice of
Your Grace.