95 



the cost of one would be much less than £60,000. There would alwaya, 

 too, "be the risk of something going wrong just as she was wanted, and 

 then we should be utterly defenceless ; on the other hand, with the simple 

 arrangement of guns, mounted either on earthworks, or in iron turrets, 

 no machinery was required, and everything was ready at any time for 

 instant service. In the case, however, either of earthen forts, or iron 

 turrets, it should be borne in mind that a certain number of riflemen would 

 always be required to keep in check any of the enemy who might land for 

 the purpose of annoying the gunners. In the case of a town situated like 

 Launceston, he (Mr. Lloyd) thought that the use of the torpedo would be 

 found to be the most eflPectual and the least expecslve mode of defence. 

 In the narrow channel of the Tamar, at points over which a ship must 

 necessarily pass, torpedoes might be sunk in a manner to defy detection, 

 an-i as they could be exploded at the right moment from the bank, their 

 effects would be in the highest degree destructive to an enemy. 

 , Further discussion having taken place on the subject brought imder 

 notice, and the usual votes of thanks having been passed, the meetings 

 separated. 



