500 
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
considered it to be our duty to try and prevent, as much as possible, the 
too hasty adoption of any portion of the equipment. I may say, as 
regards the expense, that very many experiments had to be made, not 
only to test the endurance of the bronze gun, its range and accuracy, 
but also in connection with the charge and projectiles. These necessarily 
occupy time and cost money. The whole expense, however, will not 
exceed £3000. (Applause.) 
Colonel W eay. —Including the cost of all the materials ? 
Major-General Eardley-Wilmot. —Yes; and perhaps we may diminish 
the cost, if the Government are induced to be so liberal as to purchase the 
guns, now unfit for issue, which have been fired for endurance. When 
you consider that the Armstrong and Whitworth trials alone cost near 
about £30,000, it will be admitted that we have been duly careful on 
this point. (Applause.) As president of the Committee, I feel that I 
cannot say anything on the question of our proposals ; but I cannot lose 
the opportunity of stating how much the Committee is indebted to 
Colonels Maxwell and Wray for the labour, anxiety, and trouble they 
have had in bringing the work to so successful a termination. Colonel 
Maxwell has been indefatigable in devising and preparing arrangements 
in connection with the gun and all parts of the equipment, and, in 
connection with Colonel Wray, has personally watched over their 
manufacture. I need hardly say how cordially, therefore, I return the 
thanks of this meeting to Colonel Maxwell for his admirable paper. 
(Applause). 
