452 
MINUTES OE PROCEEDINGS OF 
magazine should be of brickwork. That the rack to take the cylinders 
should be placed in the middle of the chamber, with a passage (and door 
leading thereto), on each side; in order that the cartridges may be delivered 
to both guns simultaneously, and that the necessity for removing the zinc 
cylinders, when emptied, may be avoided. (Plate Y. figs. 3, 4). 
“It is also suggested that the doors of the chamber containing the 
cartridges should be made in half, the lower half being employed as a ledge 
for the cartridge when being issued. 
Main Shell Store . 
“ The main shell stores were examined, also the traveller for stacking 
shells. It appears that the system of storing loaded shells on their bases 
is the preferable one, that the traveller worked well, and that there can 
be no objection to the system of stacking proposed, in situations where 
piling is necessary. It is suggested that for the transferring shell from a 
main store to the expense shell store, shot rails should be experimented 
with, and a further report made. It is considered that the rails will be 
found to offer greater facilities for the removal of heavy shell than trucks or 
carts, on gravel, and will probably prove more economical and as effective as 
a tramway, and much more easily laid and repaired. 
“ It is recommended that 400 feet (about) of shot rails, and a proportion 
of curved rails, should be supplied to the Royal Artillery at Southsea Castle, 
in order to test this matter. 
Shell-filling Room. 
“ It is understood that a shell-filling room is to be constructed on the 
space near the entrance to the castle. As this site, though central for the 
battery, is far removed from the main shell store, it is suggested that a 
filling room should be provided contiguous to each range of main shell 
stores, and so situated that the empty shells can be stacked with convenience 
in its immediate vicinity. 
Main Magazine . 
“ The main magazine of the w r est battery was examined. The fittings 
appear to be suitable. It is suggested that the shifting room should not be 
in the same block as the magazines. 
“It is for consideration whether a cartridge-filling and shifting room 
should not be constructed on a site separated from the magazine, but con¬ 
veniently near to it. 
(Signed) “ W. J. GRIMSTON, Capt. and Bt.-Major R.A* 
“E. HARDING STEWARD, Captain R.E. 
“J. E. BLACKWELL, Captain R.A. 
"J. DuT. BOGLE, Lieut. R.E.” 
