Philip Stephens. Have considered the reports from the Commissioners and Officers...

Philip Stephens. Have considered the reports from the Commissioners and Officers of several yards as to what additional watchmen and warders should be established in each for security and what additional pay to make to some of the Warders to strengthen their authority and encourage diligence in that duty and in what part of a yard it may be advisable to have tanks or reservoirs and the number of fire engines and buckets to be left in readiness and where they should be deposited. Have considered the Regulations proposed or adopted by the Commissioners to extinguish fires in addition to Standing orders and instructions for the Government and Ordinaries. Are sending an account for approval and have ordered some of the works to be taken in hand. Propose a counter guard room should be erected adjacent to the new Mast House at Plymouth. Have directed the Officers to insert a sum of money in the Extra estimate for next year for the houses for the Surgeon, Boatswain, Clerk of the Rope Yard and Master Ropemaker at Portsmouth. Are sending a draft order to be sent to several of the yards. The additions to the last Regulations for Watching and Warding and the Standing Orders now in force for the government of the yards and Ordinaries, should prove sufficient security against fire in future.

CTH.