1987. What was the result of that complaint?--“The contractor was acquainted that the Board of Admiralty had been informed that the ‘Lady Mary Wood’ was getting exceedingly out of repair, and requested to be informed when a vessel, such as is required by the contract, will be substituted for her. The contractors stated in reply that the information furnished to the Admiralty was exaggerated; this vessel had no defects but what could be made good on her return to Hong Kong, defects mostly caused by the severity of the passage from that port to Point de Galle; and they inclosed a copy of the carpenter’s report, and extract of the commander’s letter. They further stated, that (as the Admiralty is, no doubt, aware) in consequence of the recent demand in engineering and shipwright work, the builders have not possibly been able to fulfil their contracts in point of time; and the result is, that of six steam ships of 450-horse power building for them, not one is yet completed, though contracted to be delivered within the last year. They fully expect to be able to despatch one of those vessels in substitution of the ‘Lady Mary Wood,’ in November next, and a second of the same class and power about three months after, in substitution of the ‘Braganza.’” 1988. What is the date of that letter?--The 28th of August. 1989. What is the date of the complaint?--The 23rd of August. 1990. What is the date of the complaint transmitted?--That does not appear from the _précis_. The Admiralty agent employed on the voyage from Hong Kong to Ceylon writes this complaint, which reaches Captain Ellice about the 23rd August, 1846. 1991. What would be the ordinary length of communication between Ceylon and Southampton?--That is arranged by the contract; as I have had very little to do with the contracts in the Indian Seas, I am not prepared to say. 1992. Is it not about five months?[6]--Yes. 1993. Taking it at five months preceding this date of the complaint, they say that another vessel will be ready by November of the same year?--Yes. 1994. What was the result of the complaint as to the want of punctuality in the time?--The contractors were acquainted, on the 23rd of August, with this complaint, and what I have read is their explanation. 1995. The explanation which you have read is with reference to the non-repair of the vessel, it is not with reference to the time at all. Is there any letter from the Admiralty, either admitting the excuse to be satisfactory or otherwise?--The Admiralty seem to have admitted the excuse, for they minute the letter, acknowledging the receipt of it. 1996. Did the Admiralty officer on board the ship report anything respecting the improper state of the ship before leaving Hong Kong?--He stated that the “Lady Mary Wood” was much out of repair in her last voyage from Hong Kong to Ceylon. 1997. It was after his arrival in Ceylon that he made that report?--Yes.