227
No. 20.
SIR,
Correspondence respecting the Rifle Practice of the Civil Police, and the supply of Ammunition.
Presented to the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor.
(1.)
Major-General Cameron, C.B. to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G.
HEAD QUARTERS, HONGKONG, 13th April, 1885.
I have the honour to inform you that, with your permission, I saw the Civil Police at Rifle Practice at Kowloon, on Saturday, the 4th instant, and I candidly confess that, without the slightest desire to flatter, I was exceedingly pleased at their performance, and more especially considering the small amount of ammunition. allowed them.
I understand that the arming of the Civil Police with the MARTINI-HENRY Carbine as also their Musketry training are entirely due to your Excellency; and I must say that both for the suppression of civil revolt, or for the protection of the Colony in case of attack by an enemy, such an armed and well trained Police Force is of the highest importance.
To render, however, this force thoroughly efficient in Musketry, it is very important (as has been found in regard to the Military), to practise such rapid firing at close quarters as would be necessary in the field, and in clearing the streets in cases of disturbance.
For such practice the present allowance of ammunition, at the rate of 50 rounds. per man, is quite insufficient; and I strongly recommend, considering the value of this Police Force, as an important factor in the defences of the Colony, that the annual allowance be increased to 150 rounds per man, and that the ammunition C.S.O. No. 1685 of Nev. 25th, 1885. sent out through error and ordered to be returned, vide correspondence (marginally 29th, 1888 noted) between the Military and Colonial Authorities, be retained for the aforesaid purpose, instead of the useless expense being incurred of returning it all to England as directed.
A.M.S. 484 C.S.0. 1706 A.M.S.
+
442
>
27th, 1885.
His Excellency
Sir G. F. BOWEN, G.C.M.G.,
I have, &c.,
&c.,
&C., HONGKONG.
&c.
W. G. CAMERON, Major-General,
Commanding in China and Straits Settlements.
P.S.-Since the above was written, I have received the Inspection report of the Shanghai Volunteers, who appear to have been unable to complete their musketry course owing to want of ammunition; will your Excellency therefore permit the Municipal Council at Shanghai to purchase from this Colony the ammunition required to the extent of 50,000 rounds, out of the supply overdrawn for the Police?
W. G. CAMERON.