HONGKONG.
REPORTS ON THE HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORPS.
Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor.
HONGKONG VOLUNTEER Corrs.
Annual inspection of, by G.O.C.
(From the General Officer Commanding in China and Hongkong to His Excellency the Governor of Hongkong.)
235
No. 18
06
HONGKONG, 28th April, 1896.
SIR,-I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency that I personally made the Annual Inspection of the Hongkong Field Battery and Maxim Gun Volunteer Corps for 1896 on the 9th instant, and have to report:-
1. The turn out of the men was satisfactory, their 7-pr. guns, Maxims, arms, and equipment are well kept up and appear to be in serviceable condition.
2. The Officers and men know their drill sufficiently well for practical purposes, and from personal observation at tactical exercises and Field Firing, I know that the Field Battery shoots well, and believe that the Maxim Gun Corps usually makes good practice.
3. The adoption of khaki clothing and brown belts gives a serviceable appearance to the Corps.
4. That the Members prefer drawing the guns instead of employing coolie draught shows a good spirit, but I consider it would be wise to accustom Chinamen to drag and carry the guns over the rugged hill sides, and I approve of the Commandant's intention to use coolie draught more frequently in future in operations at a distance from Head Quarters.
5. I think perhaps that the number of drills for efficient volunteers might be somewhat reduced in accordance with the Home Volunteer Regulations; but on this point I shall address your Excellency later on.
6. Major PEMBERTON speaks highly of the assistance rendered him by the Officers, their efforts at recruiting members and the great interest they have taken in the drills, competitions, &c., all tending materially to the efficiency of the Corps.
7. I recommend to your Excellency's consideration the enrolment of old members to the Volunteer Reserve subiect to no diminuition being made in the present strength of efficient members, whose numbers are already too small.
8. The Corps has not appreciably increased in strength during the past year, and their muster at the Annnal Inspection parade was poor, but I have great faith in the loyal spirit of the British residents of Hongkong, and feel sure that if the Colony were to require their services they would rally to the Volunteers in great numbers.
9. I enclose the Commandant's report and desire to add that Major PEMBERTON's zeal in his work and long experience of Volunteers have tended largely to the efficiency of the Corps.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
W. BLACK,
Major-General.