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11. On the 13th March last a competition, in which the two units of the Corps were independ- ently engaged, took place for prizes, offered, in the case of the Field Battery, by Captain J. J. FRANCIS and the Commandant, and, in the case of the "A" Machine Gun Company, by the Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD. The firing point was on an eminence near Wong-nei-Chong Gap, and the target, in the case of the Field Battery, was on the shore of Deep Water Bay, at a distance of about 1,700 yards, and, in the case of the "A" Machine Gun Company, in a ravine in the same direction, at a distance of about 1,100 yards.
The Field Battery fired by sections, using common and shrapnel shell, and the "A" Machine Gun Company by single guns. Some good practice was inade by both units. A report on this com- petition was forwarded to His Excellency the Major-General Commanding on the 15th March last.
12. The revolver practice by the Officers and Staff Sergeants, which was instituted during the last season, has been continued during the present season with satisfactory results.
13. The question of coolie draught for the guns is in the same position as at the time of the last annual report. In the case of an ordinary march out, which has taken place several times during the season, the members prefer to draw the guns themselves; in fact they display a strong repugnance to allowing this work to be done by coolies. During the season there have been no operations at a distance from head quarters for which coolie draught could be employed. It must be borne in mind with regard to this question that the finances of the Corps will not admit of coolies being regularly employed and trained for purposes of draught, and further that a sufficient number of coolies used to the drawing of loads can always be obtained when occasion requires. I am, however, informed that coolie draught for the guns has always proved slow and generally unsatisfactory.
SERVICES.
14. I have pleasure in bringing to the notice of His Excellency the Major-General Commanding the zealous and efficient services rendered during the season by Captain L. A. C. GORDON, Royal Artillery, the Adjutant of the Corps. Captain GORDON not only shows great interest in his duties but performs them in such a manner as to secure the liking of all ranks. In particular, the Corps is much indebted to him for the skill and pains with which he organized and superintended the carrying out of the several gun competitions held during the season.
15. The other Officers of the Corps have in every way set an excellent example to the non- commissioned officers and men serving under them. By their regular attendance at drills, their endeavours to procure recruits, and their devotion to duty generally they show their anxiety to promote the efficiency of the Corps. In short, I may say of them that a Commandant could not wish for better officers.
16. Corps Quarter-Master Sergeant WATLING and the Sergeant Instructors have been diligent and painstaking in the performance of their duties.
17. The non-commissioned officers and men of the Corps have for the most part attended drills regularly and shown a soldier-like desire to make themselves efficient.
REGULATIONS.
18. Soon after I was appointed Commandant I formed the opinion that the Regulations of the Corps stood in need of revision in several respects. On consideration, however, it appeared to be advisable that I should gain some experience of the working of the Corps before undertaking the re-drafting of them. Now that the training season has concluded, I propose to lose no time in framing and submitting for approval a draft set of Regulations. Amongst other matters which will be dealt with in the draft will be the strength of the two units of the Corps, the number of drills qualifying for "efficiency," and the formation and constitution of a Volunteer Reserve.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.
19. The annual inspection of the Corps by His Excellency the Major-General Commanding took place on the 8th instant.
20. A course of lectures on ambulance work, accompanied with stretcher drills, has recently been held by Surgeon-Lieutenant STEDMAN. Thirteen members joined the class.
21. I have to request that the Chief Ordnance Officer, China, may be asked to keep up 30,000 rounds of Martini-Henry Carbine ball ammunition and the usual quantities of 7-pounder and 64-pounder R.M.L. gun ammunition for the use of the Corps, to be indented for as required on repayment. I have recently addressed a letter to His Excellency the Governor urging the desirability of provision being made for supplying animunition for practice to the members of the Corps at a cheaper rate than that which now obtains, viz., $4 per 100 rounds.
22. A considerable proportion of the Martini-Henry Carbines belonging to the Corps are service- worn, and the question of replacing them with new and more efficient weapons will soon have to be considered,
23. Requisitions for Capitation Grant for Efficients during the past season have been sent direct to the Honourable the Colonial Treasurer.