425
DISCIPLINE, TRAINING, &c.
5. The discipline of the Corps has been exceptionally good throughout the season.
6. The usual Squad, Carbine, Company, Gun drills and practices have been well attende‹l. Musketry drills have been performed but no Musketry practices, as by Home Volunteer Regulations these are not now required to enable Artillery Volunteers to become efficient although every effort has been made, and with good success, with the several carbine competitions held by each unit during the season.
Under the head of Drills the figures for the two existing units are as follows:-
Field Battery-
68 have become Efficient with more than 40 drills.
25 have become Efficient with less than 40 drills. 24 are Non-Efficients.
117
"A" Machine Gun Company-
26 have become Efficient with more than 40 drills.
17 have become Efficient with less than 40 drills.
15 are Non-Efficients.
58
Of the 24 non-efficients of the Field Battery 14 are absent from the Colony without leave, 2 are on Medical Certificate, and the remaining 8 although in the Colony have not completed the requisite number of drills and will be called upon to show cause of non-efficiency.
In the case of the 15 non-efficients of the "A" Machine Gun Company, 5 are absent from the Colony on leave, 5 are absent from the Colony without leave, 1 is a recruit who has not had sufficient time since joining to complete his drills, 1 is on medical certificate, and the remaining 3 although in the Colony have not completed the requisite number of drills, and will be called upon to show cause of non-efficiency.
7. From the 22nd to the 31st October, 1898, a Camp of Instruction was held under canvas on Stonecutters' Island. The use of the Naval Range was kindly lent by the Naval Authorities. The Camp was well attended and much appreciated by all. The Camp year by year seems more popular and to it much of the efficiency of the Corps in attributed.
8. Gun practices have taken place as shewn in Enclosures Nos. 3 and 4.
No practice was held this past season with the 64-pounder R.M.L. Guns, as orders were given that they were to be dismantled.
The 7-pounder R.M.L. and Machine Gun Competitions were held at Repulse Bay on the 10th February last, and the shooting was good and a great inprovement on past years. A report of which competition was forwarded to His Excellency the General Officer Commanding under this Office No. 7 of 24th February, 1899.
9. The annual Carbine Competition in connection with the Corps was held on the 15th instant, and will be continued on the 22nd instant. A large number of valuable prizes have again been presented for which all Ranks are grateful.
10. Revolver practice by the Officers and Staff Sergeants has been held, report as Enclosure No. 5, 11. Coolie draught was tried once during the past season in conveying guns, targets, etc., to Repulse Bay on 10th February last, but much time was lost and it cost more than conveyance by
water.
SERVICES.
12. Captain W. ST. C. BLAND, Royal Artillery, who took over the Adjutancy of the Corps on 11th instant, has entered into his duties with zeal and enthusiasm, and promises to be as popular with all Ranks as Captain GORDON, Royal Artillery, the late Adjutant.
13. Captain A. CHAPMAN, Field Battery, was one of the Committee appointed to enquire into the interior economy, etc., of the Corps, which report was approved by Government, and which dealt fully with, I think, every question appertaining to the Corps.