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50. Sergeant Major J. PowER came to the Corps with a very high reputation and he has entirely sustained it. He has shown great zeal and capacity in Camp, on the field, and in the Orderly Room. I consider that the Corps was most fortunate in securing his services in the important post of Sergeant Major.
51. The Instructors of the Corps have performed their responsible duties in an efficient manner and to the satisfaction of the Commandant and the Adjutant.
52. The Non-Commissioned Officers and men of the Corps have for the most part shown much interest in the performance of their duties and have endeavoured to make themselves proficient and efficient. The percentage of non-efficients is higher than one likes to see it, but it is only fair to recognize that there are many causes at work which conduce to this result. There is a great deal more steadiness on parade and attention at drills than there used to be a few years ago.
REGULATIONS.
53. A draft of new Regulations for the Corps was made and printed some months ago. The draft has been submitted to the Officers of the Corps and also to the Committee of the proposed Rifle Club, the majority of whose members expressed a willingness to form a Veteran Company of the Corps. The suggestions made by the Officers and the Committee have been for the most part embodied in the draft, which is now ready for submission to the Military Authorities and the Government. But it is held over for the present until some questions which have been raised with reference to the re-armament and re-organization of the Corps are settled.
54. When these questions are settled, it is hoped that the result will be that the Corps will be armed with more modern and powerful weapons than those which it now possesses, and further that it will become a still more valuable and efficient factor in the defence of the Colony.
MISCELLANEOUS.
55. The annual inspection of the Corps by His Excellency the General Officer Commanding was held on the 23rd ultimo. It will be seen from the parade state (Enclosure No. 10) that there was a considerably larger number of members present than at any previous inspection.
56. During the year the question of a New Headquarters was under consideration, and it was decided by a large majority of members that the new building and parade ground should be on a site in the Happy Valley. Plans have been settled and a vote has been taken for the purpose, but I regret say the work has not yet been begun. It is much to be hoped that so important an undertaking will be commenced without further delay.
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57. During the year His Excellency the Governor, who is Honorary Colonel of the Corps, gene- rously presented to the Corps a handsome silver and bronze Challenge Shield to be competed for by musketry by the several Units of the Corps. The first competition for it will take place at a Prize Meeting which it is proposed to hold by way of inaugurating the new Rifle Range when it is com- pleted. No effort will be spared to make up a good Prize List for the occasion, and I confidently trust that the friends of the Corps will assist us to this end.
58. The silver Challenge Shield which His Excellency the General Officer Commanding was kind enough to present some time ago to the Corps, to be competed for by the Machine Gun Companies, was won by "C" Company at a competition which took place on the 19th February, 1901-Chinese New Year's Day-at Repulse Bay. It was handed by His Excellency to the winners at the conclusion of the annual inspection.
59. In the early months of the present year an Ambulance Class was conducted by Surgeon Captain F. O. STEDMAN, M.D. The original number of the class was 27, of whom 24 were Volunteers, Of these, 12 presented themselves for the examination for the certificate of the St. John Ambulance Association, all of them being Volunteers. Of this number again, 10 were successful in the examina- tion. The examination was held by Major S. F. CLARKE, R.A.M.C.
60. Requisitions for the capitation and proficiency grants have been sent direct to the Honourable the Colonial Treasurer.
61. I have to request that the Chief Ordnance Officer, China, may be asked to keep up a supply of 2.5" R.M.L. Gun and .303" Cordite Small Arm Ammunition for the use of the Corps, to be indented for as required on re-payinent.
62. It will, I think, be seen that the record of the year shows distinct progress in the general well-being and efficiency of the Corps. It is a pleasing duty for me again to make acknowledgment of the liberal recognition and assistance which the Corps receives from the Government and the Legis- lature. Nor would it be right to omit an expression of our grateful thanks to His Excellency the General Officer Commanding, the Headquarter Staff, and the Military Authorities generally for the