239
37. The difficulties in the way of training Volunteers here as Garrison Artillery are very great, and considering these and the short time that has elapsed since the change, I consider the progress made has been very good, but unless some arrange- ments can be made for drill guns near the Headquarters the numbers can never be kept up to the approved strength nor the efficiency be as good as could be wished. At present any drill with heavy guns has to be done at one of the Forts in the District and for one hour's drill the men have to give up 2 to 3 hours to allow for proceeding to and fro. This practically limits these drills to Saturday afternoon, and accounts for many of the men resigning as they cannot possibly give up the time. I understand there is a proposal that drill guns should be mounted at Scandal Point for the use of the R.G.A. and the Volunteers, and when these are mounted I hope to get more members and a much higher state of efficiency in the Corps; in fact without these guns I consider that it will be practically impossible to keep the present number together.
38. The Engineer Company has increased in strength from 25 to 29. They have done good work during the year and the O.C.S.M.R.E. reports very favour- ably on their efficiency.
Early in the year a proposal was sent in that a shed should be put up in a central position at Kowloon, and that an engine, &c., and an electric search light in- stallation should be placed there for special instruction of the Volunteers to obviate the necessity of all the instruction being given at Belchers and Stonecutters. I understand that this is now approved and sanctioned, and I hope the work will be put in hand as soon as possible. This should much improve the efficiency of all members of the Engineer Company, and the shorter time to be devoted to technical drills should, I hope, attract more recruits to this very useful portion of the Corps.
39. Another difficulty the Corps have had to contend with was the introduc- tion of a new Provisional Infantry Drill which arrived early in August. The majority of the men, however, have now been instructed in this.
40. A Volunteer Rifle Meeting was held at the Kowloon Ranges on February 28th and March 14th of this year, a good percentage of the Corps attended and some good shooting was done.
41. An Ambulance Class has been conducted this year by Surgeon Captain F. O. STEDMAN, M.D. Nine members of the Corps presented themselves for examina- tion, which was held by Captain PARKER, R.A.M.C. The result has not yet been received.
SERVICES.
42. The Staff and the instructors have carried out their duties in a very satis- factory manner.
I would also wish to record my thanks to Major BAKER BROWN, O.C.S.M.R.E., to whom the efficiency of the Hongkong Volunteer Engineers is entirely due and who has given much time and trouble in assisting them.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
No. 1.
C. G. PRITCHARD, Major,
Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.
HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORPS.
STAFF.
Roll of Efficients.
Rank and Name,
Major Pritchard, C. G., Major Chapman, A.,.......... Captain Stedman, F. O., Lieutenant Swan, J. H., Sergteant-Major Power, J.,.
...P.
Commandant.
.P. 2nd in Command. ..P. Surgeon.
P.
Surgeon.
..P. Corps Sergt.-Major.
C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.
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