490
CAMP OF INSTRUCTION.
24. The Annual Camp was held under canvas at Stonecutters' Island from October 23rd to November 2nd, 1903.
The attendance was better than in the previous year, in spite of the fact that a typhoon kept men away for nearly 2 full days out of the 10.
Stonecutters' West Battery was manned at night by the Artillery Units, and the Engineer Company manned the Search Lights.
The usual Company, carbine and rifle drills, were carried out, and the Artillery Units devoted the greater part of the time to 15-Pr. B. L. and Maxim Gun Drill
in which a keen interest was taken.
Practice was carried out with the Maxim Guns on the Range with good results, also Class-firing by a number of men, but time did not permit of the whole Corps completing the course.
The Engineer Company in addition to Musketry and Infantry drills, carried out daily drills with the engines and search lights under the supervision of Royal Engineer Instructors.
Two accidents occurred during the period in Camp which were attended to by Lieutenant SWAN, the Medical Officer, and in both cases valuable first aid was given by the members of the Ambulance Class in Camp. Next year it is proposed to arrange for one of the Medical Officers to remain in Camp during the whole period.
25. The Officer Commanding Royal Artillery inspected the Artillery Units on October 31st. Drill was carried out with the 15-Pr. B. L. and Maxim Guns. and the C. R. A. expressed himself pleased with the result.
26. The O. C. S. M., R. E., carried out an examination of the members of the Engineer Company on October 31st, and stated that their knowledge and progress was good.
27. The Officer Commanding the Troops inspected the Corps on parade on Sunday, November 1st, and also made an inspection of the Camp. He remarked on the steadiness of the men on parade and stated that he considered the Camp was better laid out and more soldierly than in previous years.
MISCELLANEOUS.
28. The Annual Inspection of the Corps by His Excellency the General Officer Commanding was held on March 26th, 1904. A parade state is attacted. (Enclosure No. 3.)
The absentees from the Inspection are as under :-
23 absent with leave out of the Colony.
16 absent with leave on special duties in the Colony,
10 absent on Medical Certificates.
11 absent without leave.
29. The competition for the Musketry Shield presented by Sir H. A. BLAKE, G. C. M. G, took place on May 2nd, 1903, at Tai Hang Rifle Range, and was again won by the Left Half, No. 1 Company, 11. K. V. A.
30. The competition for the Shield presented by Sir W. J. GASCOIGNE, K. C. M. G., for Maxim Gun practice took place on January 23rd, 1904, and was won by the Right Half No. 2 Company, H, K. V. A.
31. The Corps took part in the King's Birthday parade in conjunction with the remainder of the Garrison at the Happy Valley on November 9th, 1903.