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In the Officers' team competition they lost by one point to the Officers 119th Infantry, coming, however, well ahead of the other 6 teams.
In the Championship of the Colony, Sergeant LAPSLEY, H.K.V.E., was second to an Officer of the 119th Infantry.
In the Nursery Competition, Gunner COLES was second to a Lee.-Corporal of the Royal West Kent Regiment.
In the Noel Cup, out of 16 entries, a Volunteer team was second to a team from H.M.S. Andromeda and received special praise from H.E. the G.O.C. for their work.
And lastly in the Hatton Cup, the Volunteer team was only beaten by the two teams of the Royal West Kent Regiment, and came before the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers, the conditions for this cup were very hard for Volunteers who are mostly men from offices, the team consisted of two officers (Lieutenant HAYTON and 2nd Lieutenant REYNOLDS) and 30 N.C.O.s and men, and the competition included a five miles march in field service order followed by one hour's entrenching work and rifle practice at head and shoulder targets, half of the team also being marked for scouting and skirmishing work. Lieutenant HAYTON deserves especial credit for the way in which he trained the team, and I consider the result was highly satisfactory for an Artillery and Engineer Corps who have very little time for instruction in infantry duties.
26. The new Head Quarters were commenced in June, 1905, the orderly-room, stores, &c., being temporarily housed in a matshed, the contract for the completion of the building was made for April, 1906, but I now understand that it is not likely to be finished until September 30th, 1906.
27. In order to further improve the rifle shooting of all members of the Corps, and especially to instruct recruits and indifferent shots, I have strongly recommended that a grant be made to purchase the new invention known as the Sub-Target Rifle, this can be obtained at a cost of £50 and could be fitted up in the new Drill Hall. I understand that, with this instrument, recruits and others can be taught to shoot well without the cost of ammunition.
It will be a great attraction, and if ordered from home at once could be in use, when required, before next annual camp.
INSPECTION.
28. The Annual Inspection of the Corps was carried out during the absence of His Excellency the General Officer Commanding, by Colonel C. H. DARLING, C.R.E., on March 31st, 1906; he expressed himself well satisfied with the parade and congratulated the Corps on the excellent results obtained at the recent C.U.S.R.A. rifle meeting.
He also referred to the Maxim guns on parade, and mentioned that they required painting but stated that as the Corps had no gun shed at present he hoped that this would be done as soon as the Corps took over their new quarters.
SERVICES.
29. Major A. CHAPMAN commanded the Corps in the Summer months during my absence on leave and satisfactorily kept up the general keenness and efficiency.
Sergeant-Major W. HIGBY has continued to carry out his duties well and has become very popular with all ranks. Staff Armourer J. T. HAWKS was absent on leave at home during the Summer but returned before the Annual Camp. He carried out his duties satisfactorily, but unfortunately his health has failed and he has been invalided home.
April 30th, 1906.
I have, &c.,
C. G. PRITCHARD, Major, Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.