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precludes my taking any action in the matter, and to submit the following remarks for the information of H.E. the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief.
The Garrison Parade Ground, Hong Kong, is so close to the town that the firing of Artillery there may reasonably be complained of by inhabitants as an inconvenience, but as there are objections to the only two other localities which could be suggested, viz: Kowloon, and the Happy Valley; for the former, on account of the expense for carriage of the men and guns backwards and forwards across the harbor, and to the latter, on account of the distance which the men have to drag the guns and the unhealthy climate.
The Happy Valley would have the disadvantage of the Parade Ground alluded to by the Colonial Secretary in being also close to the road used by inhabitants of Victoria for their afternoon drive.
On account of the inconvenient situation of the Parade Ground above referred to, it has been the custom to limit, as much as compatible with the efficiency of the Service, the firing of blank ammunition.