Page 53
2
Imperial War Establishment, would consist altogether of 6 officers and 72 N.C.Os. and men, where wheel transport is used, as apparently is contemplated in this case. Here also coolie draught should be arranged for, and the strength of the corps raised if possible to the numbers stated above.
6. The Commandant proposes that for the present Schedules laying down the number of drills requisite for efficiency, a Schedule based as far as practi- cable on Appendix IV, p. 270, of the Home "Regulations for the Volunteer Forces, 1895," should be substituted. The difference is not very considerable, and it is in accordance with the general principle recommended by the Colonial Defence Committee to assimilate Colonial, as much as the local circumstances permit, with Imperial conditions of service.
7. It appears from the Commandant's Report that the Field Battery drill with the 64-pr. R.M.L. as well as with the 7-pr. gun. To this there is no objec- tion, provided always that the 64-pr. drill is in addition to the regulation number of drills with the guns the battery will man in war. The competitive practice should, however, be carried out entirely with the 7-pr., and not, as now appears to be the case, with the 64-pr.
8. The Colonial Defence Committee concur in the proposal of the Commandant to create a Volunteer Reserve, subject to the condition laid down by the General Officer Commanding, that no diminution be made in the present strength of efficient members of the Active Force.
(Signed) M. NATHAN, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
083
November 10, 1896. Approved
the S.S.W. on
27.11.76 in
APPENDIX I.
3455
From the General Officer Commanding in China and Hong Kong to his Excellency the
Governor of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong, April 28, 1896.
Sir,
I HAVE the honour to acquaint your Excellency that I personally made the annual inspection of the Hong Kong Field Battery and Maxim Gun Volunteer Corps for 1896 on the 9th instant, and have to report:-
1. The turn-out of the men was satisfactory, their 7-pr. guns, Maxims, arms, and equipment are well kept up, and appear to be in serviceable condition.
2. The officers and men know their drill sufficiently well for practical purposes, and from personal observation at tactical exercises and field firing I know that the field battery shoots well, and believe that the Maxim Gun Corps usually makes good practice.
3. The adoption of khaki clothing and brown belts gives a serviceable appearance to the
corps.
4. That the members prefer drawing the guns instead of employing coolie draught shows a good spirit, but I consider it would be wise to accustom Chinamen to drag and carry the guns over the rugged hill-sides, and I approve of the Commandant's intention to use coolie draught more frequently in future in operations at a distance from head-quarters.
5. I think perhaps the number of drills for efficient volunteers might be somewhat reduced, in accordance with the Home Volunteer Regulations, but on this point I shall address your Excellency later on.
6. Major Pemberton speaks highly of the assistance rendered him by the officers, their efforts at recruiting members, and the great interest they have taken in the drills, competitions, &c., all tending materially to the efficiency of the corps.
7. I recommend to your Excellency's consideration the enrolment of old members to the Volunteer Reserve, subject to no diminution being made in the present strength of efficient members, whose numbers are already too small.
8. The corps has not appreciably increased in strength during the past year, and their muster at the annual inspection parade was poor, but I have great faith in the loyal spirit of the British residents of Hong Kong, and feel sure that if the Colony were to require their services they would rally to the volunteers in great numbers.
9. I enclose the Commandant's Report, and desire to add that Major Pember- ton's zeal in his work, and long experience of volunteers, have tended largely to the efficiency of the corps.
I have, &c. (Signed)
W. BLACK, Major-General.
Page 53
Page 53
Page 53
Page 53