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Enclosure.
From the Acting Commandant, Hong Kong Volunteers, to the Deputy Assistant Adjutant- General (A) and Chief Staff Officer, China.
Sir,
Volunteer Head-quarters, Hong Kong, April 20, 1896. I have the honour to forward documents* connected with the training of the Hong Kong Volunteer Corps for the season 1895-96, for the information of his Excellency the Major-General Commanding, and favour of transmission with his remarks to his Excellency the Governor.
2. In October last a camp of instruction was held for ten days at Stonecutter's Island, which was very well attended; outpost duties, guards, reconnoitring, in addition to the ordinary drills, were practised. It was also hoped that the naval range could have been lent for the period of duration of the camp. It being, however, under reconstruction, no use could be made of it. I hope, however, that the corps will be able to take advantage of it next autumn, when I propose to apply for a camp under canvas at the same spot, provided that a large portion of the members of the corps will undertake to attend it.
3. I have not had occasion to employ coolie draught to any great extent during the season. The members preferred drawing the guns themselves as a rule. I propose, however, in future to employ coolie draught whenever the corps is engaged in opera- tions at a distance from head-quarters.
4. The officers have assisted me greatly by their regular attendance at drills, their efforts to recruit members, and by the example they have set. I feel strongly that increased efficiency of the corps, and the greater interest taken on the drills, compe- titions, &c., is due to their efforts.
5. Alterations have this year been made by the Adjutant (Captain L. A. C. Gordon, R.A.) in the 64-pr. competition of the field battery, it now being done by detachments, and not by individual competition, as heretofore. It proved a success, caused much better competition and better firing. Captain Gordon has also started an annual gun layer's competition, which produced a keen contest.
6. The corps loses temporarily the services of Lieutenant H. E. Denson, who has been recently seconded for two years. Lieutenant Denson, who is a very capable officer, has served in the corps since the 20th December, 1882; during a considerable portion of his service he performed the duties of Quartermaster very efficiently.
7. The non-commissioned officers are most zealous and hard working; they have shown a good example to the men by regular attendance and by the interest they take in their work.
8. With regard to the men, I notice that there is an increase of thirteen in the general total of the corps; this, taking into consideration the fact that there have been twenty-four resignations accepted during the past year, twelve of whom have left the Colony, shows that thirty-seven new members have been enrolled, thus showing that volunteering in Hong Kong is not on the wane. Although it will be seen that there are five less efficients in the Maxim Gun Company this year, the general total of efficients in the corps shows an increase over last year's total of three. Twelve recruits have joined since the 1st April. The corps has never been up to the present strength before.
9. Khaki drill and putties have been substituted in the field battery for summer wear in lieu of white clothing. All work in the field has been carried out in khaki ; the change in uniform has met with general approval.
10. Revolver practice has taken place this year for the first time (Report attached*). The officers and staff sergeants of the corps fired. In future I hope this practice will be carried out annually.
11. I would state that I consider the number of drills as laid down in the Schedules (A)* and (B)* to be somewhat excessive for an efficient volunteer, and would strongly recommend for very favourable consideration that the Schedule based as far as practicable on Appendix IV, p. 270, Home Volunteer Regulations, 1895, be substi- tuted. I would point out that some of the members have been efficient for some years; at present they have no advantage over a member who has only been in the corps one year in respect of attendance at drills.
12. I would also suggest that sanction be given to enrol on the Volunteer Reserve of the Colony (referred to in paragraph 19, Regulations of the corps,† a copy of which is attached for reference) ex-members who, through press of business, have quitted the corps from time to time, and that they be permitted to retain the rank they held on leaving the corps, and also to enrol any other desirable person who cannot afford the time to become an active volunteer, but who would be desirous of serving in case of actual necessity.
13. The corps under my command being armed with the Martini-Henry carbine, I
* Not printed.
Not printed here, See "Government Gazette" of May 6, 1893, p. 332, vol. xxxix.
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