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Scheme it is observed that arrangements are made for enrolling 212 Chinese coolics for general transport service, and 80 for relieving the Garrison Artillery of the heavy work of hoisting ammunition, &c. It is not clear that these numbers include draught for the field and machine guns of the Volunteers. Specific reference to the provision of men for this purpose should be made in the next revision of the Defence Scheme.
6. In paragraph 7 of their Memorandum, No. 82 M, the Colonial Defence Com- mittee pointed out that the competitive practice of the field artillery should be carried out entirely with the 7-pr. and not with the 64-pr. gun. From a statement contained in paragraph 10 of the Report now under consideration it appears that the above recommendation has been overlooked.
7. The Committee strongly endorse the opinions of the General Officer Com- manding and of the Commandant, that the Hong Kong Volunteer Corps should be rearmed with a carbine, using the same ammunition as the weapons in the hands of the Imperial troops at Hong Kong. They recommend that this point should be brought specially to the notice of the Governor with a view to the necessary financial provision being made at the earliest possible date.
8. The Committee also strongly endorse the opinions of the General Officer Com- manding and of the Commandant as to the value of annual camps of instruction for Volunteers. In all Colonies where these are regularly held marked increase in the efficiency of indviduals and in the popularity of corps invariably result.
9. The Committee desire to express their satisfaction at the progress that has been made in late years in increasing the value of the Volunteers as an integral part of the Defence Force of the Colony, and their hope that this progress will be steadily maintained, and also that it will be found possible considerably to increase the strength of the corps.
November 15, 1898.
(Signed)
M. NATHAN, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
approved by Soft for War 18/1/199,
in
085 3492
APPENDIX I.
Sir,
From the General Officer Commanding in China and Hong Kong to his Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, Hong Kong.
Head-quarter Office, Hong Kong, April 30, 1898.
I HAVE the honour to enclose the Commandant's Report of the training of the Hong Kong Volunteer Corps for the season 1897–98.
2. I made the annual inspection of the corps on the 14th instant, when the men turned out well, and looked healthy and fit for work; with one exception they performed their drill on the uneven parade ground in a satisfactory manner.
3. The 7-pr. guns, Maxims, arms, and equipment appear to be in a serviceable condition but I understand from the Commandant's Report that the carbines are old and worn out. have already communicated with the Colonial Government on this subject, and recommended that the corps be rearmed with either the 303 Lee-Metford carbine or the Martini-Enfield carbine.
4. I observe with great pleasure that gun practice with the field battery and Maxim guns has taken place far more frequently than in any former drill season; that the members of both units take great interest in these practices, and are shooting better, which is, after all, the main object of Volunteer training.
5. The annual camp of instruction at Stonecutters' Island was again well attended in October, and the Commandant's Report shows that the practical duties of outpost, reconnoitring, field- firing, &c., practised there have borne good results, in addition to which the nine days' outing is greatly appreciated by all ranks, and doubtless helps recruiting, and engenders a soldierly spirit.
6. Several men were absent from the general inspection parade.
7. I recognize the zeal and energy of Major Sir John Carrington, and' am glad to find that he is so well supported by the officers and non-commissioned officers under his command in all that concerns the welfare of the corps; in fact, the smallness of numbers is the main fault that can be urged against the Hong Kong Volunteers-a shortcoming which, I trust, all ranks will do their best to remedy.
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I have, &c. (Signed)
W. BLACK, Major-General.
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