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5. On the whole the Colonial Defence Committee consider the Report now before them as satisfactory, and they anticipate a considerable improvement in the efficiency of the corps as a result of its employment on field service during the present year in connection with the occupation of the leased territory. They trust that full advantage will be taken of the impetus so given to the volunteer movement in Hong Kong, and that permanent benefit will be derived by the corps from the enlarged experience acquired.
J. E. CLAUSON, Acting Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
October 28, 1899.
(Signed)
Approved by Loft for me, 19/1199,
in 9836
3630
APPENDIX.
Sir,
The General Officer Commanding in China and Hong Kong to his Excellency the Governor,
Hong Kong.
Head-quarter Office, Hong Kong, May 3, 1899.
I HAVE the honour to inclose the Commandant's Report of the training of the Hong Kong Volunteer Corps for the season of 1898–99.
I made the annual inspection of the corps on the 29th March. There were very few absentees, the men turned out well, their arms and equipment clean, their drill good. I was therefore pleased with the inspection. But previous to the inspection I had given several opportunities to the corps to turn out at their own hour, to act in conjunction with the regular troops, and I confess that I was disappointed at finding that comparatively small numbers availed themselves of the opportunity presented to them.
I think that perhaps there had sprung up a feeling that the services of the Hong Kong Volunteers were not as highly appreciated as I, at any rate, do rate and appreciate the importance of their services in this Colony.
Seeing this I took the opportunity of placing Colonel Mainwaring, Commanding 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, in temporary Command, in place of Major Sir John Carrington, who had gone on leave.
The result of the energy displayed by this officer is already most apparent, and I look forward to increased efficiency and strength during this forthcoming year. It will be my duty as it is my pleasure to encourage this to the utmost of my ability.
I would call special attention to my previous letters respecting the advisability of hastening the issue of the already approved small arms, and also that the Maxims and 7-pounder guns shall be replaced by more modern weapons.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
W. J. GASCOIGNE Major-General.
Minute by the Governor.
May 6, 1899.
I am glad to find so favourable a report and I fully appreciate the interest taken in the force by your Excellency and the energy shown by Colonel Mainwaring.
*
*
*
His Excellency Major-General Gascoigne, C.M.G.,
&c.
&c.
&c.
*
(Signed)
*
H. A. BLAKE, Governor.
Enclosure.
Sir,
Report of Acting Commandant.
Volunteer Head-quarters, Victoria, April 17, 1899.
I HAVE the honour to forward herewith the documents relating to the training of the Hong Kong Volunteer Corps for the season of 1898-99 for the information of his
* 1. Nominal roll of efficients, field battery.
2. Nominal roll of efficients, "A" Machine-gun Company.
3. Report on gun practice, field battery.
4. Report on gun practice, "A" Machine-gun Company.
5. Return of revolver practice of officers and staff sergeants.
6. Copy of inspection state.
7. State of corps, April 16, 1999 (not printed).
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