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garrison artillery in the defence of the Colony, the men should be drilled with as many of the different guns as possible.
With regard to paragraph 8, if the proposed change takes place, I would strongly recom- mend, for the favourable consideration of his Excellency the G.O.C., that the Government be asked to allow an annual bonus to those members of the corps who prove themselves efficient it would be of great assistance in attracting men to join, and would also help the Staff to keep the men up to the proper standard by enabling them to reduce any man's bonus who was below the standard of the remainder.
I cannot, of course, make any statement as to the number of men who would be available if required; but I am of opinion that, if these conditions were carried out and notified to the corps, a large percentage would come forward. According to the number available, I should suggest dividing them up into not more than two, or, if necessary, three, companies, in addition to the engineers, and by this means the discipline and efficiency of the corps should become far better than under the present conditions with 6 units.
I should be glad if steps could be taken in this matter at an early date, so that we should be enabled to, if possible, make the necessary alterations before the next camp and drill season ; otherwise, if the change is made next year, the next camp, &c., would be practically wasted.
I have kept back the new regulatious of the corps, which it was intended to publish, until this matter is decided.
I have, &c. (Signed)
C. G. PRITCHARD, Major,
Commandant, H.K.V.C.
Sir,
(No. 6.)
Commandant, Hong Kong Volunteer Corps, to Chief Staff Officer.
"
Volunteer Headquarters, Hong Kong, May 23, 1902. I BEG to forward herewith correspondence relating to E" Company, Hong Kong Volun- teer Corps, which was handed over to me by his Excellency the G.O.C.
1. Waste in "E" Company.
1. The waste in "E" Company has not been in excess of that in other units of the corps. The falling off in recruiting during the past year was due chiefly to the cessation of hostilities in North China, but I hope this year that the numbers may be again increased, and one great inducement would be the new headquarters, as mentioned by Major Baker Brown, R.E.; they have been in the Estimates for some years, and are badly wanted in many ways; the discipline of the corps can never be up to the proper standard until separate messes and a canteen are provided for officers, N.C.O's. and men, as allowed for in the plans of the new building. I should be very glad if the Public Works Department could see their way to soon put this work in hand.
2. Number of Drills required for Efficiency.
With regard to the number of drills, I should be glad if Major Baker Brown's suggestion could be carried out--namely, that the number of drills for efficiency for "E" Company should be altered to-
Recruits
Trained men...
Technical Drills.
Company Drills, &c.
Total.
16
8
24
10
An Order in Council of the Local Government would be required to make this alteration.
3. Numbers.
The strength of "E" Company at the present time is officers and 18 N.C.O's. and men; but of this number 1 officer has left the Colony and is not likely to return and 7 men are also away, but should all be returning.
In the attached correspondence it is suggested that the numbers be increased to 4 officers and 56 N.C.O's. and men; but as the conditions stand at present, I do not think it is probable that this number will come forward, and in my opinion it would not be advisable to alter the establishment until the full number, already allowed for are enlisted-namely, 2 officers and 38 N.C.O's. and men.
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