333
183
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A company of infantry has been detailed for each, and they will be supported by two batteries of mountain artillery, but this part of the subject will be treated presently.
*
The positions, which should be prepared beforehand, are shown on the map. The Committee does not recommend the construction of permanent barracks at these points, because, if accommoda- tion is required, mat-huts can easily be erected.
Appendix No. 4.
HONG KONG.
Four signal stations have been selected, from each of which an excellent view can be obtained. Signal stations. They are:-
Victoria Peak.
Mount Kellet. Stanley Gap,
Mount Parker.
4. The Force of 200 Cavalry.
From estimates furnished to the Committee by Captain Deane, it appears that the cost of this Cavalry. force would be about 28,000%., of which 16,000l. would be for barracks.
The country is not suited for cavalry, and the climate is unfavourable to imported horses, therefore it is not likely that a squadron stationed in Hong Kong would ever become very efficient. Moreover, the expense is considerable.
It is therefore proposed to limit the number to 100 sowars mounted on Chinese ponies. Of these ponies, one-third should be trained as pack animals for the transport of the guns belonging to two batteries of mounted artillery. The ammunition, stores, &c., could be carried by Chinese coolies in time of war, and it is considered that these mountain-guns would afford valuable assistance to the four infantry posts on the heights.
From the remainder of the force more than fifty sowars would be available as patrols and orderlies; if signal stations are established this number would be ample.
It would be necessary to drain the race-course in order to furnish a drill field for the mounted
troops.
Instead of the 100 cavalry dispensed with under the above arrangement, it would be desirable to increase the force of
gun lascars.
The Committee consider this matter is of great importance, because unless some measures of this sort are adopted it will be impossible to find adequate detachments for the guns.
The armament as recommended by the Committee will require 544 gunners, and only 388 are available even when a second battery of garrison artillery is included.
If two additional companies of gun lascars were raised, the total would reach 562, which would be sufficient for all purposes.
The new companies should be Sikhs or Mahommedans from the north-west provinces of India. A company of Sikhs was raised in Hong Kong in June last without any difficulty or expense, and the results have been most satisfactory; the gun lascars and cavalry might be conveniently placed under one command and officered from the Royal Artillery.
The cost of the above would be as follows:-
100 ponies, at 39 dollars, with freight from Shanghae, and incidental expenses Stables and barracks
Draining a drill-field
Saddlery and clothing not estimated; passages of recruits if required One battery 7-pounder guns (one battery is at the station)
Total
..
:
£
1,112
8,000
1,000
500
500
11,112
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Pay--
Officers
Non-commissioned officers and 90 sowars
Two companies of
lascars gun
Forage-
100 ponies
Annual Cost.
•
Total annual cost
5. Disposition of the Troops.
:::
:::
:
:::
£ 1,300 2,700
3,035
1,623
8,658
There are supposed to be available (including two companies of gun lascars which actually exist):
Two batteries Royal Artillery, two companies gun lascars Infantry
Royal Engineers
Cavalry
..
386 1,860
60. 200
2,506
The Committee propose to reduce the cavalry by 100 and to add two companies of gun lascars (176), making a total of 2,582.
If these two companies are not raised the number of artillery remains 386, and the number required for the armament is 544, therefore 158 infantry must be taken for the gun detachments.
The number of infantry will thus be reduced, in round numbers, to 1,700 men. Of these, 650 will be necessary to furnish guards and garrison duties in Victoria and the remaining 1,050 will be disposed of as follows:-
[1108]
* Not printed.
4 Q
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