guns 7-pdr and limbers complete and 150 Martini Henry Carbines.
A demand I believe was made for this equipment by the Colonial Government in October 1882, but as yet no answer has been received on the subject and the Volunteers now drill with 33 Snider Carbines borrowed from Ordnance Department and 4 old pattern 7-pdrs lent by the Royal Artillery, the heavy gun being carried out in the Murray Battery.
As Your Excellency is aware Volunteers or soldiers are difficult to keep together unless afforded every encouragement from the Government under which they serve; and as these guns would be of great use in the defence of the Colony against boats and troops and are in every way adapted for hilly country, would also be utilised for carrying out the Annual Practice.
I trust an early reply may be received sanctioning the supply of the above-named equipment and demanded in October 1882.
I have etc.,
(Signed) G. A. Crawford
Lt. Colonel R.A. and Commandant
Hong Kong Volunteers.