Sir,
ENCLOSURE.
C.O.
10018
RECO
REG 18 JUL 99
11
Hongkong, 1st June, 1899.
?
With reference to the previous correspondence relative to the replacing of the 7 pounder Field Guns at present in possession of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps by a more modern gun, I shall be very greatly obliged if I may be informed what action the Colonial Government has taken in the matter.
It will be remembered that the six 7 Pounder guns in question were presented by the Imperial Government to the Colonial Government in 1885, at the same time that they presented 150 M.H. Carbines.
It seems to me that at this opportune moment the Imperial Government might be approached with a view to them replacing the now old and worn out 7 pounder Guns by a gift of six of the newest approved Quick Firing Guns,
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when it is brought to their notice that the Colonial Government has already purchased 200 .303 Carbines and is paying for the reconstruction of 12 Machine Guns from 45" to .303" Calibre, and further when it is pointed out that the great extension of the Colony in taking over the Kowloon Extension makes it most necessary that the guns of the Defence should be of the newest and best pattern.
THE HONOURABLE
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
I have etc,
(Sd.) R.B. Mainwaring, Colonel,
Commanding Hongkong Volunteer Corps
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