457
sections of members belonging to the same firms or departments did not, I regret, prove practicable, Volunteers preferring to serve in detachments with their own friends rather than with the men associated with them in business. I am doing what I can by taking interest in the Corps of which I am the Honorary Colonel to increase its numbers and efficiency. The strength, as you are aware, had fallen considerably, mainly owing to the unfortunate decision to employ the Artillery Volunteers with the heavy guns of the fortress, a decision since revoked at the instance of the Colonial Defence Committee. The number of all ranks, which on the 31st August last had dropped to 218, is now 247 and it will, I trust, gradually increase.
4.
The Hongkong Volunteer Troop, raised for the purposes detailed in my letter to the General Officer Commanding, now consists of 25 gentlemen, under the command of the Honourable Mr. W. J. Gresson, M.L.C. (of the firm of Jardine Matheson and Company), who furnish their own mounts but will be supplied with an equipment and trained on the lines of a mounted infantry company. The parades of the Troop hitherto held have been attended by nearly every member and I have little doubt that in time it will furnish well-trained scouts and orderlies.
5.
The Hongkong Volunteer Reserve Association now consists of 76 members and is of the nature of a Rifle Club. All members joining must have attained the age of 35, as it was considered that the admission of any person below this age might adversely affect recruiting for the Volunteer Corps. Each member has to give an undertaking not to quit the Association within one year of joining and to enrol himself in