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The large ships running to Singapore carry
one Russian Sergeant in addition to the British Sergeant but the Coastal steamers have a Russian Sergeant in charge (8 ships)
and no British Sergeant. These services
have been working satisfactorily and without
interruption since they were inaugurated, so
much so that by arrangement with Messrs. Butterfield & Swire two complete Relief crews are now being supplied to relieve all Guards employed by the China Navigation Co., Ltd.,
from time to time.
Guards on these steamers are working full
time on guard duty unlike those on the
Canadian Pacific steamers who are required
for 2 round trips to Shanghai and back per
mensem only.
The Relief crews will consist of 12
Northern Chinese and two Russians.
When
supplied it should be possible to relieve
each individual Guard once in 3 months, for
the purpose of leave, drill, musketry
courses and further instruction. The new
recruits have arrived from Weihaiwei and
commence their relief duties early in
November. The China Navigation Co., Ltd.,
will then be employing:-
4 British Sergeants.
14 Russian Sergeants.
84 Northern Chinese, i.e.
14 Corporals.
70 Rank and file.
The
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