I recommend that future camps should be held in the New Territories for a week or eight days and that endeavours should be made to get employers to allow men to be present continuously for at least three or four days of that time. If such a camp were run on lines which bore some resemblance to service conditions an economy could be effected and the training improved. All preliminary drills and instructions of gun layers etc., should be done in the fortnight preceding camp so as not to waste time while out.
It is a regrettable fact that the Corps cannot be recruited up to its establishment. An incentive would be given to the movement if the Government could see its way to bring pressure to bear on its employees to join the Corps.
From a general point of view there can be no doubt as to the value of encouraging all the able-bodied citizens to fit themselves to take a part in the defence of the Empire but as regards the actual addition to the fighting strength of the Colony it must be remembered that a large number of members of the Corps are in employments from which they could not be spared in War.
Hongkong, 23rd March, 1909.
R. G. BROADWOOD, Major General,
Commanding the Troops, South China.
REPORT ON THE HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORPS,
for the Year April 1st, 1908, to March 31st, 1909,
1. On April 1st, 1908, the total strength of the Corps was 295 and on March 31st, 1909, it was 284.
Table I shows the inspection state on 27th March, 1909.
2. During the past year 3 members died, 5 were struck off the strength (having left the Colony) and 76 resigned (1 on medical certificate, 34 on leaving the Colony and 41 in the Colony).
3. 73 new members have been enrolled.
Table II shows the strength of the Corps, total expenditure on the Corps and the cost per head for the years 1900 to 1908.
APPOINTMENTS, ETC., OF OFFICERS AND STAFF.
4. The changes amongst the Officers and Staff of the Corps have been as follows:-
STAFF.
Major A. Chapman, V.D., Commandant, promoted Lieut.-Colonel 15th April, 1908. Major D. Macdonald transferred to the command of the Artillery Companies 15th April, 1908.
Corps Sergeant-Major W. Higby granted 9 months leave of absence from 13th January, 1909.
1909.
Staff-Armourer G. W. Avenell appointed acting Corps Sergeant-Major 13th January,
No. 3 COMPANY H.K.V.A.
Company Sergeant-Major J. I. Andrew appointed 2nd Lieutenant 12th October, 1908.
No. 3 COMPANY H.K.V.A.
2nd Lieutenant G. Blood died 14th July, 1908.
Sergeant L. C. Rees appointed 2nd Lieutenant 2nd October, 1908.
ENGINEER COMPANY.
Mr. W. Russell appointed 2nd Lieutenant 2nd October, 1908.