CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12] — Page 404

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Enclosure No. 1 to Confidential Despatch of it, JAN 07)

35th, November, 1903.

The General Officer Commanding in China and Hongkong.

The Honourable

The Colonial Secretary,

(In the absence of H. 8. the Governor, Sir H. A. Blake, 3.0.4.3, )

Hongkong, 27th. May, 1907.

Sir,

I have the honour to forward the attached corres- pondence for your opinion,

this:-

1.

The proposals therein containal virtually amount to

That the dongkong Volunteers consist of Garrison Artillery; and one Engineer Company. No Infantry.

3.-

That the Artillery portion should be trainol in certain of the Ports of the Island unter the general direction of the 0. R. A.

3. And that similarly the Engineer portion should be trainel in the management of certain of the Lights etc., under the general firaction of the 3. 2. 3.

That both of the above units should on reaching a given standard of efficiency receive an annual bonus. (amount to be settled subsequently),

Sorps

With reference to the above, there is no doubt but that the Jorps woull unler these circumstances be of vastly more practical utility than it is at present.

But other questions are involved. If a money bonus

is given, they contract to give a certain amount of work in return. They therefore lose a certain portion of their purely volunteer character; and it woull become a question whether they should not be held to serve for a certain tern, as the right of resignation at will under these circumstances might be objectionable.

Thathar these conditions woull be acceptable general-

-ly

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