CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12] — Page 416

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7 men are also away but should all be returning.

In the attached, correspondence it is suggested that the numbers be increasel to 4 Officers and 58 Neg-Commissionej- Officers and fen, but as the conditions stand at present I do not think it is probable that this number will come forward and in my opinion it would not be advisable to alter the establishment until the full number already allowed for are enlisted, namely 3 Officers and 33 Non-Commissional Officers and Jen.

I am prepared to recommend Lieutenant Mitchell for promotion to Captain if Hip 3xoskleney the General Officer Commanding thinks it advisable in a Company only consisting at present of 18 men, he is in every way deserving of this recognition for all the good work be bas lone for his unit.

The Regulations at present only allow of a Liaube- nant for "3" Company but I should suggest that the promotion might be made if possible prior to new Regulations being published. I hope to shortly recommend another member of the unit for a Commission, but at present I do not see my way to get the allitional icers sug- gestel.

4. Arrangements for Techincal Instruction,

The suggestion that a drill she should be put up at the expense of the Colonial Government in or near Kowloon Test Battery, and fitted with dynamo, engine and projector at the lar Department Žxpense is an excellent one and in my opinion something of this sort must be lone if more men are required · if it were done quickly I think there would be avery possibility of obtaining more recruits and making the unit in every way more efficient and popular. The hours taken up for technical drills now are so long for Volunteers who have already done a hard day's work that naturally there are only a few men who are prepared to give up, their spare time in this way. It would be of great benefit to the forps if this work could be sanctioned and put in hand at once and so prevent furthe wastage which may occur in this useful Jompany if nothing is lon

I am sealing in a letter with regard to the question of changing the Fiell Battery, Maxia Companies Unit into Jarrison Artillery and in the C. R. A. 's letter therewith is a suggestion that each man should receive a bonus at the end of the year it efficient, I am strongly recommending this and if it is sanctioned

I should wish the same conditions to apply to "g" Company in consiler- ation of the value of their work in the defence of the Colony.

I have ato.,

(Sa.) C. 3. Pritobar1,

Major,

Commandant, Hongkong Volunteer Corps.

18.

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