CO129-412 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [7-8] — Page 349

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which owing to the inadequate number of private houses to be leased make it their permanent residence, in great difficulties. Nor did there seem to be necessity for so drastic a measure -

23.

The British and Chinese Community have shown a commendable public spirit in this crisis. Early in June I embarked on a personal campaign of canvassing for Volunteers and Volunteer Reserves. At the time the Volunteers numbered 299

and the Volunteer Reserves 134. As the result of personal appeals made to bodies of Englishmen at different centres I obtained 40 recruits for the Hongkong Volunteers and 47 for the Hongkong Volunteer Reserves.

Immediately war became imminent practically the entire British male community volunteered and the Hongkong Volunteers now number 393 and the Hongkong Volunteer Reserves 318. Owing to the impossibility of dealing with the enrolling, arming, equipping and training of more men, many candidates were refused admittance to either Corps. These have been utilised principally as Special Constables of whom have been sworn in to replace the 150 Indian Police who have been second- ed for Military Service. The shorter hours of duty Special Constables can work, compared with regular Police, renders larger numbers of the former necessary.

24.

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Some confusion and unnecessary loss of time to men who had volunteered for the Hongkong Volunteers and Hongkong Volunteer Reserves was caused by the rush for enrolment. This led to much jealousy owing to British subjects being detained for a couple of days from their work while German members of the Mercantile Community were free to take advantage of the temporary absence of many of their rivals. The aim of unpre- paredness, which I have made the subject of many a homily during the past two years, has thus been brought home to very many. But useful though the lesson may prove I regret that it has had such regrettable present consequences.

26.

Up to the time of writing the peace has not been

broken