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In the case of the 13 non-efficients of the "A" Machine Gun Company, I is absent from the Colony on leave, 7 are absent from the Colony without leave, 2 are recruits who have not had sufficient time since joining to complete their drills, 1 is on medical certificate, and the remaining 2, although in the Colony, have not completed the requisite number of drills,

9. In October, 1897, a Camp of Instruction was held under canvas during a period of nine days. on Stonecutters' Island. The use of the Naval Range, of the 64-pounder Gun Battery, and of the Depression Range Finding Instruments on the Island was kindly lent by the Naval and Military Authorities. The Camp was well attended and may be described as successful in every way. To its success I attribute in great measure the activity in recruiting which prevailed during the latter part of the season. I desire to record my deliberate opinion that the holding of the Annual Camp of Instruction is an important factor in the well-being of the Corps, from the point of view of its popu- larity as well as of its efficiency.

10. A perusal of enclosures 3 and 4 will show that gun practice has taken place more frequently in the past season than in previous years, and there is no doubt that the members of the two units have in consequence become more efficient in this important branch of their training.

In the various competitions a keen spirit of rivalry has been shown by the several detachments engaged, and the shooting has been for the most part good.

In the 64-pounder Gun Competition which was held at Stonecutters' Island on the 22nd January, 1898. No. 1 detachment, commanded by Sergeant G. C. HAYWARD, again secured the first place.

Competitions have also taken place at Repulse Bay for prizes given by the Honourable J. J. BELLIRVING, Mr. T. JACKSON, and the Commandant. In the case of the "A" Machine Gun Company the competition was held by detachments on the 12th March, 1898, and resulted in the victory of No. 4 Detachment, commanded by Sergeant E. C. SHEPHERD, The Field Battery held their competi- tion by sections on the 16th instant, when No. 1 section, commanded by Lieutenant W. MACHELL, were the winners.

A report of the 64-pounder Gun Competition was forwarded to His Excellency the General Officer Commanding on the 31st January, 1898; a brief report on all the gun practices during the season was forwarded on the 15th instant; and that of the 7-pounder and Maxim Gun competitions will be forwarded in a few days.

11. A successful Carbine competition in connexion with the Corps was held on the 19th and 26th March, 1898, when a number of prizes were competed for. The members of the Corps are very grateful to the many kind donors of prizes.

12. Revolver practice by the Officers and Staff Sergeants has been continued during the season, and good shooting has generally been made.

13. There have been no operations at a distance from Head Quarters for which it was necessary to employ coolie draught.

SERVICES.

14. Captain L. A. C. GORDON, Royal Artillery, the Adjutant of the Corps, continues to show great interest in the performance of his duties, and in particular the arrangements which he has made and carried out for the several competitions have been satisfactory to all ranks.

During his temporary absence on leave in Japan in 1897, his duties were efficiently performed by Captain A. CHAPMAN.

15. The other officers of the Corps also continue to render excellent service. By their devotion to duty they set an admirable example to the non-commissioned officers and inen under their com- mand, and they avail themselves of every opportunity to promote the efficiency of the Corps. The best relations exist between them and the subordinate ranks.

16. Corps Quarter-Master Sergeant G. W. WATLING has rendered very efficient service in connexion with the Camp of Instruction and the several competitions, and in the performance of his duties generally.

17. There have been several changes among the Instructors of the Corps, but I am glad to say that the new as well as the old Instructors have proved themselves painstaking and efficient and have discharged their duties to my entire satisfaction.

18. The non-commissioned officers and men of the Corps have, with few exceptions, attended drills regularly and shown a praiseworthy desire to make themselves smart and efficient. Their conduct and good feeling in Camp and on all other occasions has been exceedingly good. I am especially glad to be able to say that talking in the ranks on parade is much less frequent than it used to be, and I am in hopes that this unsoldierlike practice will soon disappear altogether.

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