Sessional_Paper_1899 — Page 426

HONGKONG.

REPORTS ON THE HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORPS,

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor.

HONGKONG VOLUNTEERS.

423

No. 25

09

From the General Officer Commanding in China and Hongkong To His Excellency the Governor, Hongkong.

HEAD QUARTER OFFICE, HONGKONG, 3rd May, 1899.

SIR,-I have the honour to enclose the Commandant's report of the training of the Hongkong Volunteer Corps for the season of 1898-99.

I made the Annual Inspection of the Corps on March 29th. There were very few absentees, the men turned out well, their arms and equipment clear, their drill good. I was therefore pleased with the Inspection. But previous to the Inspection I had given several opportunities to the Corps to turn out at their own hour, to act in conjunction with the Regular Troops, and I confess that I was dis- appointed at finding that comparatively small numbers availed themselves of the opportunity presented

to them.

I think that perhaps there had sprung up a feeling that the services of the Hongkong Volunteers were not as highly appreciated as. I, at any rate, do rate and appreciate the importance of their services in this Colony.

Seeing this I took the opportunity of placing Colonel MAINWARING, Commanding 2nd Royal Welch Fusiliers, in temporary Conimand, in place of Major Sir JOHN CARRINGTON, who had gone on leave.

The result of the energy displayed by this officer is already most apparent, and I look forward to increased efficiency and strength during this forthcoming year. it will be my duty as it is my pleasure to encourage this to the utmost of my ability.

I would call special attention to my previous letters respecting the advisability of hastening the issue of the already approved Small Arms, and also that the Maxims and 7-pounder guns shall be replaced by more modern weapons.

His Excellency

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your Excellency's obedient Servant,

W. J. GASCOIGNE,

Major-General.

Major-General GASCOIGNE, C.M.G.,

&c.,

'&c.

I am glad to find so favourable a report and I fully appreciate the interest taken in the force by Your Excellency and the energy shown by Colonel MAINWARING,

6th May, 1899.

*

*

*

H. A. BLAKE,

Governor.