Sessional_Paper_1900 — Page 458

452

SERVICES.

39. I have already given expression to the deep sense of obligation under which all ranks of the Corps lie to Colonel MAINWARING and Major MORRIS for their services while holding the temporary command. Those services were cheerfully and freely rendered at a momentous period in the history of the Corps, and there can be no doubt that it is in great measure owing to their ability, tacı, and un wearied interest that the Corps has been enabled to attain so satisfactory a position during the past

season.

40. Major ARTHUR CHAPMAN has, as was to be anticipated from his record as Officer Commanding He is devoted the Field Battery, proved himself to be au energetic and capable Second in Command. to the performance of his duties, and always uses his great influence with the non-commissioned Officers and men in the best interests of the Corps.

41. Captain W. St. C. BLAND, Royal Garrison Artillery, who was appointed to the Ajutancy just prior to the end of the Training Season 1898-99, has ever since rendered most efficient service in every department of his duties. By his skill and ability as an Officer, by his close and unremitting attention to duty, by the keen interest which he shows in the drill and instruction of the Corps and indeed in everything that relates to it, and by his tact in dealing with all ranks, he has shown himself to be a most efficient Adjutant and has won the entire respect and confidence of every member of the Corps.

42. The other Officers of the Corps continue to render excellent service. They set an admirable example in every way to the Non-commissionel Officers and men under their command, and do their utmost to promote the efficiency of the Corps. In these respects the officers who have been com- missioned during the past season are in no degree behind their brother officers of older standing.

43. Corps Quartermaster Sergeant G. W. WATLING was, on the recommendation of Major MORRIS. late Acting Commandant, and myself, promoted to be Corps Sergeant Major, with effect from the 1st February, 1900. This promotion was the fitting reward of long and meritorious service rendered to the Corps, and I feel sure that all ranks were gratified at its being made. During the past season Corps Sergeant Major WATLING's duties were as usual performed in a very zealous and efficient manner.

44. The Instructors of the Field Battery, "A" "B" and "C" Machine Gun, "D" Infantry, "E" Engineer Companies, and the Band have proved themselves very efficient and painstaking and have performed their duties to the satisfaction of the Commandant and Adjutant and to the advantage of those under their instruction.

45. The Non-commissioned Officers and men of the Corps have, with few exceptions, attended drills and parades and shown a praiseworthy desire to make themselves proficient and efficient. Their conduct and good feeling in Camp have been reported to me as remarkably good. I have been im- pressed since my return from leave with the steadiness and attention shown by them during drills and parades.

REGULATIONS.

46. The new Regulations for the Corps which were submitted on the 4th April, 1899, and approved of by the Governor-in-Council on the 25th May, 1899, have been acted on since they came into force. The system, however, of Instructors for the Corps requires reconsideration. At present there are six Instructors, one for Field Battery, two for Machine Gun Companies, one for Infantry Company, the Engineer Company is instructed as regards Electric Light by two Royal Engineer Instructors, as regards Infantry drill by the Instructor of the Infantry Company, and these Non-commissioned Officers are paid a total of $160 per mensem from Corps Funds. The Instructors are only available in the time they can spare from their ordinary regimental work. I would recommend that there should be at least two permanent Instructors on the strength of the Permanent Staff of the Corps, one for the Field Battery, and one for the Machine Gun Companies.

47. The allowance of small arm ammunition so fixed by Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule to the Regulations has been found insufficient, and I recommend that it be increased to allow of practice being performed as laid down in the Home Volunteer Regulations, 1899, Appendix 8, Tables A" and "B", viz.,-49 rounds per each recruit (for which no provision is made at present in Corps Regula- tions) and to alter present allowance of 20 rounds per each efficient to that of 49 rounds per each efficient―vide Army Order 146 of 1899

;

48. The Reserve of the Corps, as provided by paras. 34 to 39 of the Regulations, has not yet been formed, nor has the Establishment been laid down.

The following numbers are recommende! for sanction:-

Field Battery,

Machine Gun Companies,. "D" Infantry Company, "E" Engineer Company,

Total,............

Officers.

1

1

•

Non-Commissioned Officers and Men.

11

12

6

6

35