Sessional_Paper_1905 — Page 584

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2. On March 31st, 1904, the total strength of the Corps was 230 (including Chinese Orderly Room Clerk.)

The total strength of the Corps on March 29th, 1905, is 269 (including Chinese Orderly Room Clerk.)

This total includes the new Hongkong Volunteer Troop which now numbers 29. It is hoped that the total will now continue to increase as the heavy Garrisou. Artillery work has been discontinued, the members of the Engineer Company have their own Drill Shed and the New Head Quarters have been promised at an early date.

3. During the past season 1 member has died, 58 have resigned (35 in the Colony and 23 on leaving the Colony), 17 have been struck off for various reasons.

1. 115 new members have been enrolled.

5. In addition to the Corps itself a Hongkong Volunteer Reserve Association has been formed with a total membership at the present date of 154. The Association is under the presidency of Sir H. S. BERKELEY, with Mr. W. H. T. DAVIS as Honorary Secretary. The members are taking up Rifle Shooting with great keenness, and they should be of great value as a Reserve Company in case of urgent need.

EQUIPMENT.

6. The whole Corps is now equipped with the new pattern Army Rifle, (M. L. E. Short) and the latest pattern Bandolier equipment, the latter consists

of

Brown Leather Waist Belt, Bandolier and 4 Cartridge Pockets, Haversack, Water Bottle anl Strap, Mess tin and cover. Carrier, Coat Web and 2 Coat Straps.

This was received on February 13th, 1: 05, and is a great improvement on the old equipment, the Artillery and Engineer Units are now armed and equipped

alike.

A new pattern Silver Dragon Badge has also been introduced for the helmet and field service Cap.

APPOINTMENTS, ETC., OF OFFICERS.

7. The changes, etc., among the Officers of the Corps during the season have been as under :--

8. Sir II. A. BLAKE, G.C.M.G., resigned the post of Honorary Colonel on September 12th, 1904.

His Excellency Sir MATTHEW NATHAN, K. C. M.G., R. E., having kindly consented to accept the appointment, was gazetted as Honorary Colonel on Sep- tember 12th, 1.904.

9. Captain W. ARMSTRONG, H. K. V. A., was appointed Honorary Aide-de- Camp to His Excellency the Governor on September 1st, 1904.

Staff.

10. Sergeant-Major W. HIGBY, R. G. A., was confirmed in the appointment of Corps Sergeant-Major on March 19th, 1904.

No. 1 Company, H. K. V. A.

11. Captain O. ORDISH resigned his commission on December 27th, 1904, on leaving the Colony.

12. Company Sergeant-Major E. D. C. WOLFE, No. 2 Co., H. K. V. A., was appointed Lieutenant on February 3rd, 1905.