Sessional_Paper_1905 — Page 588

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47. The Competition for the Shield presented by General Sir W. J. Gas- COIGNE, K.C.M.G., for Maxim Gun Practice took place on February 18th, 1905, and was won for the second year in succession by the Right Half No. 2 Company, H. K. V. A.

48. The Corps took part in the King's Birthday Parade in conjunction with the remainder of the Garrison on November 9th, 1904.

49. An Ambulance Class was conducted by Captain F. O. STEDMAN, M. O.; 7 members of the Corps presented themselves for examination on May 11th, 1904, and 5 qualified.

50. On February 8th and 9th, 1905, a General Mobilization of three sections of Defence took place in conjunction with the Navy; the H. K. Volunteer Artillery Units received orders to man four 15-Pr. B. L. Guns and the Engineer Company to proceed to their posts on the Search Lights.

2 Officers of the Staff, 5 Officers and 53 N.C.O.'s and men, H. K. V. A., and. 2 Officers and 16 N.C.().'s and men, H. K. V. E., took part in the mobilization, they paraded at Head Quarters at 7 a.m. on February 8th, and were broken off again at 1 p.m. on February 9th.

This was a valuable experience for all ranks, the mobilization was carried out under Service conditions and the Officers and men were enabled to practice pitching and striking tents, duties of sentries, etc., etc., in addition to their actual work by day and nights on the guns and search lights.

51. The Engine Shed with engine and Electric Light installation at Kowloon for the H.K. Volunteer Engineers was completed and handed over to the Corps in September, 1904, this has enabled the members of this Unit to carry out their drills without the great delay which was formerly unavoidable in proceeding to and from the Forts; the strength of this unit has now increased to 32 as against 21 in March, 1904.

The necessity of occasional drills with the actual plant in the Forts has not been lost sight of, and the members of this Unit usually attend the Night Mannings with the Royal Engineers once a month.

52. The question of suitable Head Quarters which have been under discussion for so long, has been decided and plans have now been drawn up by the Public Works Department; the building will. I understand, be shortly commenced, and will consist of a Drill Hall 70 feet by 50 feet, Commandant's and Clerk's Offices, an Officers' Ante Room, Sergeants' Mess, Reading Room and Billiard Room for the Rank and File, a Clothing Store, and Quarters for the Corps Sergeant- Major. The present Maxim Gun Store will be retained, and the Field Guus and small arms will be kept in the Drill Hall which is to be provided with a'strong concrete floor.

The building will be on the present site and should fill a long felt want.

SERVICE.

33. Major A. CHAPMAN and the Officers of the Corps have greatly assisted me throughout the year and the Officers Commanding Units have kept in close touch with their men an! improved the discipline and general efficiency of the Corps.

54. Captain D. MACDONALD, Cinque Ports Royal Artillery Volunteers, who has been attached to the Corps since November, 1901, undertook the duties of Assistant Ajutant during the Camp of Instruction and was of great assistance to me in the Orderly Room and on parade.

55. Sergeant Major W. HIGBY's appointment as Corps Sergeant Major was confirmed in May, 1904, and he has fully kept up the high opinion I have had of him since he first joined.

56. First Class Armourer Sergeant J. T. HAWKS has been promoted during the year to Staff Armourer. He has carried out his work well.

57. The Chinese Orderly Room Clerk, YEUNG SHI-CHAI, has worke hard and is now well up in his duties and a good typewriter.