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APPENDIX I.

Sir,

Despatch of Acting Governor.

Government House, Hong Kong, June 15, 1900. I HAVE the honour to forward the Report on the Hong Kong Volunteer Corps for the season 1899–1900.

The large increase in the strength of the corps is very satisfactory.

The subjects referred to in paragraphs 38, 46, and 47 are under consideration in connection with the Estimates for next year.

I have informed you in my despatch No. 226 of the 19th May last of the steps taken to provide a new rifle range for the use of the corps.

The improvements in accommodation referred to in paragraphs 53 and 54 are receiving atten- tion, and when a scheme for enlarging the head-quarter building has been prepared, it will be submitted to you.

I have, &c. (Signed) W. J. GASCOIGNE, Major-General,

Administering the Government.

The Right Honourable Joseph Chamberlain, M.P.,

&c.

&c.

&c.

Enclosure.

Sir,

Report of Commandant.

Volunteer Head-quarters, Victoria, Hong Kong, April 19, 1900.

I HAVE the honour to forward herewith the documents mentioned in the margin* relating to the training, &c., of the Hong Kong Volunteer Corps for the season 1899-1900, for the information of his Excellency the Major-General Commanding, and for favour of transmission to his Excellency the Governor and Commander-in-chief.

Establishment.

2. From Inclosure 13, with the corresponding documents for the training season 1898-99, it will be seen that the total strength of the corps is now 311 of all ranks, as against 181 of all ranks at the former date.

During the past season 4 members have died, 16 have been struck off the strength for non- efficiency, 4 were dismissed on civil conviction, and 21 have resigned. Of the resigning members, 11 have left the Colony, and 3 have been discharged on medical certificate; 175 new members have been enrolled.

3. The Staff, field battery, "A," "B," and "C" Machine-gun Companies, "D" Infantry Com- pany, "E" Engineer Company, and the band, now number 8, 93, 146, 31, 20, and 13 respectively, as compared with establishments of 7, 110, 123, 57, 30, and 24 respectively.

4. The new Regulations for the corps make provision for a staff, a field battery, three machine- gun companies, an engineer company, and a band.

5. Each of the new units, as sanctioned, has been raised.

6. On the 21st March, 1900, Lance-Corporal James Mortimer, 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was, with the sanction of the Government, appointed Orderly-room Clerk.

Equipment.

7. The six obsolete 7-pr. R.M.L. guns of 200 lb. have been exchanged for six 2.5-in. R.M.L. guns, pending the acquisition of breech-loading guns of the newest pattern, suitable for use in the Colony. It is earnestly hoped that this vital question of rearmament will soon be dealt with in a satisfactory manner.

* Nominal Rolls of Efficients, Reports on Gun Practice, Return of Revolver Practice of Officers and Staff Sergeants, Musketry Practice Return of Corps, Copy of Inspection State, and State of Corps, March 31, 1900. (Not printed.-Secretary, C. D. C.)

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