CAB11-57-1 — Page 126

9

3. The increases in establishment referred to in the inclosed letter are as follow:----

Medical Officers

Corps Instructors

Infantry

Engineers

Mounted Infantry

Reserves

Total

43

20

វាសន

50

64.

181

And the additions to the estimated expenditure for 1901, if the minor recommendations referred to in the third paragraph of General Gascoigne's despatch and the above increases were sanctioned, would be as follows:-

Additional ammunition

camp allowance

instructors (permanent)

arms and equipment

capitation and efficiency grants.

Total

1,354

1,500

2,880

11,000

7,565

24,299

With a small saving of 360 dollars in one clerk, this would bring the total estimate for next year up to 59,315 dollars.

4. I approve of all the recommendations made by Sir John Carrington with the exception of the item mounted infantry, which arm I do not think suitable to the conditions existing here.

But remembering the large amount paid by the Colony, directly and indirectly, as military contribution, I submit that the expense of the Volunteers above the amount entailed by the existing fixed establishment of 350 of all ranks might fairly be borne by the Imperial Government. The General Officer Commanding vouches for the efficiency of the corps, and an increase of the numbers to 500, or to 600 if possible, would be very desirable; but except Her Majesty's Government will allow the increased expense to be deducted from the military contribution, financial reasons will prevent further expansion.

I have, &c.

The Right Honourable Joseph Chamberlain, M.P.,

&c.

&c.

&c.

(Signed)

Enclosure.

Letter of Commandant.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor, &c.

83

).

ns- the ing

om- for

Sir,

Volunteer Head-quarters, Victoria, Hong Kong, May 26, 1900.

WITH reference to your letter No. 839 of the 11th instant, I have the honour to forward herewith a copy of the Volunteer Regulations, embodying the recommendations made in the Training Report of the corps for the season 1899-1900. I have also noted some other alterations in the Regulations which I desire to submit for the consideration of his Excellency the Acting Governor. The chief of these proposed alterations have reference to an increase in the establish- ment of the corps by the augmentation of the engineer and infantry companies, and the formation of a mounted infantry company. With regard to the infantry company, 27 recruits belonging to the Taikoo Sugar Works have just been enrolled in it, and a considerable addition to this number will probably soon be made. With regard to the mounted infantry company, I have reason to believe that such a company can be formed at an early date of gentlemen of good social position, who will provide their own ponies and saddlery, and I venture to submit that such a company will constitute a very useful addition to the strength of the corps.

*

I also forward herewith an estimate of the cost which will be entailed for the year 1901 if the suggestions referred to in paragraphs 38, 46, and 47 of the Report are carried out. This estimate also contains a statement of the cost which will be entailed by the sanction of the other alterations to which I have referred.

With respect to the provision of a magazine and enlarged head-quarters accommodation, I am, as directed by the concluding paragraph of your letter under reply, communicating with the Director of Public Works direct.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

J. W. CARRINGTON, Lieutenant-Colonel,

Commandant, Hong Kong Volunteer Corps.

otal

ease

ded

ient

and

the

Page 126

نے

* Not received.--(Secretary, C. D. C.)

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY J. W. HARRISON.—10/9/1900.

Page 126

Page 126

Page 126