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shown the greatest interest in and devotion to his work, has proved himself a most zealous and efficient instructor, and has succeeded in winning in a very high degree the confidence, respect, and liking of all ranks of the corps.

46. During the absence of Major A. Chapman, Captain E. D. Sanders, Honorary Aide-de- Camp, Officer Commanding "A" Machine-Gun Company, has readily afforded me much valuable assistance as the next senior officer of the corps.

47. I am glad to be able to speak in very high terms of Lieutenant A. H. Stewart's services as Acting Adjutant. He devoted much time and attention to his duties and performed them in a very satisfactory manner.

48. The other officers of the corps have, with perhaps one or two exceptions, maintained the high standard of interest and efficiency to which I have referred in previous reports. They have set an excellent example in every way to the non-commissioned officers and men of the corps, and their good feeling for one another and for those under their command and their esprit de corps are alike worthy of most favourable remark.

49. I have already on more than one occasion expressed my deep sense of the faithful and efficient service which Sergeant-Major G. W. Watling, during a period of several years, rendered to the corps. It may be added that the regret felt in the corps at his untimely death was both general and sincere.

50. Sergeant-Major J. Power came to the corps with a very high reputation, and he has entirely sustained it. He has shown great zeal and capacity in camp, on the field, and in the orderly-room. I consider that the corps was most fortunate in securing his services in the important post of Sergeant-Major.

51. The Instructors of the corps have performed their responsible duties in an efficient manner, and to the satisfaction of the Commandant and the Adjutant.

52. The non-commissioned officers and men of the corps have for the most part shown much interest in the performance of their duties, and have endeavoured to make themselves but proficient and efficient. The percentage of non-efficients is higher than one likes to see it; it is only fair to recognize that there are many causes at work which conduce to this result. There is a great deal more steadiness on parade and attention at drills than there used to be a few years ago.

Regulations.

53. A draft of new Regulations for the corps was made and printed some months ago The draft has been submitted to the officers of the corps, and also to the Committee of the proposed Rifle Club, the majority of whose members expressed a willingness to form a veteran company of the corps. The suggestions made by the officers and the Committee have been for the most part embodied in the draft, which is now ready for submission to the military authorities and the Government. But it is held over for the present until some ques- tions which have been raised with reference to the rearmament and reorganization of the corps are settled.

54. When these questions are settled, it is hoped that the result will be that the corps will be armed with more modern and powerful weapons than those which it now possesses; and, further, that it will become a still more valuable and efficient factor in the defence of the Colony.

Miscellaneous.

55. The annual inspection of the corps by his Excellency the General Officer Com- manding was held on the 23rd ultimo. It will be seen from the parade state (Inclosure No. 10) that there was a considerably larger number of members present than at any previous inspection.

56. During the year the question of a new head-quarters was under consideration, and it was decided by a large majority of members that the new building and parade-ground should be on a site in the Happy Valley. Plans have been settled, and a vote has been taken for the purpose; but I regret to say the work has not yet been begun. It is much to be hoped that so important an undertaking will be commenced without further delay.

57. During the year his Excellency the Governor, who is Honorary Colonel of the corps, generously presented to the corps a handsome silver and bronze challenge shield, to be competed for by musketry by the several uuits of the corps. The first competition for it will take place at a prize meeting which it is proposed to hold by way of inaugurating the new rifle range when it is completed. No effort will be spared to make up a good prize list for the occasion, and I confidently trust that the friends of the corps will assist us to this end.

58. The silver challenge shield which his Excellency the General Officer Commanding was kind enough to present some time ago to the corps, to be competed for by the machine-gun companies, was won by "C" Company at a competition which took place on the 19th February, 1901-Chinese New Year's Day-at Repulse Bay. It was handed by his Excellency to the winners at the conclusion of the annual inspection.

59. In the early months of the present year au Ambulance Class was conducted by Surgeon-Captain F. O. Stedman, M.D. The original number of the class was twenty-seven, of whom twenty-four were volunteers. Of these twelve presented themselves for the examination for the certificate of the St. John Ambulance Association, all of them being volunteers. Of this

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