CAB11-57-1 — Page 169

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The establishment should consist of four gangs, each gang comprising one headman and twelve coolies, or carriers, total fifty-two. This number would be on constant employment at Army Service Corps work, and it is the smallest that would be of any material use to send with an expedition.

Each headman would be paid 10 dollars per mensem, carriers 8 dollars each.

This is the smallest rate for good carriers, and practically the same as is now paid by the coolies permanently employed by the Army Ordnance Department.

The proposed corps would therefore cost:-

1 headmen, at 10 dollars

48 carriers, at 8 dollars

Per month

Dollars.

40

384

424

The present monthly cost of the Army Service Corps coolies varies from 900 dollars to 1,000 dollars.

Though the corps would not suffice for all requirements it is anticipated that the coolies, being picked men, would do more work than those supplied now by the contractor, and that, there- fore, fewer extra coolies would be required.

3. Clothing. To commence with, a straw hat with a ribbon bearing A. S. C. Transport should be given to each man. The headman to wear on the arm a badge with the number of his gang inscribed in Roman numerals. Each carrier to wear a plain metal disc slung round his neck with his number on it, for purposes of identification.

The cost in each case would be :-

Headman: hat, 50 cents; badge, 20 cents; 4 at 70 cents Coolie: hat, 50 cents, 48 at 50 cents

Dol. c.

2 80

24 00

26 80

110

A clothing allowance of 75 cents per man per mensem should be given as is now granted to A. S. C. boatmen.

4. Housing. At first during the experimental stage it would not be necessary to house the coolies, but later on, if it is found that the system works well, sleeping and cooking accommodation should be provided. This could be done without making any additional buildings, accommodation being available on some ground floors in the offices, which are unsuitable for habitation for British troops.

5. In the interests of the public service I beg to very strongly urge my proposals for the formation of this coolie corps, believing that it would be valuable in peace time, and doubly so in the event of it becoming necessary to send troops into the newly leased territory or its neigh- bourhood. Our experience went to show that it was quite impossible to get outside coolie labour to help us in operations against their kinsfolk, but the Chinese sappers in permanent employment showed no signs of dislike to coming; on the contrary, as I have reported elsewhere, they afforded excellent assistance. I anticipate the same result from the formation of my proposed coolie corps, and if it should be taken afield with any expedition, there would be no difficulty in getting temporary labour in Hong Kong itself to supply the places of the trained coolies.

am also of opinion that the measure would be economical, and would undoubtedly add to the efficiency of the A. S. C. service in this command.

6. Mule Battery-On reconsideration, and with more lengthened experience of the peculiar service and climatic conditions prevailing in this command, I cannot now recommend the formation of a mule battery because I find that :-

(1.) The initial and monthly expenses would be very great and out of proportion to the value of the corps.

(2.) In Hong Kong water transport is almost entirely used, so that in peace time it would not be practicable to utilize the service of the mules for A. S. C. work.

(3.) I also now understand that mules are liable to contract disease if kept for a lengthened period in this neighbourhood.

In fact, the reasons against purchase of mules far outweigh considerations for them.

Instead, I propose to engage on hire China ponies whenever necessary. They are all pack animals used to narrow hill paths, and answer the purpose well. The ponies are procurable from the local horse dealer in small numbers, and would be requisitioned for only when required. I could make reasonable terms with him. Ponies would be obtainable in a short time from Shanghai in sufficiently large numbers for our wants. The saddlery, &c., I propose to procure from India for 120 ponies, at a cost of about 1,1007.

Experience has convinced me that mobile infantry is most suitable for active service against any Chinese force that I am likely to be called upon to meet near Hong Kong. Of course a few 2-5-in. guns or 7 pounders would be sent with the column, and for their conveyance China ponies would suit admirably.

*

Under-Secretary of State for War.

[1155]

I have, &c. (Signed)

W. J. GASCOIGNE, Major-General,

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Commanding in China and Hong Kong.

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