CAB11-57-1 — Page 188

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APPENDIX I.

Despatch of Governor.

(No. 325.) Sir,

Government House, Hong Kong, July 23, 1902. I HAVE the honour to forward to you, with reference to Sir Henry A. Blake's despatch No. 273 of the 25th July, 1901, the Annual Report on the Hong Kong Volunteer Corps for the year 1901.

2. The question of improving the usefulness of the Volunteers is now engaging my attention, and I will address you when the matter is ripe for your consideration.

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

The Right Honourable Joseph Chamberlain, M.P.,

Administering the Government.

&c.

&c.

&c.

Enclosure.

Sir,

Letter of General Officer Commanding.

Headquarters Office, Hong Kong, May 29, 1902.

I HAVE the honour to forward the Commandant's report on the training of the Hong Kong Volunteer Corps during the past year.

There has been a slight falling off in numbers since last year, but in all other respects I have been satisfied with the state of efficiency which has been maintained.

But during the past year the corps has been practically without a commanding officer. It was known that one was to be appointed sooner or later, and although Major Chapman took up the command and acquitted himself to my satisfaction, yet he was only temporarily filling up a gap, and this is not the same thing as having a regular commanding officer.

Now, however, that Major Pritchard has taken the command, I expect to see considerable improvement, and I have one or two schemes on foot by which the position and, indeed, the efficiency of the corps will be in the future, I trust, greatly improved.

The inspection took place in wet weather, but, so far as it went, was satisfactory.

I have, &c.

(Signed) W. J. GASCOIGNE, Major-General,

Commanding in China and Hong Kong.

Sir,

Sub-Enclosure.

Report of Commandant.

Volunteer Headquarters, Victoria, Hong Kong, May 13, 1902.

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 1901-1902, for the informa- tion of his Excellency the Major-General Commanding and Acting Governor.

2. It will be seen from Enclosure No. 11,* with the corresponding document for the training season 1900-1901, that the total strength of the corps is now 318 of all ranks, as against 366 of all ranks at the former date.

3. During the past season 5 members have died, 87 have resigned-49 in Colony and 38 on leaving the Colony-1 has been discharged on medical certificate, 39 struck off as absent from the Colony without leave.

4. Eighty-four (84) new members have been enrolled.

5. The Staff, Field Battery, "A," "B," and "C" Machine Gun Companies, "D" Infantry Company, "E" Engineer Company, and the Band now number 6, 77, 56, 51, 43, 54, 25, and 6, respectively, as compared with establishments of 7, 110, 41, 41, 41, 57, 30, and 24, respec- tively.

Discipline, Training, &c.

33. The discipline of the corps has been exceedingly good throughout the season.

34. The usual squad, carbine, rifle, company, and gun drills and practices have been performed and well attended.

Musketry practices have been carried out during the season (see Enclosure No. 12).*

:

* Not printed. Sec. C.D.C.

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