CAB11-57-1 — Page 193

Page 193

+

Page 193

123.

9

The alteration could be carried out by an Order in Council of the Local Government, and I recommend it for immediate consideration.

3. Numbers.

A calculation made by me shows that the minimum number of men required to help the R.E. to run all lights continuously, with a proper system of reliefs, is 4 officers, 28 electricians, and 12 engine drivers, though I consider the full number of 60 all ranks, proposed by me on the 28th October, 1901, should be obtained, if possible, as there will always be some men who are away, sick or untrained.

CC

I understand the enlistment of supernumerary is allowed up to the full establishment of the corps, so that recruiting for E" Company will be continued if men present themselves.

Major Chapman thought that the question of the establishment had better stand over till the appointment of a new Commandant and the revision of the present regulations, which has been some time in hand, is completed.

I would, however, urge that the question of officers may be considered early.

The present establishment is one only, but in addition to Lieutenant Mitchell there is a supernumerary officer-Lieutenant Graham.

I do not wish in any way to trench on the responsibilities of others, but I would simply put forward the claims of Lieutenant Mitchell for a step in rank. This officer has taken a very active part in the formation and training of the company, and it would be some recog- nition of this work, and also a recognition of the importance of the company, if his promotion to captain could be entertained.

4. Arrangements for Technical Instruction.

In this respect considerable improvement seems possible. At present the only lights with which practice can be obtained are the defence lights at Belchers and Stonecutters.

To get to either place, the S.M. vessels leave the S.M. Pier at 5-30 P.M., call at Kowloon Police Pier, then at Cosmopolitan Docks, and finally reach Stonecutters about 630 and Belchers at nearly 7. Lights are then started, and run till nearly 8, and the parties are back by 9 P.M.; thus about four hours is spent in doing one drill, and this, after a day's work which lasts till 5, is too much to expect from any volunteer except on a few days a-year. That so many have qualified under these conditions speaks well for their keenness.

I therefore propose that a drill shed, with oil-engine dynamo and a projector, should be constructed for the use of "E" Company, and it was thought by Lieutenant Mitchell that, as most of the men come from the Kowloon Docks, a site in Kowloon would be most suitable.

A suitable site could, I believe, be found in or near Kowloon West Battery, and if this could be allotted for the volunteers, I would propose that the Colony be asked to provide the building and the War Department the engine and fittings, the latter remaining the property of the War Department, and therefore being available as a reserve to the defence lights.

As regards the building, the Colony have agreed by their Volunteer Regulations to provide and maintain suitable premises for the use of the corps, and I have therefore no hesitation in making the suggestion. If they will consent to this, a representation to the War Office for the necessary stores would have much increased effect.

In submitting the above report I would again repeat my appreciation of the good work done by "E" Company and of their value to the defence of Hong Kong.

W. BAKER BROWN,

(Signed)

་

(No. 5.)

Major, R.E., O.C.S.M.

Sir,

Commandant, Hong Kong Volunteer Corps, to Chief Staff Officer.

Volunteer Headquarters, May 23, 1902.

I BEG to forward herewith correspondence on the subject of proposed alteration of some of the units of the corps under my command into garrison artillery.

I am strongly in favour of the scheme, and should be only too glad to see the whole corps become garrison artillery, with the exception of the engineer company.

The corps is at the present time composed of 6 units and a band, and under these conditions are extremely difficult to train, and are in no way so valuable to the defence of the Colony as they would be if the proposed scheme were carried out.

With reference to paragraphs 6 and 7 in the C.R.A.'s letter attached,* I think it would be only reasonable to ask if permission would ever be granted for the men to drill or practise in other works in addition to Victoria Battery, as it would not be possible to ever train any large number of men at once in the many duties of garrison artillery in a fort with only one gun available, and at present no practice is ever carried out from Victoria Battery; but possibly this latter condition no longer exists now. To be thoroughly useful in assisting the

* Sub-Enclosure No. 3.

[242]

Page 193

D

Page 193

Page 193