CAB11-57-1 — Page 286

Page 286

Departments who have volunteered for service with the military telephones in war to join the Reserve Association, though they have not reached the age limit of 35. This would have the effect of bringing them under the Volunteer Ordinance in war time. I am averse to special legislation for the Reserve, as I think this might deter men from joining it.

The Right Honourable Alfred Lyttelton, K.C., M.P.,

&c.

&c.

&c.

I have, &c. (Signed) M. NATHAN,

Governor, &c.

Enclosure 1.

His Excellency the Governor,

Minute of General Officer Commanding.

I WAS quite satisfied with the appearance of and work done by the Corps during the year. The shooting-if slow-was good. More 15-pr. guns have been told off to the Corps.

2. The Corps has been strengthened by the establishment of the mounted branch, which will shortly be fully equipped. I have inspected them and was entirely satisfied with their turn out. They are a most useful addition.

3. The Volunteer Reserve Association has also been formed, and strengthens the defences. 4. I am glad to know that the provision of a headquarters is decided on.

(Signed) V. HATTON, Major-General,

Commanding in South China.

Hong Kong, April 17, 1905.

Sub-Enclosure.

Sir,

Report of Commandant, Hong Kong Volunteer Corps.

Volunteer Headquarters, Hong Kong, March 29, 1905.

1 HAVE the honour to forward herewith the following documents* relating to the training, &c., of the Hong Kong Volunteer Corps for the season 1904-5, for the information of his Excellency the Major-General Commanding and for favour of transmission to his Excellency the Governor-

1. Roll of Efficients.

2. State of Corps, 29th March, 1905.

3. Musketry Return, Hong Kong Volunteer Engineers.

4. Results of Revolver Practice.

5. Report on Gun Practice, 303-in. Maxim.

6. Report on Gun Practice, 15-pr. B.L.

7. Extract from General Slade's Report.†

8. Corps Handbook, 1904.

Owing to the unfavourable weather the Annual Inspection by his Excellency the General Officer Commanding has been postponed until the 15th April. Major Chapman will forward an Inspection State after that date.

2. On the 31st March, 1904, the total strength of the Corps was 230 (including Chinese Orderly Room Clerk).

The total strength of the Corps on the 29th March, 1905, is 269 (including Chinese Orderly Room Clerk).

This total includes the new Hong Kong Volunteer Troop, which now numbers 29. It is hoped that the total will now continue to increase as the heavy Garrison Artillery work has been discontinued, the members of the Engineer Company have their own Drill Shed and the new Headquarters have been promised at an early date.

3. During the past season 1 member has died, 58 have resigned (35 in the Colony and 23 on leaving the Colony), 17 have been struck off for various reasons.

4. 115 new members have been enrolled.

5. In addition to the Corps itself a Hong Kong Volunteer Reserve Association has been formed, with a total membership, at the present date, of 154. The Association is under the presidency of Sir H. S. Berkeley, with Mr. W. H. T. Davis as Honorary Secretary. The members are taking up rifle shooting with great keenness, and they should be of great value as a Reserve Company in case of urgent need.

* [Not printed.]

[Printed as foot-note to paragraph 42.]

Page 286

]

4

€

Page 286

Page 286