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Equipment.
7. The mounted Troop equipment has been augmented by the addition of Sam Browne sword belts and leather buckets for carrying the rifles; the method of attaching the buckets was well tested at the Troop camp and found satisfactory.
The Maxim guns have been thoroughly overhauled; they are now fitted with connecting rods, and new saddles, straps, &c., have been made for them by the corps armourer.
The whole corps is now very well equipped in every respect.
Discipline, Training, &c.
8. The discipline of the corps has been very good. The following table gives the number of efficients, &c. :—-
Staff.
Non-efficients.
Staff
Hong Kong Volunteer Troop
Right half No. 1 Co., H.K.V.A. Left
15
26
28
**
79
No. 2 Co.,
Right Left Hong Kong Volunteer Engineer Co.
42
*
29
27
*****25
13
16
8
13
12
124BIN
Total
173
70
28
3
15
...
Total.
62
42
290
*88****
39
43
With reference to the above table it is satisfactory to note that there was only one non-efficient, whom it was necessary to call upon to pay the capitation grant. It may also be mentioned that, without including the staff, 9 members have attended over 100 drills, and 59 between 50 and 100 drills; the record number being 181 drills credited to Gunner A. J. Pugh.
9. The artillery units have drilled throughout the year with the 15-pr. B.L. guns and ·303 Maxims and performed infantry drills. The Troop has carried out frequent mounted drills. The engineer company has had technical instruction at Kowloon with the oil engines and searchlight in addition to actual working in conjunction with the Royal Engineers with the various engines and searchlights in the command.
This company has done excellent work throughout the year.
10. On the 13th February (Chinese New Year's Day) the corps took part in a field day. The scheme consisted of the attack and defence of Customs Pass.
Gun Practice, Musketry, &c.
11. 15-pr. B.L. practice was carried out on the 2nd and 27th October, 1906, and the 2nd February, 1907. For remarks on practices see Table IV and Appendix A, Camp Report.
12. 303 Maxim practice was carried out on the 17th, 19th, and 27th October, 1906, and the 2nd March, 1907. (See Camp Report.)
13. The annual musketry course was carried out during camp. Musketry Returns for the Hitherto it has not been customary to Volunteer Troop and Engineer Company are attached.* furnish musketry returns for the artillery companies, but this will be done in future as recommended by the Colonial Defence Committee.
14. Most of the members of the corps have fired their musketry course, and rifle practice has been very popular, although of course it would be far more so if the corps could have more opportunity of using the King's Park range now that the Reserve Association has the new range at the Peak, which has been specially built for them.
The Tai Hang range is difficult of access and out of the way.
During the year the members of the corps have fired 45,820 rounds of small-arm ammunition, and 40,150 rounds have been supplied to the Reserve Association. 110,000 rounds have been ordered for this year from the Crown Agents.
15. The officers and staff sergeants carried out revolver practice, and Table VIII* shows the results obtained.
Camps of Instruction.
16. The annual camp for the artillery and engineer units was held at Stonecutters' Island from the 15th to the 31st October, 1906.
* Not printed.
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