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In the case of the 15 non-efficients of the "A" Machine-gun Company, 5 are absent from the Colony on leave, 5 are absent from the Colony without leave, 1 is a recruit who has not had sufficient time since joining to complete his drills, 1 is on medical certificate, and the remaining 3, although in the Colony, have not completed the requisite number of drills, and will be called upon to show cause of non-efficiency.
7. From the 22nd to the 31st October, 1898, a Camp of Instruction was held under canvas on Stonecutters' Island. The use of the Naval Range was kindly lent by the naval authorities. The camp was well attended and much appreciated by all. The camp year by year seems more popular and to it much of the efficiency of the corps is attributed.
8. Gun practices have taken place as shown in Inclosures Nos. 3 and 4.
No practice was held this past season with the 64-pr. R.M.L. guns, as orders were given that they were to be dismantled.
The 7-pr. R.M.L. and machine-gun competitions were held at Repulse Bay on the 10th A report of February last, and the shooting was good and a great improvement on past years. which competition was forwarded to his Excellency the General Officer Commanding under this Office No. 33 of the 24th February, 1899.
9. The annual carbine competition in connection with the corps was held on the 15th instant, and will be continued on the 22nd instant. A large number of valuable prizes have again been presented for which all ranks are grateful.
10. Revolver practice by the officers and staff-sergeants has been held, report as Inclosure No. 5.
11. Coolie draught was tried once during the past season in conveying guns, targets, &c., to Repulse Bay on the 10th February last, but much time was lost and it cost more than conveyance by water.
Services.
12. Captain W. St. C. Bland, Royal Artillery, who took over the Adjutancy of the corps on the 11th instant, has entered into his duties with zeal and enthusiasm, and promises to be as popular with all ranks as Captain Gordon, Royal Artillery, the late Adjutant.
13. Captain A. Chapman, Field Battery, was one of the Committee appointed to inquire into the interior economy, &c., of the corps, which report was approved by Government, and which dealt fully with, I think, every question appertaining to the corps.
The officers of the corps also continue to render good service; they set an admirable example to the non-commissioned officers and men under their command, and do as much as possible to promote the efficiency of the corps.
14. Corps Quartermaster Sergeant G. Watling has discharged his duties in a most satisfactory manner, and has rendered very efficient service in connection with the various gun practices, com- petitions, &c., during the year, and particularly at the Camp of Instruction.
15. The Instructors for the Field Battery, "A" Machine-gun Company, band, signalling, and ambulance classes, have proved themselves very efficient and painstaking, and have discharged their duties to my entire satisfaction.
16. The non-commissioned officers and men of the corps have, with few exceptions, attended regularly, and shown a praiseworthy desire to make themselves smart and efficient; their conduct and good feeling in camp and on all occasions has been exceedingly good.
Regulations.
17. The proposed new Regulations for the corps were, after many various alterations, and after much care and thought on the part of Major Sir J.W. Carrington, Knt., C.M.G., submitted through you for his Excellency the General Officer Commanding, and his Excellency the Governor-in- Council's approval on the 4th instant.
The recommendations of the Committee held last year on the interior economy, &c., of the corps, and sanctioned by C.S.O., No. 2581, dated the 17th January, 1899, have been embodied in them.
Miscellaneous Matters.
18. The annual inspection of the corps by his Excellency the Major-General Commanding was held on the 29th ultimo.
The parade state on that occasion is shown in Enclosure No. 6.
19. Surgeon-Captain F. O. Stedman, M.D. (Lond.), again conducted a course of lectures on ambulance work, accompanied with stretcher drills. 9 members presented themselves for examination, which was conducted by Major Watson, R.A.M.C.; of the examinates, 8 were successful.
20. I have to request that the Chief Ordnance Officer, China, may be asked to keep up the usual quantities of 7-pr. R.M.L. gun ammunition for use of the corps, to be indented for as required on repayment. Very little more Martini-Henry carbine ammunition, ball or blank, will, it is thought, be required by the corps as the rearming with the new carbine of 303 calibre has been sanctioned, and it is hoped they will be received during the ensuing summer.
21. The Local Government having sanctioned the proposals of the Committee held on the
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