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At Stonecutter Island a new quarantine station has just been built close to Stonecutter West. The position of a quarantine station close to a locality occupied by troops is objectionable. We recommend that the Colonial Government be requested to establish the quarantine station on some other site, and that the buildings be purchased by the War Office, and used for barracks.

One of the Sikh batteries might be quartered in the buildings in the Canton Bazaar belonging to the War Department, and referred to before.

8. LAND DEFENCES.

We concur in the proposals of Colonel Crossman in his Report on the Defences of Hong Kong, dated 24th October 1881; but we are of opinion that the barracks recommended to be built for Infantry detachments at Belcher's Point, Victoria and Stanley Gaps should not be taken in hand until the barrack accommodation for the Royal and Sikh Artillery, of which a detail is given on p. 10, has been provided.

We understand that stones, reserving the ground for War Department use, have been placed at those points where it is intended to place guns.

9. GARRISON.

Upwards of 700 men are required for the guns (vide Appendix II.); but as they would not all be required at the same time, and as the inner defences, and a portion of the land defences will be entrusted to the Volunteer Artillery, an Artillery force of three European and two native batteries will be sufficient.

Steps should be taken, as soon as possible, to put the Sikh force on a proper footing, by organizing them into batteries, and abolishing the present somewhat offensive name of "Gun Lascars." At least two Officers per battery are required.

The Infantry force now at Hong Kong-viz., one regiment, is not sufficient, and another regiment, either native or European, will have to be added in war time.

The European detachment of the Eastern Battalion should be increased to 24 non-commissioned officers, the present number being totally insufficient for the requirements of the station.

In conclusion, we beg to observe that, although for present needs the armament recommended is sufficient, yet, owing to the increased number of medium guns now carried by ships of war, we believe it will hereafter be found necessary to provide additional guns of this description, both at this and other stations. The present arrangement will admit of such an increase to the armament.

C. H. FAIRFAX ELLIS,

SAN FRANCISCO,

(625)

30th July 1886.

Lt. Col., R.A.

G. BARKER,

Capt., R.E., and Lt.-Col.

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