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Third Report, p. 322.1

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settled as soon as possible, more especially as the adoption of the proposal would involve a new harbour for the Chinese boat population in lieu of that now being formed by the Colonial Government.

83. It is also desirable to inquire whether a sufficient supply of water for the town may not be obtained within the proposed defences before further steps are taken in the construction of the new reservoir in the Tytam Valley, which is outside the line of defence.

84. According to the Reports before us, the garrison required for the defence of Hong Kong would be:-

Third Report, p. 326.

War Office Returns.

Mounted scouts

Artillery

Engineers

Infantry

Total

:

The present garrison consists of-

50

562

60

2,000

2,672

Third Report, pp. 322, 323.

Third Report, p. 328.

Third Report, pp. 302-312.

Artillery

Engineers

Infantry

Gun Lascars

Army Hospital Corps.

Total

107

29

882

176

18

1,212

85. Much consideration has been given to the source from which the additional troops might be supplied. It is advisable, if possible, to raise an efficient European volunteer corps. In 1878 a corps was raised, which is now reduced to 50, but which, with encouragement, might perhaps be again increased. If the movement should prove successful, an officer of the regular army should be appointed to act as Adjutant. The European population is, however, comparatively insignificant, numbering in 1881 about 935, of whom 366 were British, in the midst of a resident population of 78,000 Chinese, exclusive of a boat population of more than 12,000 in Victoria and the other harbours of the Colony.

86. The formation of a corps of Chinese soldiers has been advocated by the present Governor, Sir John Pope Hennessy, and Major-General C. Gordon, R.E., who considers that they would be trustworthy if commanded by officers No. 346, Colonial Office, Mis- of tact, who could adapt their system of discipline to the peculiar qualities

cellaneous, 35 E.

Digest, p. 613.

Third Report, p. 322.

of the Chinese. The enlistment of Chinese is, however, opposed by other authorities, including His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge and Sir Thomas Wade. Looking to the possible contingency of a war with China, we doubt whether it would be prudent to arm and drill Chinese in a Settlement which adjoins their own country. They might, however, be most useful as coolies for the transport of stores and fatigue duties.

87. The garrison can, therefore, only be brought up to the required strength by sending more British troops, or by obtaining men from India, and, in the latter case, it would be necessary to keep up a European force of at least a complete battalion of infantry, 1,000 strong, and two complete batteries of artillery, besides the engineers. The garrison, in whatever manner consti- tuted, must be kept up to its full strength in time of peace.

88. In advising on the apportionment of the expenditure, we proceed upon the assumption that Colonel Crossman's scheme for the concentration of the naval and military establishments will be adopted. In such case it will be reasonable that the Colony should pay for the execution of all local works, including the construction of barracks, naval and store establishments, forts, and batteries, receiving in return the sites now occupied in the town by the naval and military establishments, while the Imperial Government should supply armaments, submarine mines, and floating defences. The maintenance of the works should fall upon the Colony, while the main- tenance of the floating defences might devolve upon the Home Government. As regards the garrison, if of a mixed character the Home Government should defray the cost of the European and the Colonial Government that of the native troops with their officers and all expenses connected with the

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