The annual inspection of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps took place on Thursday afternoon. The weather, contrary to usual custom, was all that could have been desired and the Corps presented a really creditable appearance, though there is_still room for the old complaint—paucity of numbers, Tt has been for years past n subject for unfavourable comment that there are numbers of young men living in the Settlement who seem to find time for everything but volunteering, which considering the fact, so often pointed, that we practically live over a voleano, which may at any tine without apparent reason break forth into activity, is more than a pity. However it is something to feel that there are at an; rate a number of men who are public spirited enough to recognise their duty to the community, apart from the recreation which volunteering undoubtedly provides to some, so far ar to give up a good portion of their spare time for a full month of the year to fit themselves for taking an active part in the defence of life and property in the Settlement if need be. As part of the inspection programme, the general alarm was sounded by the fire-bells about 3.30, and at 4 o'clock the whole of the Corps' mustered on the Bund, and with very little demy a atart was tude, headed by the Band, for the Race Course.
The inspecting officer, Major Close, R.A., was received witha general salute on his arrival on the Recreation Ground, after which he minutely, inspected the ranks. 'This inspection over, the Corps marched past, which movement was on the whole very creditably performed. After a short stand easy" each of the units was put through various movements by its junior officers, and then the Corps' was formed up in three sides of a hollow square for the customary address from the inspecting officer. Major Close said that it gnvo him great pleasure to have witnessed the satisfactory turn-out and the manner in, which the drills had been performed. He know that Volunteers liked to be told of their faults, and there were several minor details he would like to point out to them. To begin with the Light Horse their turnout and drill was exceedingly creditable, but one thing he must allude to was the absence of water-bottles and great coats, He thought all troops should be provided with them, but he knew that it was not the fault of the men that they were without them. In the march past he noticed that some of the ponies were unsteady and that in consequence their riders were not. able to carry swords properly. The sword ex-excise, he thought required a lot more practice. It was a difficult thing to do properly, but there was no reason why they should not improve. The turn-out of the Artillery was excellent, but there were-one or two things which required correction, More attention should be paid to fire discipline. Theofticers should always dismount and the battery commander should be well on the flank of his battery. He should not have occasion to give orders himself, except as to ranges, Length of fuse and so on—the battery should be worked by his subalterns. They should also practice with their officers supposed to be disabled, as it was important that in that event there should he na cessation of fire. With regard to the infantry, ho must compliment the German Company on the precision of their movements and their drill generally. He believed there were a number of old soldiers in the ranks, and he was glad to seo that they were Keeping up their, drill Referring to "A," "B," and "CE" Companies, Major Close said the turr-out was very good and the drill was on the whole very well performed. The manual and firing exercises required more practice,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.