The annual inspection of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps took place on the Race Course on Saturday afternoon under circumstances of the brightest character. The excessive rain of the two previous days boded ill for the complete success of military evolutions on turf naturally soft, but fortunately any such fears were not destined to be realised. The brilliant sunshine of Saturday morning, tempered as it was by a strong breeze, dried the ground to an amazing extent and if in places there wasa little water, it was not enough to cause discomfort ortoinany way retard the movements of the Corps. The general alarm was sounded at two o'clock precisely, and the different units at once hied them to the usual meeting place opposite the Custom House, AIl sections numbered in strong force and after the dispatch of the usual detail work the whole force proceeded under the command of Major Holliday and preceded by the Band with its youthful drum detachment to the Race Course. A tremendous crowd collected all along the route, and the general smartness of the force created an undoubtedly good impression.
On arriving on the geonnd the whole proceeded to the left of the Defence Creek to the portion assigned to the Polo Club, and the Inspeeting Officer, Colonel Fraser, R.A., was received with a general salute. The drill whether by the individual sections or in cunbined action displayed a remarkable standard of efficiency having regard to the short period in which the men have to train, The march past was admirably executed whilst the manunl exercises of the infantry, the gun practice of the Artillery and the lance exercise of che Cavalry were all skilfully performed, evidencing considerable caro and enthusiasm and re-fleeting not a little credit on the officers. At the close the men formed up in a aguare an Colonel Frovor delivered a brief address.
He said: "Major Holliday, Officers, Non-Commissioned officers, and' men of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps. It is a great pleasure to me to be at this inspection to-duy, for_you know I am only a substitute. Colonel Gascoigne was to make the inspeetion himself but he is detained on duty in Hongkong just now and could not get away, but he hopes to see yon all next year. Of course not having seen the Corps before Thardly knew what to expect but whut I have seen to-day has more than come up to my expectation, for I did not expect to see you drill so steadily and well. Of course, you have only one month to devote to the training here and that time you have to take away from other sports and pleasures but I think it is very creditable to all concerned to see the turn-out you have made. Of course the German corps are very distinguished by their precise movements, but one cannot expect men who have not been in the Army to do equal to then T think if the time should ever come when you would have to be called out you would be quite equal to do the services required of you and prove yourselves thoroughly efficient. I think Major Holliday has been wise in keeping you maze to service work than showy movements for though the latter may catch the eye it would not prove so useful in time of need. To-morrow morning I shall have an opportunity of cing the Artillery at work. That is an important thing for if they ein shoot well that is all thatis required. I have nothing more to add except tosay that I shall have pleasure in making " most favourable report to Colonel Cascoigne of the whole inspection Major Holtiday said—' Colonel Fraser, on behalf of the Shanghai Volunteers I thank you for what you have said and the way you have praised us. We are very glad to be praised, and very glad to be criticised, for when we are praised we feel proud and when we are criticised we try to do better. On behalf of my fellow volunteers I again thank you."
The Corps then fell into marching order and a spirited tramp ensued to the Bund where the dismissal took place at a quarter past six.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.