The Shanghai Volunteer Corps hug had no more popular inspecting officer than Major-General Sir Johm Fowler, K.c.M.c., who arrived yesterday from Hongkong. His early days as a soldier included a most thrilling episode, one which prevented him taking part in thd defence of Chitral—the exploit which first brought Sir Charles Townshend (subsequently of Kut fame) into prominence. Sir John Fowler was at that time on his way to Chitral when the trouble broke cut, and 4s a result of treachery was made. prisoner by the tribesmen of the district. It is one of the marvels of the case that he vas not murdered, but fortune favoured him and after a month he was sent to the headquarters of the force which had been despatched for the relief of the beleaguered garrison, His promotion in the years following that episode was sure and steady, and tke outbreak of war found him in charge of the British Army Signals, comparatively small department in these days but, as the Army grew, destined to attain very great dimensions. And Sir John remained as Director of this orgamization throughout the whole war, and thanks to him it maintained the same efficiency throughout as in the days of the '"Contemptibles.'" He will receive a very warm welcome here, particularly from those Volunteers who had the pleasure of meeting him a year ago. aerial mail and passenger service for Indo-China with Saigon as the centre, is under organization, according to information received by a "Hongkong Telegraph" representative. The promoter is Mr. C.E.W. Ricou, of Macao, who has just left Hongkong for tha southern port to start the service. Mr. Ricou, it will be recalled, two years aga gave exhibition flights at Repulsa Bay with machines he obtained from America. The intention had been to start a local service, but exceptional difficulties intervened to prevent the project from being carried out. He still entertains hopes, however, of being eventually able to accomplish this enterprise in Hongkong in conjunction with the service he is to commence at an early date in Indo-China.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.