Reported Satisfaction of the Inspecting Officer after a Busy Week Major General Sir George Kirkpatrick, K.c.B., K.C.8.1., commanding H' M. troops in China, left Shanghai last Friday morning for Nanking. He proposes to make a tour of the north and his return to Shanghai, ex route for Hongkong, is expected about the end ¢f June. It is hoped it may then be possible to arrange for the ceremonial parade which was to have been a feature of last week's inspection but which had to be abandoned owing to rain and the bad condition of the ground.
The Inspecting Officer spent very busy week With the S.V.C., and although he has made no report yet on his observations, is understood to have been very well pleased with the organization generally and the work of the various units. They were inspected individually during the week, beginning on the Sunday afternoon, when "B" Company British and the Chinese company paraded in full service marching order at their mobilization stations. At these parades, the men were carefully examined with regard to the duties allotted to them in time of trouble. The Inspecting Officer afterwards visit-the Rifle Range.
The next morning was occupied, with other matters, in looking round the Drill Hall and the new Headquarters in course of pre—paration. In the evening, 'A" Company, the American Company, the Japanese Company, and the Shanghai Scottish, were inspected at drill on the Polo Ground. On this occasion, Major-General Kirkpatrick was much interested in the portable '"'kniferest"? barbed wire entanglement, invented by Sgt. Major Mackenzie, of the Engineer Company, and constructed by members of the company. The rapid method of erecting and dismantling the barrier was demonstrated, and the Inspecting Officer expressed the opinion that the invention is excellently adapted to the special purpose for which it has been made.
The armoured car, constructed by the New Engineering and Shipbuilding Works, was inspected on Wednesday morning, and in the evening the Machine Gun Company and the Maritime Coimpany went through their gun drill at the Drill Hall, where the Field Artillery Battery was afterwards taken in standing gun drill, and Signallers exercised in communication duties.
After inspection of the Customs Company at the Drill Hall on Thursday evening, the Major-General reviewed the Light Horse on parade in the Race Club compound, this being followed by a march past on the inner course. The troop afterwards carried out a small at-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.