Striking Turnout of Units Before General Luard: A
Very Fine Spectacle: Demonstration of Efficiency by All Arms The annual inspection of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps began with the great ceremonial parade of the year on Saturday afternoon, Usually the inspection of the Corps a3 a whole is preceded by that of units individually, but owing to the difficulty of fitting in arrangements this spring, the ceremonial parade has preceded the others. The me specting officer on this occasion w Major-General ©. C. Luard Hongkong, and he on Friday accompanied by his D. A. Q. M. G., Major J. Ma-ready, and his A.D. C. Lieut, R. QF. Johnston.
Saturday afternoon presented spectacle of the greatest animation on the Race Course. By 2.30 p.m. members of the different infantry units were assembling, and shortly afterwards the work of sizing and rossing them was taken in hand by the company sergeant-major: Then Corps Sgt.-Major Stuart Mao had markers set out, and the infantry battalion was brought into position from which to march off form line on the Polo Ground. The great interest which this anual event has was emphasized by the large number of photographers on the ground, both amateur and professional, and also by the great concourse of spectators. By half ast two o'clock the number " of spectators was between 300 and 400, while by the time the was in position for the inspection the total must have been at least 3,000, While the Infantry Battalion was forming into close column in front of the Golf Club, the other units of the Corps shad assembled their headquarters, and from there proceeded to the rendezvous. Shortly before 3 p.m. Major MeMichael ordered the Infantry Battalion march off to the Polo Ground, and there the customary position ' was taken up, the Light followed by of! units, machine gunners, ete., the Cadet Ca, under Captain Billings on the left of the Infantry Battalion. As stated, there was a very large attendance of the public, the Chinese especially showing the keenest. interest in the vent, while among those present were Mr, Fessenden, Chairman of Council," his fellow members, and representatives of the Consular Body.
The March Past Accompanied by his staff General Luard rode on to the parade ground 3.50 p.m., when the Commandant called, the' Corps to attention, drought the infantry companies to the slope and gave the gener: salute. General Luard rode alan the line, and on his return to the saluting' base the order was given. for the march past. carried out in a manner which reflected the greatest credit on the Corps. Commencing with the Light Horse each unit showed an example of steadiness in line, and cor ing the strength of some of tie units there is every reason (9 congratulate them upon successfully Keeping their alignment in the non too easy task of marching past. 'As soon as the mounted units and Machine Guns had deployed in the tear, the Infantry Battalion marched Past, this time in close column, and then' forming fours performed the! manquvre of wheeling to the tight in half battalions. This was. carried out well, and while execution the mounted units trotted and cantered past, thereafter taking up their position again to the right of the infantry. On the command of Colonel Gordon the Corps then advanced in review order, a movement carried out with the same precision as had marked the other 'The inspecting officer didn't address the troops, and the Corps was immediately marched off, the Infantry Battalion and Colours to the ground in front of the Golf Club," From here the Colours under'
Lieut. Beytagh were marched Corps headquarters with their escort, accompanied by the Volunteer Band and the Pipes and Dranis of, the Scottish.
The Parade Strength In every respect the parade was 18 success, the numbers present being 1,059, made up as follows:
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.