An Efficient Body: Rapid Growth Following New Administrative Methods From Our Owx Connesroxoewr, Hongkong, Apr. 20.
'The new General Officer Commanding the Forces in China, Major-General ©, C. Luard, who is shortly to inspect the Shanghai Volunteers, carried out -his first review. on Friday, the occasion being the annual' inspection of the Hongkong Volunteer Defence Corps. At the Jconclusion, General Luard expressed himself as very pleased with the commenting on the fine and_smart appearance of the Corps. He reviewed' the work of the different units during the past training season, congratulated the officers and men on their efficiency and keenness, and tend oda few words of advice to the different sections.
But the chief point of the G.0.C's. speech after the review was his reference to the growth of the Corps, and the evidence that the European community is taking a greater interest in Volunteering. He mentioned that the strength of the Volunteer force had grown from 310 12 months ago to 452, Incidentally, the Corps had an effective strength about 250, Ita the practical training which the would depend upon in case of emergency.
Hongkong enjoys a terrain of rugged hills suited to small bodies of troops, acting in loose contact totiying, actoloe "witch "have disclosed a high state of efficiency in the Corps, with its nucleus of ex. Service veterans. A new field section of the Engineer Company been trained in trenching, brid building and the use of high explosives in demolitions; whilst the revival of interest in the kilted infantry section has led to a spirit of healthy emulation that is all to the good. Another valuable feature recently introduced is the armoured car section, using a car and attendant transport lorry based on a gift by Sir Paul Chater. On the whole it is felt that the Defence Corps now comprises a very well-trained body of men, capable of giving an excellent account of itself in all branches of service if called upon at any time,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.