THE ESTIMATES.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 181, 2 August 1929, Page 9

THE ESTIMATES.

INCREASED NAVAL VOTE. EQUIPMENT FOR RESERVISTS. IMPROVEMENTS AT FORT TAKAPUNA. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The naval defence vote has increased this year to £504,967. Last year it was £485,801, and the amount expended was £463,496. The sum of £74,700 is provided for the salaries of the personnel of the Diomede, which vessel, it is stated, is due to return to England and pay off for a long refit. For clothing purchases, £9600 is voted, this being due to the fact that three additional companies of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve are being enrolled and kitted up this year. To replenish stocks in oil tanks, £29,900 is voted. Last year over £21,000 was spent in this direction. The sum of £800 is provided for a motor-boat for harbour service at Auckland to replace the boat now worn out and inefficient.

An amount of £43,000 is voted for radio equipment, auto training gear for Howitzer artillery guns, charging boards for batteries and replacement of cordite. Last year £51,200 was spent on similar items.

For fitting the Philomel with wireless telegraph apparatus, £850 is in the Estimates, and £180 for a hot water supply for the ships in do k. As there is inadequate provision for- sentries at ; the gate of the dockyard, a vote of 1 £310 appears for improvements. Two new galleries are to be provided, and the existing buildings altered at Fort Takapuna, and this work will cost £2000. On account of the work at the naval base at Devonport, £25,000 is on the votes. This includes the erection of a barracks and the lengthening 'of the Calliope Dock. For rebuilding and enlarging the gun-mounting_ store, £1840 is proposed and £1150 is provided for extra sanitary conveniences. Rifles and accoutrements for the newreserve companies will cost £3700, and practice ammunition) £2000. Big Defence Vote. The total vote for the Defence Department is £490,587, compared with £404,595 expended last year. Field and heavy <mri ammunition and explosives will cost £22,000. An additional £3500, making a total of £22,000, is voted for supplies and catering at camps. Owing to the increased number of permanent horses to maintain an extra £425 is provided, making the total £800 voted for maintenance of animals. The minimum amount necessary for territorials' pay is £29,000, and this has been voted, as against £25,500 last year. Railway fares and freights have also increased by £4000, making the total £22,000.