DEFENCE SERVICES

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 261, 2 August 1939, Page 11

DEFENCE SERVICES

Nearly £900,000 More For The Army NAVAL VOTE RISES Substantial Increase For Air Department The Defence Department estimates this year all show substantial increases over last year’s expenditure. Dor instance, the naval services last year cost the country £835,331, this year’s estimate being £919,970, an increase of £84,639. This includes £12.000 for the provision of oil fuel, £50,720 for naval base development, £11,225 for the new R.N.V.R. quarters in Dunedin, £60,000 for progress payment on three training vessels for employment with the instructional and mechanical training establishment. . The total increase, however, is onset by reductions in some other items. Expenditure on the army last. year totalled £706,753. This year’s estimate is £1,594,468, a total increase of £887,715, chiefly consisting of new construction, including buildings, etc., £146,000; clothing and boots £215,000; field and heavy gun ammunition, £56,000; part cost of launch for towing targets, £12,500; ordnance stores, £215,000; small arms ammunition, £133,000; and payment of territorials, £lOO,OOO. The Air Department’s expenditure last year was £557,205. This year’s estimate is £700,000, an increase of £142,795. This includes an increase of pay and allowances amounting to £86,000. quartering and stores, £148,000; territorial reserve forces £12,000. Additional net provision for defence is made in the public works fund estimates. Under the heading of the army provision is made for £600,000 for land, buildings, munitions and equipment, while under the heading of air a vote of £1,600,000 is provided for land, buildings, aircraft, armament stores and explosives, etc.