DEFENCE NEEDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22489, 5 August 1936, Page 16

DEFENCE NEEDS

GKEATEE, PROVISION naval expenditure ADVANCE OF £190,000 SAFETY OF DOMINION [by TELEGRAPH —'SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLI NO TON, Tuesday An expenditure of £1,261,530, or an inereaso of £250,100 over tho sum expended last year, is provided for in the Defence Estimates. The most notable increase is in respect to naval defence, where an additional £189,.585 has been allotted. It is estimated that £60,775 more than tho amount expended last year will be needed for military and aerial defence. The increased naval expenditure anticipated is duo to the fact that larger cruisers arc to bo taken over. The additional amount is offset, however, to the extent of £IOO,OOO, as no contribution toward tho Singaporo baso is required this year. Tho atmosphere of Europe and international politics is giving tho Government much concern, it is stated. Tho Government is taking such steps as w ill provide for the effective defonco of the Dominion, and is investigating procedure to that end. It is proposed to overhaul completely the expenditure on military defence to ensure the most effective utilisation of the money provided. Details of Estimates While making provision for the defence of .the Dominion and the maximum co-operation with the British Government in its policy for this purposo, the Government is of opinion that the progress of tho world can only bo achieved through a properly organised Loaguo of Nations. If conflict comes it can only end in domination by powerful nations for a time or (if progressive development is to continue) in the constitution of another League of Nations. The following table gives the estimates for various branches of the defence services, compared with the amounts voted and spent last year:— Estimate Voted Expended lua.vuo iu:io-30 £ £ £ Naval defence nil charges .. 651.G30 402,510 402,245 Military: Salaries, all branches .. 17.1,000 118,067 147,275 Officers' insfruction abroad . 7,026 6.G2G 0,474 Purchases, buildintrs, maintenance and training . . 201,720 210,680 240,039 Non-effective services .. 210 160 104 Rifle clubs .. 300 300 228 Military 8 .. 178,722 154.854 163 670 Civil . .. 15,'-'7B 20.014 13.1 <1 The New Cruisers The naval estimates allot £257,844 for pav, compared with £255,817 voted last year, and £228.863 actually spent. All items in the victualling, clothing and implements account show increases, principally duo to increased numbers of personnel borne in the Achilles and Leander compared with D Class cruisers. A lump sum instalment payment as a result of the new agreement with the Auckland Harbour Board regarding Calliope will involve an expenditure of £38,133. Oil fuel for tankers and ships is anticipated to cost £31,818 this year. A\hilc the sum voted for fuel last year was only £9130, a high expenditure was occasioned by the departure on special service of H.M.S. Diomcde. Last year £12,277 was voted and £42,162 'spent on naval armament^ and general stores, but this year £67,379 has been provided. A cost of £37-10 will be involved in the erection of a third oil tank, as further oil stowage will be required by the end of 1937-38 when the Xucula will be dispensed with. As a result of a concession accorded by the Australian naval authorities in respect of charges for ratings undergoing training the estimated expenditure in this connection will bo £3600, compared wth £5695 spent last year. Military Expenditure

The military and air force estimates total £612,900 against £549,455 voted last year, and £552,125 actually expended. Compared with £59,358 voted and £42,10-1 expen&od last year, it is proposed to devote £OO,OOO to buildings, fortifications and other items. Field and heavy gun ammunition and other explosives, including the cost of reconditioning, are set down at £25,000. For ordnance stores £1.55,000 is provided, compared with last year's estimate of £45,000 and expenditure of £47,878. A stun of £32,000 is sot aside for small arms ammunition, compared with £12,000 voted and £14,481 spent last year. The pay and allowances to territorials attending camps, including civilian casual labour at the camps, has been increased to £22,000 from last year's estimate of £19,000. Salaries paid to members of the military aviation forces are anticipated to amount to £41,352, a considerable advance on the 1935-36 vote of £31,019 and the payment of £30,973. A toial of £137,370 is allotted for buildings, construction of aerodromes, and purchases, another increase on last year's figures of £123,835 voted and £132,097 spent. Purchase of Aircraft The construction of, and addition to buildings, workshops, aerodromes, etc., arc expected to cost £02,000, slightly lower than the amount spent last year. The purchase of aircraft, marine craft and equipment will, it is anticipated, involve £46,500, as against the 1935-3(3 vote of £15,000 and the expenditure of £17,528. There is a decrease in the vote to civil aviation, £15,278 being provided for, against £20,014 last year. Only £13,171 was actually spent last year, however. It is to be noted in this respect that expenses totalling £6391 incidental to landing grounds which wero involved last year are not provided for in the defence estimates, as provision for the development of these grounds has been made this year in the Public Works Department vote. A sum of £IOOO is allotted for the purchase of aircraft for loan to aero clubs, last year's vote of £3200 not being expended. Grants totalling £SOOO are to be made to aero clubs in respect of pupils qualifying for private pilot's certificates, £4480 having boon granted last j'ear.