H.—s

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(iv.) "Provision of Bases, Docks, Depots, and Reserves of Stores and Fuel for War-vessels."—The sum of £500 has been inserted in the naval defence estimates for 1924-25 for the purchase of land at Devonport, Auckland, for defence purposes ; the actual cost of the transaction involved is at present not known by me. This land adjoins the existing Government property, and will be used for the second oil-fuel tank, and for any further expansion in store-houses, &c, which may be found necessary in the future. Emergency stocks of coal will be maintained at Auckland, and at Suva, Fiji, for the use of H.M. sloops, but this is not a charge upon the Government of New Zealand. (v.) " Provision of Local Protection of Trade and Storage of Guns for Merchant Ships and their Escort, and providing Trained Personnel for them." —The entries in the New Zealand Royal Naval Reserve have been disappointing, but it is hoped they will increase. It is proposed to begin this year the entry of officers into the Royal Naval Reserve (see paragraph 33). (vi.) " Provision of Mobile Defence and, Mine-sweeping Organization." —lt is proposed to purchase guns for patrol vessels during the financial year 1924-25, and to continue this until a sufficient number of guns has been obtained. It is also proposed to obtain a small amount of mine-sweeping gear for use should an emergency arise. XIII. Summary of Estimates, 1924-25. 43. The estimates for the naval defence vote for 1924-25 amount to approximately the same sum as was voted for 1923-24, being £330,465 (net), as compared with £339,397 (net). 44. The following table and notes show the differences between the amounts voted for 1923--24 and the estimated expenditure for 1924-25 : —

45. The following notes explain shortly the differences referred to in the previous paragraph : — (I.) " Dunedin " has smaller complement. (2.) Cost of remittances from ships charged to this item. (3.) Less ratings and smaller victualling-allowance. (4.) Payment for stores purchased from military surplus stocks. (5.) One extra refit. (6.) Hire and upkeep of oiler. Fuel used by " Dunedin " on passage out. (7.) Additional guns for local defence vessels. (8.) One oil-tank approved for 1923-24 and one additional. (9.) Inauguration of Reserve of Officers. (10.) Passages reduced by £21,000. (12.) Claims from Admiralty less than 1923-24. Alister Beal, Commodore Commanding the New Zealand Station and Naval Adviser to the New Zealand Government.

Approximate Cost ol Paper. —Preparation, not given printing (750 copicrr), £7 17s. 6il.

Authority: W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer-, Wellington.—l 924.

Price tid.]

Item. Estimates, 1924-25. Amount voted, 1923-24. (1.) Full pay, wages, and extra pay (2.) Administration (3.) Victualling, clothing, and mess-traps (4.) Medical services (5.) Repairs, docking, &c. (6.) Fuel and lighting (7.) Stores (8.) Works (9.) Reserves (10.) Effective services (11.) Non-effective services (12.) Contingencies and claims from Admiralty . . £ 133,400 9,400 28,475 1,650 11,100 61,170 41,000 24,850 4,000 12,727 26,370 2,000 £ 154,400 600 33,575 1,300 8,225 40,670 34,500 12,800 2,000 33,209 27,975 3,363 Gross total Credits 356,142 25,677 352,617 13,220 Net total 330,465 339,397