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Repairs to Launches and Boats has been increased by $525,000 as it is anticipated that repairs to practically all craft in service will be required during the coming year. Many of those were built and run under war conditions. There is an increase of $18,000 under Stores and Equipment for Lighthouses owing to the increased cost of acetylene cylinders and of fittings and maintenance generally. Travelling Expenses includos provision for Surveyors undergoing instruction in England. There is a largo increase on Uniforms as it was not possible to supply many during the current year and an issue to practically the whole staff will be required during the coming year. total increase on Other Charges is $939,950.
The
Tho net increase on the whole Head is $971,380.
Head 12. Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force
The estimates have been framed on a care and maintenance basis pending the re-organisation of the Force.
Personal Emoluments
The staff has been reduced by the abolition of the temporary post of Officer-in-Charge but provision is made for an allowance to the Commanding Officer. The net reduction is $5,388.
Other Charges
Expenditure has been reduced by $150. Recurrent expenditure is loss by 5,538 than
in 1946/47
Head 13. Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps
Personal Emoluments
The staff is maintained on the 1946 basis pending the re-organisation of the Corps. There is an increase of one motor driver who is temporarily engaged in the transport of applicants for disability pensions for medical examination. No propor Medical Boards were held when personnel of the Corps were demobilised and steps are now being taken to regularise the position.
Last
There has been a reduction of one Assistant Paymaster and two confidential clerks. Sergeant Major is restored to tho departmental vote.
The Regimental year he was paid from the block vote under "Treasury" from which the salariesof officers on leave were met. The temporary office attendant who was paid a special salary of $360 has been replaced by one scale of $192
on the ordinary $240.
The increase in Personal Emoluments over 1946/47 amounts to $409.
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