CO129-505-12 Estimates of expenditure 1928 1-9-1927 - 12-1-1928 — Page 99

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Head 33- Defence.

Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps.

The Ammunition vote subhead 3 has been increased

by $2,500 partly owing to the greater number of machine guns

which will mean a greater expenditure of ammunition, and

partly owing to the formation of the Portuguese Company,

which is also responsible for the increase in the Uniform

voto. As Volunteers are considered as mobilised when in

camp they will receive pay; this is included under subhead

5, 'Camp Expenses', which is increased by $5,500. The

infantry are to be armed to a greater extent than heretoforc

with Machine Guns. It is proposed to purchase four next

year and four the year after. Similarly the Armoured Car

Section is to be augmented by two motor cycles fitted to

take Machine Guns. With the growth of the Corps certain

constructional alterations at Headquarters are necessary

and provision is made accordingly. At present there is

one armoured car. It is desirable to add one more, SO

that one can be available on either side of the harbour;

I trust no occasion for using them will ever arise, but it is necessary to be prepared for any eventuality. As

Honourable Members are aware it is proposed to purchase

a Regimental and a King's Colour for the Corps. They have

already been ordered, but it is not expected that they will

be ready until next year and provision has therefore to be

made. Should either or both of the Colours be presented to

the Corps there will be a corresponding saving to the Revenue.

It has been decided by the Secretary of State for

the Colonies to postpone for the present the formation of a

Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in Hong Kong.

Head 34- Miscellaneous Services.

The matter of the Government's contribution towards

the