4.
32
8.
The provision for the Hong Kong Royal Naval
Volunteer Reserve, Head 33 B, also gave rise to opposition, in spite of the explanation of the need for this service given in my speech on the 23rd September, to which again I refer you.
All the unofficial members opposed the vote; but on my personal appeal the opposition was not pressed to
a division. I undertook, however, to represent the unanimous unofficial view to Your Lordship.
The Naval Authorities have never relaxed
their pressure on this Government to institute a Naval
Volunteer Force and in November, 1928, the Commodore put forward a modified scheme of much more modest dimensions than the earlier proposals. The scheme appears to be feasible and in Mr. E. V. Carpenter, the senior Assistant
Director of Public Works, I believe we have found an ideal
Commandant. An enthusiastic Yachtsman with great influence among the members of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Mr. Carpenter is satisfied that the scheme can not only be
successfully started, but can be efficiently maintained.
In the present improved state of the Colony's finances I feel that, in spite of unofficial opposition, Your Lordship will agree with me that the Colony in the interests of its
own defence must now accept this additional burden on its
revenue.
9.
In the end the Bill passed through Committee without alteration and the third reading was passed without
a division.
10.
The very full information given in the
Treasurer's memorandum, the memorandum of the Director of
Public Works, the speech of the Colonial Secretary in introducing the first reading of the Budget and the various official speeches at the debate on the second reading make
it
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