2 -
2.
Is it recommended that $50,000 be expended in re-
conditioning the hull?
In view of (1) the reply is in the negative. It
is not considered that money to recondition an old hull is
well spent or justified.
3.
What are the Force's requirements as regards
Headquarters?
The Committee consider the following necessary:-
A Drill-Hell with parade ground adjacent, lecture
rooms, wardroom, crews' quarters and accommodation for
European "arrant Officer Instructors and native maintenance
These quarters could possibly provide accommodation
steff.
in war.
4.
Suitable sites for Shore-Headquarters.
It was agreed that housing within or about His
Majesty's Naval Yard was desirable and that housing on the
waterfront was necessary. The Commodore stated that there
was no room in the present Dockyard establishments.
Several sites were suggested and discussed in
relation to suitability but on the subject of availability
the Committee could offer no opinion. Three sites offer
possibilities and these are given in order of precedente:-
(i) Old Arsenal Yard Site (Arsenal St. and Gloucester
Ru.
The Committee consider that this site offers the
best facilities and advantages as it has a sea wall in front
and is in a central position and adjacent to the Dockyard.
It is known that the re-acquisition of this site is under
consideration by the Admiralty but it is not known whether
the Naval Volunteer requirements could be included therein
should it be obtained. The Commodore stated that he was
extremely doubtful if such would be the case. However the
Advisory Committee wish to record, irrespective of Admiralty
requirements, their choice of this site as the most favour-
Pag
Pag
- 3 -
able.
(ii) The Victoria Recreation Club Site.
It was suggested to the Committee that this site
and building might under certain conditions, become available.
It is not known whether the existing buildings are
suitable but the site is an attractive one adjoining, as it
does, the Naval Yard. It is possible that the Naval Parade
Ground could be made available for drills.
(iii) Kellett Island.
There are certain advantages to be gained owing to
the adjacence of the Yacht Club, but at present space is
insufficient and a causeway and certain reclamation would
probably be necessary.
5.
Consideration was then given to the natural
development and future of the Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force.
It is necessary that a sea-going tender be provided
in which all branches of the local inner sea defences be
exercised concurrently as they would in time of war and also
in order that there be a practical outlet for the theoretical
training already undergone. It is realised that the provision
of such a ship will involve considerable capital expenditure
and annual outlay in running expenses and upkeep, which will
fall heavily on the Hong Kong Colonial Budget.
The Committee then considered ways and means in
support of their recommendations and it is desired to draw
attention to the following fact.
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Status, about to be
je 9
Pa
Pa
10
granted to Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force, would in effect
place at the disposal of the Imperial Government for general
service a body of trained officers and men the expense of
whose training and equipping had been borne by the Hong Kong
Government without contribution from the Imperial Government.
In 1936 when Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve status
was granted to Straits Settlements Naval Volunteer Reserve the Imperial Government, through the Admiralty, provided a sum of Straits $200,000 (approximately £25,000) with which two
launches were built in Singapore and handed over on loan to
the Government of the Straits Settlements for the training of
the Straits Settlements Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. It is
understood that the recommendation was made in the first place
by Admiral Sir Frederick Dreyer, then Naval Commander-in-Chief.
The expense of upkeep of the two launches is a Straits
Settlements Government commitment.
My Committee recommends that the Naval Commander-in-
Chief, Vice Admiral Sir Percy Noble, K.C.B., C.V.0. be
approached to propose to the Admiralty that financial
assistance be given to the Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force
in a manner equivalent to that given to the Straits Settlements
and in keeping with the pressing requirements to which Your
Excellency's attention has been drawn.
I have the honour to be,
Your Excellency's obedient servant,
Signed: E.B.C. Dicken.
COMMODORE.
10Page 11
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.