The Treasurer reported that the Preliminary Estimates of Ordinary Expenditure of the Volunteer Corps submitted by the Commandant totalled $1,264,376, an increase of $379,776, ey 42.93 per cent. as compared with the Budget provision for last year. This Under the headings of Fuel, Light, Water and Uniform, requirement: were normal and the increases shown were due to the higher costs of commodities and utility services. prevailing high cost of foodstuffs was responsible for the increase of $114,840 shown under Ration Allowance and Messing, subject, however, to the findings resulting from an investigation that is being carried out into the feeding of the Russian Detachment.
With regard to Stock and Stores, the Chairman observed that the various items under the heading of Uniform were very expensive, and enquired whether it would be possible to simplify and standardize uniforms by the issue of overalls only and to eliminate brass buttons, badges etc. The Commandant replied that in view of the number of national interests and units in the Corps, elimination of uniforms and insignia might have an adverse effect on recruiting. In reply to a further enquiry, the Commandant stated that the number of coolies employed on the Rifle Range was necessary when shooting was in Road bridge, many people have refrained from patronizing the Post Office since the barbed wire entanglements were moved. An official of the Post Office stated yesterday that the have been achieved. The Head Post Office in Kunming has been informed but it was said that Kunming could not do anything to remedy the situation here.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.