H.M.A. Training Ship "Tingira" Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Provisional Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1912 were enacted in 1913 to provide immediate operational guidelines for the management of the H.M.A Training Ship "Tingira". These regulations, made under the authority of the Governor-General in Council, aimed to address urgent administrative and financial matters regarding the training ship. The policy objective was to ensure that the ship's operations, particularly those concerning the boys' fund, clothing, and discharge procedures, were efficiently managed and financially sustainable. The regulations introduced specific financial protocols, including the payment for discharges and the allocation of funds for clothing and repairs, with the aim of maintaining discipline and order within the training ship. These provisional regulations were necessary to provide immediate clarity and direction in the administration of the Naval Forces of the Commonwealth. The regulations were designed to ensure that the operational and financial aspects of the training ship were handled in a manner consistent with the overarching objectives of the Naval Defence Act, providing a structured approach to the care and training of the boys on board.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1912 apply specifically to the H.M.A. Training Ship “Tingira,” governing the operational procedures and financial management of the ship. These regulations are binding for all personnel, including boys in training, officers, and various ship personnel such as tailors, shoemakers, and the Accountant Officer. The regulations encompass aspects such as the discharge of boys, financial transactions related to boys' funds, and the procurement and management of clothing and other necessities. The geographic reach of these regulations is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, as they are enacted under federal authority. Notably, the regulations provide certain financial flexibility, allowing for the discharge of boys on payment of specified amounts and permitting exceptional discharges subject to Naval Board approval. Additionally, they detail financial protocols for boys' funds and the sourcing of clothing and materials, directing these activities towards Commonwealth revenue rather than private or departmental funds.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these provisional regulations (C1913L00097) for the H.M.A. Training Ship "Tingira" introduce various changes to existing regulations concerning the discharge of boys, the Boys' Fund, and the procurement and maintenance of clothing and other materials for the boys under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1912. Regulation 3 (paragraphs 3-5) modifies the conditions under which a boy may be discharged from the ship, including the payment of fees by parents or guardians, and allows for discharge without purchase in exceptional circumstances subject to approval by the Naval Board. Regulation 5 (paragraphs 6 and 7) alters the management of the Boys’ Fund, stipulating that money received from boys or youths for the Boys’ Fund, as well as proceeds from the sale of damaged gear, should be credited to revenue. Additionally, it specifies that small articles of clothing for the boys should be purchased by the Accountant Officer. Regulation 6 replaces references to the Boys’ Fund with 'Revenue', while Regulation 7 mandates that materials required by the tailor and shoemaker for repairs to the boys' clothing and shoes should be procured from the 'Trust Fund—Uniform Clothing and Necessaries (Naval) Account' and issued by the Accountant Officer. The regulations impose several obligations and requirements on the parties involved, most notably the Captain, the Naval Board, the Accountant Officer, and the tailor and shoemaker. The Captain must be satisfied with the reasons for discharge and must consider the exigencies of the service when permitting discharge. The Naval Board's approval is required for exceptional discharges without payment. The Accountant Officer is responsible for purchasing small articles of clothing and ensuring that materials for repairs are appropriately sourced and issued. The tailor and shoemaker must account for all materials used and maintain records of receipt and expenditure. Any clothes or items procured outside the ship’s stores may be confiscated and sold, with the proceeds credited to revenue. The regulations also establish potential offences and penalties for non-compliance. For instance, boys who purchase clothes or other items on shore could have their items confiscated and sold, with proceeds credited to revenue. If repairs are necessitated by a boy’s fault or neglect, a fine may be imposed at the discretion of the Commanding Officer. While the specific penalties for these offences are not detailed in the provided text, it is implied that non-compliance with these regulations could lead to disciplinary actions and financial penalties.