In
the morning government newspaper of London
dated 30 November was again the royal navy a topic of discussion. It seems
probably that the 5.000 extra sailors which were to enlisted as a reserve now
becoming part of the regular strength, so that in the budget year 1853-1854 the
personnel strength was increased and that for the purchasing of
steam engines a similar large budget was requested. In the last 2 or 3
years the budgets for engines was just 50.000 pound clearly
not enough. Apparently the government requested now not less as 380.000 pound. There
was also more money needed and requested for timber and other material for the
shipyards. All these measures should have been taken at the beginning of this
year and not afterwards. Now there were problems lacking enough sailors and
strengthening the navy on such a large scale could cause agitation by the
neighbours of England.
The newspaper Times of London dated 30 November reported similar with one extra
detail dealing with the sailors. Australia seemed to be quite
attractive for the merchant trade shipping so everything has to be done to
confirm the British sailor that the navy was an assured and comfortable
employer.
