Aug. 6.]

THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

2247

In computing the time of absence, a fraction of an hour, if less than half an
hour, shall not be taken into account, but half an hour or more shall be reckoned
as one hour.
Whenever the G.O.C., or, in his absence, the C.G.S., is satisfied that any
lesser travelling-allowance than the scale rate should suffice, he may act accord-
ingly.
73. For all journeys where an officer, N.C.O., or man is not obliged to be
absent from his headquarters for a full day of twenty-four hours, actual and
reasonable expenses shall be paid up to an amount in no case exceeding the full
daily rate above authorized for personal expenses, on production of a statement
giving the details of the nature of such charges. The maximum charge allowed
for meals is 2s. 6d. in New Zealand.
74. Porterage includes the cost of the employment of a porter to handle
luggage at a wharf, hotel, or railway-station, and must be paid for out of the
daily allowance. The conveyance of personal luggage from or to a railway-
station or wharf or other terminus, to or from the home of an officer travelling
on public service, or to or from the hotel or boardinghouse at which he is
staying, shall not be regarded as porterage, and may be allowed, provided that
cab-hire is not charged for the same journey.
75. Vouchers for travelling-expenses must show full details of place, date,
and time of arrival and departure, and state definitely nature of the duty on
which the claimant was travelling. Receipts must be provided for all individual
items of expenditure exceeding 5s. in amount. Motor-car hire will only be passed
when it is the cheapest or only mode of conveyance and is authorized by the
G.O.C., or, in his absence, by the C.G.S. In all cases the least expensive con-
veyance available must be employed, but, if public transport is available it must
be utilized. Charges for cab-hire, cartage, &c., must be strictly in accordance
with the scale laid down in local body by-laws. Cab or taxi hire is not admissible
unless it is certified that the officer was accompanied by military or other
personal gear which could not be carried.
76. In every case the officer certifying the claim will satisfy himself that the
cheapest mode of public conveyance has been used, and that the charges are in
accordance with the regulations.
77. Claims for travelling-expenses and for travelling-allowances shall be pre-
pared in full detail and in order of occurrence, on the proper voucher form, to
be submitted for payment not later than one month after the completion of the
journey.
78. In the case of members of the Forces travelling on duty, not more than
75 per cent. of the maximum travelling-allowance for the estimated period of
absence may be advanced. Applications for such advance must be made on the
form provided for the purpose.

Accommodation when Travelling in the Dominion.

79. The following table shows the classes of accommodation by rail and sea
    available for officers and other members of the Permanent Forces:--

A superior class of accommodation may, upon medical recommendation, be
assigned to invalids.
80. The following officers when travelling on the public service shall be
entitled to deck berths on steamers and sleeping-berths on trains at the public
expense :--

Officers at General Headquarters--
General Officers.
Chief of the General Staff.
Adjutant-General.
Quartermaster-General.
Director of Military Training.
Director of Artillery.
Director of Financial Services.
Director of Ordnance Services.
Director of Medical Services.

Officers at Command Headquarters--
O.C. Command.
General Staff Officer 1st Grade.

81. Under special circumstances the Minister may grant an extension of the
    privilege conferred in the preceding regulation to an officer other than the above.
82. Except as provided above, officers up to and including the rank of
    Colonel, W.O.s and N.C.O.s above the rank of sergeant, travelling by train may
    claim, in lieu of the ordinary travelling-allowance, an allowance of £1 for the
    day of departure or return, provided they have incurred the cost of a sleeping-
    berth on the train, a receipt for which must be produced. Such allowance shall
    cover a period of twenty-four hours from the time of departure or return, or
    the whole period occupied in travelling if such period is less than twenty-four
    hours.