Voted Nay
I think since shafts serve no functional purpose for level 0's/level 1's that are starting out there is no need for the town hall to be spending money funding their purchase, furthermore a shaft is only 8 pounds in the first place, not a huge investment if the newcomer would like one.
As far as the army's requirement for the shaft for promotion I feel thats the players choice and if they do purchase a shaft, it show's their dedication to the army, if they are handed it for free/even cheaper then the low 8 pound price then they are not working for their promotion.
My thoughts.
Mike Black