REPORT ON THE NEW ZEALAND PERMANENT AND VOLUNTEER FORCES.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1893 Session I, H-09

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1893. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORT ON THE NEW ZEALAND PERMANENT AND VOLUNTEER FORCES.

PAET I.

BY LIEUT.-COLONEL F. J. FOX.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

WELLINGTON. BY AUTHOEITT: SAMUEL COSTALL, GOVEBNMENT PBINTEE FOE THE TIME BEING.

CONTENTS.

PAET I. 1. COVERING LETTER. 2. REPORT ON WORKS, ARTILLERY, SUBMARINE MINING, TORPEDO-BOATS, ETC. 3. REPORT ON PERMANENT FORCES — (1) ARTILLERY; (2) SUBMARINE MINING; (3) PAID OFFICERS. 4. REPORT ON VOLUNTEERS BY DISTRICTS. 5. GENERAL REPORT ON VOLUNTEERS. G. GENERAL CONDITIONS GOVERNING RECOMMENDATIONS. 7. PRESENT ORGANIZATION. 8. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS. >.). SCHEDULE OF PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT. 10. ESTIMATES. 11. APPENDICES.

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REPORT ON THE NEW ZEALAND PERMANENT AND VOLUNTEER FORCES.

Youii Excellency,— Defence Office, Wellington, 14th February, 1893. I have the honour to forward herewith my report on the New Zealand Defence Forces and Defences, with my recommendations as to the future organization of the former and completion of the latter. As soon as possible after my arrival in the colony I obtained an interview with the Hon. Minister of Defence, who introduced me to the Premier. At that interview I asked—(l) That sufficient time should be given to me to enable me to make a thorough inspection of the defences and all corps in the colony, and that I should have full opportunity of studying the organization at present existing before being called upon to make recommendations as to a future organization; (2) that I should not be called upon to take actual command of the Forces until I had sent in my report and recommendations; (3) that matters should be allowed to go on as heretofore, so that I might be able to see exactly how things were working. My requests were acceded to. On the 13th December, 1892, I received a telegram from the Under-Secretary for Defence, intimating that the Minister wished for my report at latest by the end of January, and that he thought the inspections at out-of-the-way places immaterial. Eecognising the importance of submitting my report as early as possible in the present year, so that it might be fully considered before the meeting of Parliament, I wrote on the 13th December, 1892, the following letter to the Hon. the Defence Minister. This letter appears to have been mislaid, and it was not until the Ist February, 1893, that I obtained the reply of the Minister, as given beneath the letter : — " Sic,— " Milton, 13th December, 1892. " I have this day received a telegram from the Acting Under-Secretary for Defence to the effect that you wish to get my report at latest by the end o£ next month, and that you think the inspections at out-of-the-way places immaterial. I will do my best to have my report ready for you by the end of January, but as such report must necessarily include a scheme for the reorganization of the New Zealand defence forces, for which purpose I was primarily brought to this colony, it is necessary that J should be given some indication as to the annual amount which the Government will think fit to recommend or sanction for the up-keep of its defences, and of its Permanent and Volunteer Forces. I shall be obliged if you will give me the information I desire at your earliest convenience, so that I may be in possession of the necessary data on which to base my recommendations. " From the knowledge I have gained, I have great hopes of, with perhaps a small additional expenditure per annum, with the completion and placing in an efficient state the present works of defence, and with the supply of new rifles to the New Zealand Forces, putting the colony in a very much better state of defence than at present exists. " I have, &c, "F. J. Fox, Colonel, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. " Commandant, N.Z. Forces." Minute on the above :— " In giving a report upon the defences of the colony, and what in the Commandant's opinion is required to place the same in a proper and efficient state, I am of the opinion such report should be made without reference to Government as to amount available. —"E. J. S.—l/2/93." The reply of the Hon. the Defence Minister has thrown on me the burden of not only putting forward the recommendations which I deem absolutely necessary, but also of making those recommendations fit in with what I personally consider as the sum which it is right for the colony to spend in her defence. This is a very grave responsibility. Believing that the colony cannot reasonably be called upon to spend more money on her defences than I have estimated, and recognising the absolute impossibility of having a more wide or extended form of defence, and at the same time an efficient one for that money, I have deliberately elected only to attempt the defence of the four chief ports and of the principal coaling-port. 2—H. 9.

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. I am fully aware that points of weakness exist round the coast, but also know that no attempt can be made to defend those points without a very considerably increased expenditure, and I am of opinion that the risks to be incurred are not sufficient to make that increased expenditure necessary. It will be found that my yearly estimate of expenditure is considerably below the annual expenditure of the last eight years, but I have strong grounds for stating that, if my recommendations are adopted, a satisfactory state of efficiency will prevail, instead of the present state of chaos. I trust that my recommendations may meet with the approval of your Excellency and of your Government. I wish to point out that all the recommendations are intimately connected, and the cutting-out of one or the reduction of any of the expenditure proposed will at once alter the whole scheme. In conclusion, I beg respectfully to point out that in my opinion the officers in command of Districts, in the Permanent Artillery, Captain Powell of the Torpedo Corps, Captain Coleman, who, in addition to his present duties, will have to work as adjutant of the Wellington District, and Captain Anderson, on whom devolves very great responsibility in charge of stores and magazines, are insufficiently paid, considering the responsibility they each have and the work they have to perform. The present rate was fixed upon during a period of trouble and retrenchment. That period has, I believe, now passed. I have, &c, F. J. Fox, Lieut.-Colonel, Commandant, N.Z. Defence Forces. To His Excellency The Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., Governor and Commander in Chief, New Zealand.

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2.—REPORT ON WOBKS AND ARMAMENT. 1. WOEKS. A detailed report on the works both completed and in construction, together with recommendations on this subject, will be found in an accompanying strictly confidential return. For the purpose of this report it is unnecessary for me to say more than that most of the works were either put up or designed during the scare of 1885, when in many instances the best available sites were taken for the 7in. and 64pr. R.M.L. guns then in the colony. Forts were also constructed to mount most of the 6in. B.L. guns, and two Bin. B.L. guns (at Ripa) at the same time. These \ works are generally of bad design, the guns being too crowded together. This fault is so intensified in the work on Ripa Island that I have decided on recommending that two of its guns should be mounted on the north shore of Lyttelton Harbour, thus bringing them into action and relieving the present congestion. The gunpits more recently constructed are excellent specimens. Generally throughout the construction of the emplacements for the H.P. mountings of the B.L. guns has been very good. There has never been any difficulty in training these weapons. The 7in. R.M.L. and 64-pr. R.M.L. guns are nearly all on wooden drums. The woodwork put up in 1885 has stood wonderfully well, but now begins to show signs of decay. lam reducing as many of these guns as possible, in order to save expense of alteration. For several of the most important works there are no range-finders. As the efficiency of the defence very largely depends on these articles, a supply of the proper mark should be immediately ordered. 2. Armament. -The armament consists of guns distributed as shown in the confidential return. The Bin. and 6in. B.L. guns are mounted on H.P. disappearing carriages. The guns and carriages have been kept in excellent order; but I regret to report that the Ordnance Committee have decided that it is unsafe to fire the 6in. B.L. guns in their present state, and that it will be necessary to send them Home for chase-hooping, after which the guns will fire different charges from those at present in the colony. The cost of sending the guns Home, having them altered, bringing them out, and remounting them, together with the cost of changes in ammunition and sights, will be about £700 per gun, or £9,100 in all. I recommend that this change be made gradually, so that the total cost of alteration may not fall on the colony in any one year, and have distributed the amount over three years—£3,soo for the first year, and £2,800 per year for the two following years. I may here state that blame cannot be attached to any individual in regard to these guns. At the time of manufacture they were looked upon as quite sufficiently strong. It is only from experience that we have learnt the fact of their weakness. The 7in. R.M.L. guns are mounted on iron carriages on tr aver sing-platforms. The elevating gear is obsolete, and requires alteration. It is extremely difficult, and takes an excessive amount of time, to lay the guns with the present gear. As before stated, lam reducing a large number of these guns. The 64-pr. R.M.L, guns are mounted on iron overbank-carriages on traversing-plat-forms. They are in good order. The 64-pr. converted R.M.L. guns are on wooden garrison-carriages, which are generally unserviceable. These guns are not mounted in any work of defence. They should be withdrawn. There are ten 6-pr. Q.F. Nordenfeldt guns on pillar mountings with recoil-gear, in good order. There are ten 6-pr. Nordenfeldt guns on travelling-carriages, in good order. In store there are two 6-pr. and one 3-pr. Hotchkiss guns, and one Maxim gun, taking the -45 cartridge, of which there are 11,000. There are six 12-pr. R.B.L. guns, which have been in the colony since brought here in Mercer's Battery. These guns, with their limbers, are unserviceable. Eighteen 9-pr. R.B.L. guns are distributed amongst five field batteries of Volunteers. The guns are generally ill-kept. They have no wagons, hardly any equipment, no range-finders, wornout side-arms, and no small stores, nor is there any proper amount of ammunition kept for them. These weapons are serviceable, and should be properly cared for and distributed in three batteriesone at Auckland, one at Christchurch, and one at Dunedin. Equipment and ammunition should be kept up. The officer commanding the Permanent Artillery in each centre should be made responsible for their care. There are ten 6-pr. R.B.L. guns with carriages and limbers distributed between three Volunteer field batteries. These guns are unserviceable, and should be withdrawn. In various parts of the colony there are ten 24-pr. howitzers, eight 24-pr. S.B. guns, three 12-pr. S.B. and two 32-pr. S.B. guns. These weapons are serving no good purpose. They are quite obsolete, and should be returned to store. The B.L. guns mounted have a complement of 100 rounds per gun, and those not mounted have their complement in store. There should be a reserve of 50 rounds per gun in store. There is a complement of 200 rounds per gun for the 6-pr. Nordenfeldts. This is sufficient. There are 200 rounds per gun for the R.M.L. guns. There are only 65 rounds of shell per gun for the 9-pr. R.B.L. guns, and a total of but 106 time-fuzes. The complement should be raised to 150 rounds per gun, with the proper proportion of fuzes. There is sufficient ammunition for the Hocchkiss guns.

Note. — Vide special note on 6in. B.L. guns, Part 11., page i.

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3. SUBMAEINE-MINING DEFENCE. The submarine-mining defences of the chief ports are at the present moment valueless. In each there are vital deficiencies which render them incomplete. It is only during the past few months that mine-field plans have been made. This work has been admirably executed by the Defence Engineer. They have been approved by me, and passed by the senior naval officer on the New Zealand station. It would be extremely inadvisable to enter into detail regarding this defence, but I can assure the Government that it does not represent more than a partially-built wall round a garden, the gates and a considerable portion being unconstructed. For the laying-out of the mines there are not sufficient men, nor are there boats fitted for the work. At Wellington, the capital of the colony, there is a Government launch, the " Ellen Ballance." She should be altered to suit requirements in laying out the mines, and in order that the Volunteers, on whom we are completely dependent, should have proper training. It is absolutely necessary that the mines should be laid in the precise position allotted to them, otherwise gaps in the defence must occur. Practice alone can make men capable of doing the required work. 4. Torpedo-boats and Equipment. There are four second-class torpedo-boats (Thorneycroft's) in the colony. They are stationed— one at Auckland, one at Wellington, one at Lyttelton, and one at Dunedin. These boats have been nine years in the colony. Originally they were fitted for the spar torpedo, which form of torpedo has been discarded in favour of the Whitehead torpedo. There are certain Whitehead torpedoes (mark Fiume) in the colony—some at Wellington, and some at Auckland. To project these torpedoes it was intended that the boats should be fitted with droppinggear, and that the equipment of each boat should be one torpedo at each side. The boats at Auckland and Wellington are fitted with dropping-gear; those at Lyttelton and Dunedin are not so fitted.. The maximum speed of these boats is fifteen knots; the maximum range of the torpedo, 400 yards. The boats could not live in any sea-way. The dropping of one of the torpedoes would at once capsize the boat. Even in smooth water it is hazardous to drop a torpedo without having men on deck to change sides and counterbalance the loss of weight immediately the torpedo is discharged. It would be perfectly hopeless to attempt using these boats in daylight against a vessel carrying quick-firing guns. On the other hand, at night-time the boats would be very serviceable, giving to the defence a great moral effect, and fast boats for use as guard-boats.

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3.—PEEMANENT FOKCES.

(1.) PERMANENT ARTILLERY.

* Eighteen are recruits, enlisted since 1st October, 1892. The number and ranks of the officers may seem slightly out of proportion to the number of non-commissioned officers and men, but this is not the case. The four senior officers have each the whole responsibility of the care and preservation of the works and armaments of their particular centres—Major Goring (also Lieutenant-Colonel) is in command of the whole of the Volunteer Forces in the Auckland district; Major Messenger, at Wellington, has the work of the recruiting and depot of the Permanent Artillery and Torpedo Corps ; and these officers, together with Major Sir A. Douglas and Captain Morrison, at Lyttelton and Dunedin respectively, are, or should be, in addition to being in charge of the armament of their own stations, made responsible for the instruction and efficiency of the various Artillery Volunteer corps belonging to their centres; while Lieutenant Hume has but recently joined the service. L-I cannot speak too highly of the intelligence displayed and the work done by these officers, admirably aided as they have been by the services of MasterGunner Neville, E.A., Sergeant-Major Bush, and Sergeant-Major Parker, both late E.A. StaffSergeant Eichardson, E.A., is also a most excellent, intelligent, and smart non-commissioned officer, doing very good work. The non-commissioned officers and gunners of the Permanent Artillery are very highly trained, and capable of doing higher work than their rank denotes. They are well educated, intelligent, and drawn from a very superior class; very well behaved. I have inspected this branch thoroughly, both as to their own knowledge and as to their powers of instruction in imparting knowledge to the Naval Artillery and to certain cadet corps, and am fully satisfied. This corps has very unjustly suffered from treatment which it in no way deserves, and which I believe to be quite unwarranted. Parliament has sanctioned the establishment to be as shown above. It has been the custom to curtail of non-commissioned officers and higher-paid gunners, keeping the larger proportion of men on less pay than it was evidently intended they should enjoy. This is assuredly unjustifiable. With a corps so highly trained and so generally efficient as this one is it is difficult to believe that there is no prescribed uniform. The men buy their own uniform, and have been allowed to go to different tailors for it. The result, of course, has been that there are numbers of different cloths of different hues amongst the tunics and frocks, and also there is considerable diversity in the pattern in which these articles are made up. There has been some endeavour made to follow the uniform of the Eoyal Artillery, New Zealand badges being worn. This endeavour should be made a certainty of, and care must be devoted to that end. It will be greatly to the advantage of the colony if Lieutenant Hume be allowed to proceed to England to go through a short course of gunnery and the Firemaster's course. He has offered to pay his own passage to England and back, asking for personal allowance while going through these or other courses. I consider that his offer is a very good one, and have strongly recommended that advantage be taken of it. It is with much regret that I have to mention the fact that Lieutenant-Colonel Goring is, on account of ill-health, obliged to proceed to England. He has served his country for nearly thirty years without leaving her shores, and fully deserves the leave he asks for on full pay. Belonging to the Permanent Artillery is a body of artificers. These men do the work and correspond generally to the ordnance artificers in the Imperial service. They suffer under a grievance, which I brought to the notice of the Hon. the Defence Minister in a letter dated the 21st May, 1892. These men have no executive rank, are obliged to attend parades as gunners, and possibly be under the supervision of a third-class gunner, while, if the work to be done is an artificers' fatigue, the non-commissioned officers and men of the working-party are under the supervision of the artificers. There are two classes of artificers—fitter artificers, who have charge of the working of the machinery connected with the ordnance, and the wheeler artificers, who are practically carpenters. There is no comparison between the responsibility of these two classes, or as regards the amount of technical knowledge required of them—for instance, the two fitter

u o to .3 o CD "3 CD a I CO EG 03 El o> f." 02 ■I o Lo a o 03 o Gunners, Total. First Class. Second Class Third Class. 'he Permanent Artillery has an establishment of Vith a present strength of... 3 3 1 1 1 1 4 3 4 5 4 2 4 2 12 12 27 25 30 13 52 66 142 133* 'he Force is distributed at— Auckland Wellington Lyttelton Dunedin 1 1 1 i 1 i i 1 2 1 J. 1 i i 3 3 3 3 8 9 3 5 3 4 3 3 11 35 8 12 29 56 21 27 "i i Total 3 i l 12 25 13 66 133

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artificers in Wellington have the responsibility of keeping in order machinery worth some £48,000, and the wheeler artificer has no practical responsibility. The former must have a good working knowledge of fitting, turning, and blacksmithing, and be able to repair range-finders, pressuregauges, &c.; whereas the latter are only simple carpenters. The men join as acting artificers, and must serve as such for two years before being posted as artificers on 7s. per diem; and for the rest of their service, up to the age of sixty, they remain in the same position, and on the same pay. The fitter artificers are, in my opinion, not well paid, considering their value and responsibility. The men are very efficient, and have kept their guns and machinery in excellent order. I consider that something should be done for them, and propose that, after two years' good service as artificers, they should be promoted to the rank of bombardier artificers, with pay at 7s. 6d. per diem ; on completion of a further term of three years' good service they should become corporal artificers, with pay at Bs. per diem; and after a further term of three years' good service should become sergeant artificeis, with pay at Bs. 6d. per diem. Wheeler artificers should be given the rank according to the above scale for fitter artificers, but I do not consider that there is any necessity to increase their pay, as they are well paid at present, considering their work and responsibility. Artificers should not be looked upon as combatant men. There is no necessity to drill them or make them attend parades as ordinary soldiers. Nor do I consider it advisable to have them dressed in the Artillery uniform. They have plenty of their own work to keep them constantly employed, and their work necessitates their being always in fatigue dress. The present uniform of pea jacket and peaked cap, with badge, is a serviceable one, and the officer commanding Permanent Artillery should be responsible that one suit must be maintained in good order. (2.) SUBMAEINE-MINING GOEPS. This corps, called the Torpedo Corps, is composed of permanently-enlisted and paid men, with two officers holding the rank of captain in the New Zealand Militia.

Attached to the corps are the Torpedo Instructor and one Sergeant-major Instructor, K.E. Captain Falconer (late First-class Staff Sergeant-instructor, E. 8.) is in charge of the corps at Wellington, and Captain Powell in charge at Auckland. Captain Falconer is also the chief instructor and inspector in submarine-mining and torpedo work. At both these stations are collected plant and appliances for mine-fields. The men of the corps have, in addition to their submarine-mining duty, to furnish crews for the four torpedo-boats and for the four steam-launches performing the daily duties at the four centres. They have also the instruction of the submarine-mining portion of the Naval Artillery Volunteers. The men are enlisted from various sources, and not in accordance with the requirements of the corps. In a small body such as this, requiring a certain number of engine-men, of stokers, of artificers, carpenters, &c, if a vacancy occurs in either of these sections it is useless taking on a man unqualified to fill it. The men are supposed to be enlisted as third-class torpedomen, and to work up until they become first class, and eventually petty officers. As this arrangement may at any moment, and does at the present, deal very hardly with a particular class, I propose dividing the corps into sections composed of engineers, artificers, testers, and submarine miners, so that a proportion of the petty officers, first-class, second-class, and third-class men shall belong to each section. It has occurred, however, that men have been taken on in this corps who not only had no qualification, but have been actually enlisted as first-class torpedomen over the heads of those already in the corps. It was found that a diver was required to do some particular work. For this purpose a man was enlisted as a first-class torpedoman. Other men have been also enlisted as first-class torpedomen, and some receive Bs. per diem, while the pay of a first-class man is on the estimates at 7s. per diem. The promotion of the men in the corps has been thus unjustifiably stopped. If it was found necessary to take on a diver, the man should have been enlisted as a third-class man, and should receive special pay for his own particular work as a diver.

CO a O & o « s O o >> .a £ 'OB en a CM H "3 o & o o o Pj o O 13 rt o o a> a> Artificers and First Class. Tori ledome: Total. Second Class. Third Class. 'he establishment is ... Vith a present strength of 2 2 4 I 4 ! 1 1 2 1 6 4 14 17 18 9 15 25 62 63 'he Force is distributed at — Auckland ... Wellington Lyttelton ... Dunedin ... I 1 1 1 1 1 1 "i 1 1 2 6 4 2 5 4 4 3 19 3 16 33 6 8 "l i Total ... 2 17 25 63

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On enlistment, a man joins at the permanent depot, and is there put through his recruit drill under an instructor from the staff of the Permanent Artillery. The man then joins the torpedo establishment at Shelly Bay, where he is instructed in his work, and on completion either kept there or sent to one of the other centres, as circumstances may require. An enormous proportion of the men are married. At Shelly Bay there is no accommodation for married men, so they have to live either in Wellington or at Kilbirnie. Those living at Wellington go over to their work at 9 a.m., returning at i p.m. Those living at Kilbirnie have a very long walk there and back each day. Some limit should be imposed, or care taken that only unmarried men should be enlisted unless under very special circumstances, such as when it is necessary to obtain the services of a trained engineer, and only a married man of good character is available. Both the stations at Wellington and Auckland for submarine-mining work and torpedo work are very well cared for, and in as good order as they can be considering the deficiency that exists in certain stores. At Lyttelton and Dunedin the detachments are chiefly employed in looking after the torpedoboats and steam-launches at those stations. At Lyttelton no submarine-mining establishment is kept up. At Dunedin there is one at Deborah Bay. At neither station is the installation put up for charging the Whitehead torpedoes. The instruction is complete, and the men are very capable. They are very well behaved. The men are armed with Snider artillery carbines and sword-bayonets, with brown-leather belts and slings. The uniform of the corps is peaked cap, pea-jacket, and trousers. There is no pretension to smartness in this dress, nor is any drill really attempted. The men of the corps are so much employed on board the boats, or as engineers or artificers, that drill is practically out of the question. In the early mornings, when such work ought to be done, the absence of the men who cannot get to their work before 9.30 puts a stop to the morning parade. Under these circumstances, as it seems quite impossible to smarten up the appearance of the men, I do not consider that it would be advisable to-put them into smart uniform. Captain Falconer is a very capable officer, who works hard to keep himself up to the times. It is now many years since he was at the School of Military Engineering. He keeps his station in excellent order. Captain Powell is a very painstaking and efficient officer. He is thoroughly capable of looking after his own station, and taking charge of the instruction of the men in the Auckland district. There is no necessity for Captain Falconer to go to that district in future. It is only necessary to see that matters are carried out uniformly at each station, and this I shall be able to attend to. Captain Falconer will have to visit Christchurch and Dunedin as heretofore. Mr. Hill, the Whitehead torpedo instructor and inspector, does his work capably. He has considerable responsibility. Sergeant-major Gunn, E.E., is a thoroughly efficient instructor. (3.) REPORT ON OFFICERS ON THE STAFF. I have much pleasure in reporting that I have found the officers employed on the staff of the defence forces of the colony to be very capable. All except those mentioned below are reported on in other parts of the report. Mr. A. Dillon Bell. —As Defence Engineer, Mr. Bell has done most excellent work. The Bin. and Bin. gun emplacements constructed under his guidance are models of what they should be. He has successfully grappled with the very difficult task of laying the racers for these guns, and I may here state that there has been practically no difficulty regarding them since they have passed out of his hands. Mr. Bell's latest work has been the surveying of the mine-fields, which work has been most thoroughly done. He is gifted with great intelligence and power of work, and never spares himself in carrying out that work. Although I have included Mr. Bell as one of the defence staff in New Zealand, he is not actually on the estimates of the Defence Department. I consider that a Defence Engineer is always necessary. £206,000 have been spent up to the present time in the construction of the New Zealand defence-works. Alterations will have to be made in some of these works. In some cases new works will have to be constructed. Work is always on hand. Each fort and battery requires constant attention. No Commandant could carry out his duties satisfactorily to the colony without a responsible engineer in charge of the works. The colony is to be congratulated on possessing the services of such an officer as Mr. Bell. The salary of the Defence Engineer, £600, is but a small insurance on the cost of construction of the works, and will be repeatedly saved to the colony, provided the post is efficiently held. The importation of a Eoyal Engineer officer would be a much more expensive arrangement for the colony. A very great deal is due to Major-General Schaw, C.8., late E.E., for the interest he has always taken in the works, and for the assistance he has given to the Defence Engineer. Captain Coleman. —Captain Coleman is instructor of the Cavalry and Mounted Eifie corps, and is also in charge of the recruits of the Permanent Forces. He is a very painstaking and capable officer, very well in touch with the Volunteers, possessing good manners with the men, and considerable tact. I propose to further utilise this officer's services as adjutant of the Wellington District, to assist Lieutenant-Colonel Newall, who is overworked. Captain Anderson is Storekeeper. This officer has a great deal of responsibility ; keeps his stores in good order, and is thoroughly competent and to be relied on.

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4.—EEPOET ON VOLUNTEBES BY DISTEICTS.

(1.) REPORT ON WELLINGTON VOLUNTEER DISTRICT.

In charge of this district is Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Newall, N.Z. Militia. The actual control of all the Volunteer corps —their inspection, drills, musters, capitation accounts, examination, &c.—is in his hands. He is also responsible for the quarterly examination of any acting officers throughout the colony, being the head of and last remnant of the Central Board which existed some years ago. He has also to carry out the annual inspection of arms in the Napier district, and to check and keep the returns of the volley and independent firing of every Volunteer corps in the colony, rendering a return of the whole in order of merit to the Defence Department at end of the year. To aid him he has one sergeant-instructor (Finn) in Wellington and one sergeant-instructor (McMillan) in Wanganui. Colonel Newall visits the corps at Wanganui (3), Marton (1), Feilding (1), Palmerston (1), Masterton (1), Petone (1), and Wellington (5), making, in all, thirteen corps monthly, and the corps at Taranaki quarterly; and Sergeant-Instructor Finn drills each corps at Masterton, Petone, and Wellington—making seven corps—once in each month. Sergeant-Instructor McMillan drills each corps at Taranaki, Wanganui, Marton, Feilding, and Palmerston—making seven corps—monthly ; and, in addition, the sergeant-instructors drill the recruits at Wanganui and Wellington at least once a week. The office-work of the district more than fully occupies every available minute both of Colonel Newall's and of Sergeant-Major Finn's time, and it is also their duty to attend all the volley and independent and Government medal-competition firing of the corps in the district, necessitating their being frequently up before 4 a.m. Class-firing is also largely under the supervision of SergeantMajor Finn. In addition, the drilling of the cadets falls upon the shoulders of the two sergeantinstructors. The work carried out yearly by Lieutenant-Colonel Newall and Sergeant-Instructor Finn is very great, and, in reality, far too much for even such energetic and excellent men. The general appearance and condition of affairs in this district compares very favourably with that of any other district in the colony, and this is, in ray opinion, due to the very hard-working and energetic commanding officer, and his excellent sergeant-instructor (Sergeant-Major Finn). Naval Abtilleby Volunteers. The Wellington Naval Artillery corps is in very good order, officers, petty officers, and men taking great pride in their corps. The Petone Naval Artillery corps is satisfactory. The Wanganui Naval Artillery corps is simply an infantry corps, and a very good one. Field Aetilleey. The Field Artillery in Wellington is well instructed. All concerned show much interest. The guns (6-pr. E.B.L. guns) are unfit for service, and the equipment is in very bad condition. Cavaley. The Alexandra Cavalry corps is in a good state. The Eangitikei Cavalry was inspected by me in very wet weather. I had no opportunity of thoroughly carrying out my inspection, but I judge that the corps is not up to the standard.

Wellington District. I §1 A i a § I a 3 Q I to Hi K m i I f 11 ® to o t> w I till III jB5 go OS »S 111'111 <D O O O O « 02 O o 0Q Q CD I I Officer Commanding District Staff sergeant Wellington Naval Artillery Volunteers Petone Naval Artillery Volunteers .. D Battery Artillery Volunteers Heretaunga Mounted Bifle Volunteers Wellington City Rifle Volunteers .. Wellington Guards Volunteers Wellington Rifle Volunteers Masterton Rifle Volunteers Wellington Garrison Band Alexandra Cavalry Volunteers Wairoa Mounted Bifle Volunteers .. Rangitikei Cavalry Volunteers Hawera Mounted Bifle Volunteers.. Manawatu Mounted Rifle Volunteers Wanganui Naval Artillery Volunteers Boyal Rangitikei Rifle Volunteers .. Wanganui Bifle Volunteers Taranaki Rifle Volunteers Palmerston North Bifle Volunteers Manchester Bifle Volunteers Albert Rifle Volunteers Wanganui Garrison Band.. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 '2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 i" i 1 1 1 1 i i i i 2* 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 5 4 3 4 2 2 4 3 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 1 2 4 4 3 3 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 87 52 55 41 54 47 42 38 23 49 46 36 49 42 54 47 52 60 50J 89 40 17 1 2 105 67 71 57 69 62 56 53 26 61 60 49 62 55 68 57 65 71 59 J 50 50 20 .J i" 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Totals .. 1 18 39 ■H 8 4 2 23 78 72 27 1020 11296

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Mounted Eifles. The corps generally are in good order, considering how they have been raised (vide my general report on mounted infantry). Infantey. The infantry corps in the district are much above the average. This I attribute to the personal instruction and supervision which they have received from Lieutenant-Colonel Newall, who visits each corps as nearly as possible once during each month. Major Quick is always ready to render any assistance in his power when called on.

D Battbby, N.Z. Aetillbey.—26th July, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 6 sergeants, and 46 rank and file. Absent: 14 rank and file. Uniform. —N.Z. Artillery. Arms and Accoutrements. —Four 6-pr. E.B.L. guns; Snider artillery carbine; buff sword-belts. Officers. —Captain St. Hill: Will be efficient. Lieutenant G. Johnston : Keen and intelligent; good officer. Lieutenant G. Pearce : A capable and willing officer. Noii-commissioned Officers. —Good. Captain St. Hill had but lately been appointed as Acting-Captain of this corps. From what I saw of him, and of the spirit evinced, lam satisfied that he will succeed. Lieutenants Johnston and Pearce are good officers, who work well. The non-commissioned officers and men appear to be taking much interest in their work. The battery was seen by me on the afternoon of the 30th July. There were present three officers and thirty-seven rank and file. I drilled the battery, and was much pleased to find that all ranks worked with much intelligence. Once a movement was explained it was at once done satisfactorily: Major McCredie was present. I consider this will be a very efficient battery as regards its officers, non-commissioned officers, and men. The guns—four 6-pr. E.B.L. guns—are in such a bad state that they are not fit for use ; other guns must be provided for this battery. Wellington Naval Aetilleey.—27th July, 1892. Present : 1 lieutenant-commander, 3 sub-lieutenants, 6 petty officers, 37 seamen (gunners), and 32 seamen (submarine miners). Absent: 14 seamen (gunners) and 14 seamen (submarine miners). Uniform. —N.Z. Naval Artillery. This corps has also gaiters and straw hats. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle; black belts, in good order. Officers. —Lieutenant-Commander Duncan: A very excellent commanding officer; takes great interest in his corps, and does his best for his officers and men. Sub-Lieutenant Campbell: An excellent officer; very keen ; gunnery lieutenant. Sub - Lieutenant Bell: An excellent officer ; torpedo lieutenant. Sub-Lieutenant Hume : A young officer, taking great interest in his work, attached to gunnery —6in.-8.L.-gun drill. Petty Officers. —Of a good stamp; hard-working and intelligent. Men. —Good quality ; intelligent, and taking great pride in their corps. I saw a squad at 6in.-8.L.-gun drill at Mount Cook, and squads at 7in.-E.M.L.-gun drill in the drill-shed. The work was efficiently done, but I would like to urge that a higher standard of intelligence may easily be reached by a higher class of instruction —men cannot be as interested in mere manual labour as they can be were the reasons for the manual labour fully explained to them at the time. The mere fact of telling a man he must or must not do a certain thing is not, to my mind, sufficient. The reasons should be explained to him, and his intelligence brought into play. I also saw squads at submarine-mining work. The manual labour was very well done, but the above remarks as to higher instruction bringing out intelligence and interest here also apply. The men are fully intelligent : it will be well to make the best use of their powers. The corps is also well trained in infantry work. This is an extremely creditable corps, reflecting great credit on its officers and on the spirit evoked by them amongst the men. I inspected three detachments of this corps at work with 6in. 8.L., 7in. E.M.L., and 6-pr. Q.F. Nordenfeldt guns on the afternoon of the 4th February, 1893. The men were well up in their work. It is to be regretted that so few men were present. Wellington City Guards.—2Bth July, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, and 42 rank and file. Absent: 7 rank and file. Uniform. —Guards uniform, full and undress; in shabby condition. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Paterson: Is, I judge, a good officer. Lieutenant Porritt: A smart young officer. Lieutenant McAlister : Lately joined. Non-commissioned Officers. —Fair. I was not quite satisfied with their drill, but this will be remedied. Men. —A good class. Drill. —The turn-out was clean, but the uniform is not in good condition. The men drilled well, but they were not quite so well handled by the officers and non-commissioned officers as I should desire. I think that this corps is improving, and have great hopes of being able to report very favourably on it later on. 3—H. 9.

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Wellington Eiflbs.—29th July, 1892. Present: 2 lieutenants, 4 sergeants, and 32 rank and file. Absent: 6 rank and file. Unifotm. —Scarlet; bad. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts, badly fitted. Officers. —Captain : None. Lieutenant Isherwood : Has been in command for some months; he is keen in his work, but is too inexperienced as yet for command. Lieutenant Duthie : A young officer ; intelligent, and anxious to learn. Non-commissioned Officers. —Not up to the mark. Men. —Young. The drill of this corps was weak all round. It is considerably below the minimum strength. I am in great hopes that a man of good position and influence may soon be found to take command of this corps and give it the support at present sadly needed. There are not enough Volunteers in Wellington to admit of our losing this corps. Every help should be given in order to put' it on its legs. Wellington City Eifles.—lst August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 5 sergeants, and 53 rank and file. Absent: 4 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet; black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle, &c.; white belts ;in good order. Officers. —Captain Collins : A very good officer. Lieutenant Wilson : Capable. Non-commissioned Officers. —Are well drilled and intelligent. Men. —Well turned out and drilled. This is a very creditable corps. Captain Collins takes very great interest in his men, and they repay him by taking a great pride in their corps. Petone Naval Aetilleey.—2nd August, 1892. - Present: 1 lieutenant-commander, 2 sub-lieutenants, 3 petty officers, 28 gunners, and 18 torpedomen. Absent: 2 petty officers, 6 gunners, and 4 torpedomen. Uniform. —New Zealand Naval Artillery, in good order. Anns and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; black belts. Officers. —Lieutenant-Commander Davy : A hard-working, attentive commanding officer. SubLieutenant Kirk : A keen, energetic officer; devotes much time; torpedo-lieutenant. Sub-Lieutenant Field: A young officer, recently appointed to be gunnery-lieutenant. Petty Officers. —A good stamp. Men. —Fine physique, intelligent, and much interested in their work. I saw squads at submarine-mining work under Lieutenant Kirk. This was well done, and reflects credit on the officer concerned. 1 was unable to see the gunners at their gun-drill, but have done so since—on the 31st January, 1893. There were only 14 gunners on parade. These men, however, proved very capable of working a 6-pr. B.L. gun intelligently. The infantry drill was weak. This I fully expected, and am more desirous of seeing navals know their gunnery and submarine-mining work well than that they should have a smattering of these and a greater knowledge of infantry work. This corps is in good order. Masteeton Eifles. —9th August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, and 31 rank and file. Absent: 13 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet; helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifles ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Pownall: Not sufficiently keen about his work. Lieutenant Hooper: Not efficient. Lieutenant Malcolm : Capable. Non-commissioned Officers. —Very inefficient. Men. —Fair. Turn-out. —The uniform was in many cases much the reverse of creditable. This corps is in financial difficulties. Captain Pownall put the company through some movements. His word of command was generally correct, but he was unable to see whether his orders were correctly obeyed, or of correcting the faults which were made. Lieutenant Hooper proved to be very indifferent in his work when being drilled, and in drilling the company himself. Lieutenant Malcolm, who was under examination for his commission, did creditably. The non-commissioned officers did not know their duties as guides or markers, and were quite unable to drill the men. The men did fairly, considering the poor support they received from officers and non-commissioned officers. They were quite without knowledge of fire discipline. This corps is in an inefficient state. Mastebton Cadet Coeps.—9th August, 1892. Present: 1 captain and 54 cadets. Absent: 5 cadets. Uniform. —None. Arms. —lo Snider carbines, 44 muzzle-loading carbines. Officer. —Captain Jackson. Cadets. —Boys, ages varying from about eleven to fifteen years. The arms were rusty and dirty. I found that the cadets were practically undrilled. Captain Jackson, the sole officer and practically the only drill-instructor, proved quite incapable. He informed me that he had not taken much interest in the military drill, which he had left to

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Sergeant-Major Finn, who had only been able to instruct the boys five times up to the time of my inspection this year. This, of course, is perfectly useless, the boys quite forgetting what has been taught in one lesson before the next one comes off. Captain Jackson told me that there was a credit of £60 in the bank. This money, I consider, belongs to the Government. lam of opinion that the corps should be disbanded, a statement of accounts being called for, and the balance taken over. Tabanaki Bifles. —12th September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 3 sergeants, and 51 rank and file. Absent: 13 rank and file. Uniform. —Kharkee, new, with breast-pockets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle; some men with sword-bayonets, some with artillery bayonets ; white belts ; clean generally. Officers. —Captain James Paul: Likely to be a very efficient officer. Lieutenants Okey and Cock : Have not had sufficient practice in drilling their men. This will be attended to. Non-commissioned Officers. —Will be efficient with more practice in drill. One—Sergeant Hooker—gave very great promise. Men. —A fine body of men. General Remarks. —The commanding officer of this corps has lately been changed. It has had but little instruction from the sergeant-instructors, as one has recently been retrenched. Added to this, a large number of recruits were in the ranks. Taking these facts into consideration, I think that the corps is in a very healthy state. Major Ellis, who was on parade, has been taking considerable interest in drilling the men. Brigade-Surgeon O'Carroll was also present, and has undertaken the instruction of an ambulance class. An excellent drill-hall has recently been erected. The band attached to the corps is a very good one, and well supported by the town. In general I found matters satisfactory. New Plymouth School Cadets.—l3th September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 4 sergeants, and 26 rank and file. Absent: 16 rank and file. Uniform. —The cadets were very well turned out, in good-fitting uniforms. Arms and Accoutrements. —Cavalry carbine, well cared for; brown belts, in good order. Drill. —Captain Dempsey, who is headmaster of the school, and sole instructor, put the cadets through a number of movements, including skirmishing. He showed very good knowledge of drill, and the cadets were well in hand and worked well. Officer. —Captain Dempsey has devoted much time and care to his work, and deserves great praise. The cadets supported him well, and I consider this corps is worthy of high commendation. Haweba Mounted Eifles.—l4th September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, and 48 rank and file. Absent: 8 rank and file. Uniform. —Kharkee, new, without pockets; booted gaiters. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine; brown belts, in good order. Officers. —Captain N. Johnston : A good officer. Lieutenants Duckworth and Gibson : Will, I judge, be good officers, with practice. Non-commissioned Officers and Men. —A very fine body of men. Horses. —A very good stamp. Drill. —The riding was good throughout. More practice is required in mounting and dismounting, and in detail generally; but, as the corps has only been in existence during two trainings, the first of which was not in uniform, and the second spoilt by rain on four days, a high state of efficiency could not be expected. The corps mustered very well for my inspection, and showed great desire to learn its work by mustering 56 for the last annual training, and also assembles for drill on one day in each quarter of the year. Honorary Surgeon Eichards was present on parade. I consider that this is likely to be a good corps. Waieoa Mounted Eifles (Waveeley).—lsth September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, and 41 rank and file. Absent: 11 rank and file. Uniform. —Blue tunics; cord trousers, of different colours; gaiters; forage-caps. The corps possesses busbies, which are said not to fit well. Arms and Accoutrements. —Cavalry carbine; brown belts; buckets; not well turned out. (Cavalry swords not yet returned to store, but not worn on parade.) Officers. —Captain G. Johnston: Is resigning the command of this corps. Lieutenant Thurston: A good officer. Lieutenant Howie : A very promising officer. Horses. —Fairly good; were seen to disadvantage owing to season of year. Biding. —Good. Drill. —The mounted drill was fairly done under all the officers, Lieutenants Thurston and Howie commanding well. The dismounted drill was, however, indifferently performed, and much attention is required in this most important work. The corps trains for a week annually, but has no regular work during the year. It is most necessary that the men should be got together in some way at least once a quarter. Where the individual members of a corps are scattered far apart, it will be advantageous to organize the men into divisions under the subaltern officers, so that each officer may be able to assemble and drill his division at a convenient central point. I consider that this corps will be a good one in the near future.

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Alexandra Cαvalet (Wanganui). —16th September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 4 sergeants, and 46 rank and file. Absent: 6 rank and file. Uniform. —Hussar uniform ; white helmets, with red plume ; in good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Cavalry carbine and sword; brown belts and buckets. Not uniformly well turned out, recruits not having their accoutrements properly cleaned. Officers. —Captain J. P. Watt: A painstaking officer; has been in command one training ; only wants practice. Lieutenant James Higgie: A good officer. Lieutenant E. Higgie : Eecently appointed; wants practice. Horses. —A good stamp generally. Biding. —Good. Drill. —The mounted work was well done as a rule, but the work was generally too slow in execution. Pursuing practice fairly done. Sword-exercise indifferently done, in both cases at the halt. Words of command were frequently inaccurate. The dismounted work was at the best moderate. I consider that in officers, non-commissioned officers, men, horses, and in esprit de corps we have all that is required to develop an extremely good and useful body, and I am well satisfied with the inspection, believing that the next training will do much in the way of bringing out energy which has up to now been rather in the background. Besides the annual training, the corps assembles for drill once a quarter. Major Sommerville and Captain Lomax attended me on parade. Wanganui Naval Artillery.—l9th September, 1892. Present: 2 lieutenants, 1 chief petty officer, 4 petty officers, and 51 gunners. Absent: 1 captain and 8 gunners. Uniform. —In good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine and sword-bayonet; brown belts. In good order, but two men were without sword-bayonets and one man without a carbine. Officers. —Captain Clapham : Absent on leave from Defence Office. Lieutenant Neill: A good officer, who has been in temporary command for the last six months, and done very well. Lieut. Eussell: A good, keen, energetic officer. Drill. —This corps was drilled by Lieutenants Neill and Eussell, Chief Petty Officer Dustin, and First-class Petty Officers McLean and Bevedge. The work was, on the whole, well done, the officers and Second-class Petty Officer McLean showing that they had given much attention, with excellent results, to their work. I was informed that the other petty officers were very valuable men in the corps. A physical-drill squad did well, as did also an ambulance squad, under Petty Officer Bevedge. These men had been instructed by Hon. Surgeon Saunders, who was present on parade. Of artillery work this corps knows nothing. No instruction has been given in this work for some considerable time. One 6-pr. E.B.L. gun is in charge, from which practice is carried on; but this cannot be of any possible good. In other particulars the corps is in a very good state. Battalion Pabade, Wanganui.—l7th September, 1892. Present : Wanganui Navals, 62; Wanganui Eifles, 50; Albert Biftes, 31; cadet corps, 45; band, 20. Absent: Wanganui Navals, 5 ; Wanganui Eifles, 15 ; Albert Eifles, 21; cadet corps, 18. A very good turn-out of 208 of all ranks, out of a possible total of 267, only marred by the absentees of the Albert Eifles, those of the cadet corps not having returned from their holidays. The men were all round very clean and creditable in their appearance. The battalion drill, under Lieutenant-Colonel Newall, was very well done by all corps except the Albert Eifles; but I regret that, owing to the fewness of daylight parades, the attack was not sufficiently well known for me to see it done. Captain Willis, Albert Eifles ; Captain Watt, Wanganui Eifles; Captain Atkinson, cadet corps; and Lieutenants Neill and Eussell, Naval Artillery, all drilled the battalion, each doing his work well, excepting Captain Willis. The band was well turned out, every member being present. Wanganui Collegiate School Cadets.—l9th September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, and 39 rank and file. Absent: 16 rank and file. Uniform. —Eed serge frocks ; Glengarry caps; old. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine and bayonet; brown belts; all in good order, but belts old and in some cases unserviceable. Officers. —Captain Atkinson: A very good officer. Lieutenant Willis : Keen, and anxious to improve. Lieutenant Atkinson : Keen, and anxious to improve. Cadets. —A smart, well-set-up body of lads. Drill.- —The drill was exceptionally good. The cadets were very steady in the ranks, and I have much pleasure in reporting most favourably on this corps, which is officered and altogether worked by the boys themselves. I discovered that the sum of £5 per term, or £15 per annum, out of the Government grant of £20, was being paid to Sergeant-Major McMillan for instruction, leaving only £5 per annum for uniforms, &c. This will account for the uniform not being as good as it ought to have been. I have taken steps to insure that no such payment will in future be made to the sergeant-instructor.

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Wanganui Bifles. —20th September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, and 53 rank and file. Absent: 4 rank and file. Uniform. —Kharkee, new; officers and sergeants with pockets, remainder without. It is to be generally noted that the collars of the kharkee frocks are not nearly enough stiffened, and soon present a very draggled appearance; also, that the hooks for supporting the belts are rarely sewn on in the proper place or manner: the bottom of the hook should be on the level of the bottom button of the frock, which should be low enough to show under the waistbelt when it is round the man's waist. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle and sword-bayonet; white belts, very well cleaned. Officers. —Captain Watt: A very good officer, who takes much interest in his work. Lieutenant Foster : A smart-looking officer. Lieutenant Hughes : Is, I believe, a steady, reliable officer. Men. —A very fine body of men, of good position. Drill. —The turn-out was most satisfactory as regards both numbers and appearance. The drill was satisfactory, and the non-commissioned officers proved very efficient. I consider that this company is one of the soundest in the colony. Albeet Bieles. —20th September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 3 sergeants, and 22 rank and file. Absent: 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 22 rank and file. Uniform. —Kharkee, new; officers and sergeants with breast-pockets, remainder without. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle and sword-bayonet; white belts. Officers. —Captain Willis: I found this officer not efficient as regards his drill, and, judging from the state of the company, I consider that he is not a good commanding officer. Lieutenant Day: Absent without leave. Lieutenant Skipwith: Only recently appointed; was nervous on parade. He has done much for this corps in aiding it pecuniarily to buy uniforms, and in attempting to keep the corps together. Drill. —The men who were on parade were well turned out. Captain Willis told me that he had not told off the company, and I found that he had not taken the trouble to see that his guides and markers were told off. He was quite unable to drill the company correctly, but seemed to be under the impression that mere commands were all that was required of him, the knowledge of whether the commands were rightly or wrongly obeyed being quite unimportant matters. Lieutenant Skipwith, under the circumstances, was too nervous to do himself credit; and I believe the same to have been the case with the colour-sergeant (Simpson), who appeared to be a smart, intelligent man. The remaining non-commissioned officers, who were guides and markers, were not efficient as such. Lieutenant Day, the senior subaltern officer, had absented himself wilfully, evidently fearing to face the inspection. I consider that under a good commanding officer this corps would be in an altogether different state from that in which I found it, and I have hopes that it may find such an officer before the commencement of next year, otherwise there will be no advantage gained in allowing it to exist longer. Eoyal Bifles (Eangitikei). —21st September, 1892. Present: 2 lieutenants, 4 sergeants, and 50 rank and file. Absent: 1 captain and 1 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet; black helmets. The uniform was old and much worn; some men in serges, one or two in band-tunics and band-trousers. The corps has been saving money to buy new uniforms, and is now in a position to do so. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Skerman: Absent on leave in England. Lieutenant Sutcliffe: A good, zealous officer. Lieutenant Marr: A steady, useful officer. Drill. —This was the best muster that I had seen, only one being absent. The appearance was moderate, owing to indifferent uniform. The drill was fairly done, and would have been better had not the men been so cramped in a small hall, six files having to stand on one side while the remainder were being drilled. There were a considerable number of young soldiers in the ranks. Two of the sergeants drilled the company in a fairly efficient manner; and I judge that the noncommissioned officers are intelligent, and interested in their work. This corps is in a good sound state. Manchesteb Bifles. Present: 2 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, and 32 rank and file. Absent: 2 sergeants and 13 rank and file. Uniform. —Kharkee; officers only with pockets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; white belts. Officers. —Captain : None. Lieutenant Kirton : Has been practically in command of the corps for the last year. Lieutenant Bray : Eecently appointed. Non-commissioned Officers and Men. —The turn-out was indifferent. A few men in kharkee hats, the rest in glengarries. The belts were not well cleaned, nor put on well. There was only one sergeant present, and he proved to be a very indifferent drill, and knew nothing of his work as. guide. The other non-commissioned officers were of similar stamp. The men were very indifferently drilled, being only able to do some simple standing movements. They could not form to the front or rear. I found that drill was not much done by this corps. There is no drill-hall. When the moon and weather permits, drill is done in the streets. In a wet season the result is that but little

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work can be achieved; and, of course, but little instruction can be given to the corps under these circumstances. A considerable number of young soldiers were on parade. In a corps situated as this is it is almost impossible for a man to learn any recruit-drill, the non-commissioned officers being incapable of teaching him. Unless some distinct signs are given that the corps wishes to improve, and unless some help can be given by the Government to aid in that improvement, the corps should be disbanded. Palmbeston Nokth Eifles. —23rd September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants, and 45 rank and file. Absent: 11 rank and file. Uniform. —Kharkee, with pockets and helmets ; officers in forage-caps. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle; buff belts, in good order. Officers. —Captain Hall: Energetic; very anxious to succeed. Lieutenant Montague : "Wanting in energy. Lieutenant Dunderdale : Has not yet passed his examination. Non-commissioned Officers. —Only two sergeants. Men. —Good stamp, and well drilled; very steady in the ranks. The turn-out was clean and good. The officers wore forage-caps, which was wrong. In drill neither the officers nor non-commissioned officers did themselves that credit which I feel certain, from the good drill of the men, that they deserved. The men were always well in hand and quite steady. I find that all ranks take much interest in their corps, and lam certain that they will succeed in making themselves thoroughly efficient. Manawatu Mounted Eiples.—24th September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, and 38 rank and file. Absent: 1 sergeant and 11 rank and file. Uniform. —Kharkee. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine; brown belts, require fitting. Officers. —Captain Dunk: Capable and energetic. Lieutenant Pringle : Will do well. Lieutenant James : A very promising young officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good. Men. —Very capable indeed, considering their short service. Horses. —Good. Saddlery. —Well looked after ; bridles and chains well cleaned, and uniform in pattern. Biding. —Good. Drill. —This corps has only been in existence for one training, and has had but a few monthly parades. Under the circumstances, I consider that it is in a very creditable state, and am certain that it will go on well. Captain Dunk is to be congratulated on having got so many good men together in such good order in so short a time. Heeetaunga Mounted Eifles. —18th January, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 4 sergeants, and 24 rank and file. Absent : 1 sergeant and 17 rank and file. Uniforms. —Kharkee ; in very good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider cavalry carbine. Brown waist-belts and small pouch, the property of the corps. Officers. —Captain Loveday: Not a good commanding officer; wants power and knowledge. Lieutenant Pringle : Wants control. Lieutenant Purdy: Lately joined; energetic; wants experience. Non-commissioned Officers. —Excepting Sergeant-Major Coupland, who does very well, the non-commissioned officers I saw were not up in their work. Men. —Good physique. Horses and Appointments. —Good horses. Appointments very good ; the property of the corps. Biding. —On the whole good, but mounting and dismounting very slovenly and slow. Drill. —The drill was very indifferent throughout. Wrong orders were constantly given by all officers. Very little intelligence displayed. A very simple piece of outpost duty was given by me. There was an absolute want of knowledge displayed by all of this most important work. I found that the men had had no parade since their annual camp. There is but a very slight feeling of discipline. It has been the custom for men to come on to parade and join the ranks at any time during the drill, without in any way reporting themselves. There were a very large number of absentees. • This corps must do more work. It is at present useless.

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(2.) REPORT ON EAST COAST DISTRICT.

Napier Sub-district. Commanding Officer, Major Wood. Sergeant-instructor Huddlestone. This sub-district is composed of F Battery N.Z. Artillery, Napier Naval Artillery, Napier Eifles, Hastings Eifles, and Napier High School Cadets. I regret that I have to report that I found things in a very unsatisfactory condition. I believe that Major Wood is a good capable officer, who gives much of his time to Volunteering work; but he is a busy man. The sergeant-instructor, Huddlestone, I consider to be not up to the mark, and to this fact 1 attribute much of the shortcomings of the corps as regards drill; and there was a large proportion of absentees at my inspection. One corps, that at Hastings, has practically ceased to exist. The F Battery requires much instruction, and more energy is wanted. The Napier Naval Artillery naturally knows nothing of artillery work or of submarine-mining, and their infantry drill requires sharpening up. Neither the Napier Eifles nor the cadet corps satisfied me. On the other hand, it is to be recorded that I had only the opportunity of seeing the corps separately in the drill-hall during the same evening, and therefore some of the corps were waiting for a long time before their turn for inspection came. A change in the running of the Union Steamship Company's vessels prevented my seeing all the corps out on a daylight parade. Hastings Eifles. —11th August, 1892. I was met by Major Wood, and Captain Lewis, commanding the corps, at the Hastings Bail-way-station, and informed by them that they were unable to produce any men for parade. The reasons given were that the corps had had hopes of being formed into a mounted rifle corps, and had practically disbanded in consequence, the arms and accoutrements having been to a great extent returned to store. Napiek High School Naval Cadets. Present: 2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants, and 32 rank and file. Absent: 27 rank and file. The cadets were clean and neat in their appearance, but I do not consider that there was sufficient reason given for so many absentees. They drilled fairly, and I hope that they may improve. F Batteby (Napier).—-12th August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 6 sergeants, and 35 rank and file. Absent: 14 rank and file. Uniform. —Artillery Volunteer uniform. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; white enamel belts. Officers. McCartney and Lieutenant Kennedy. Non-commissioned Officers. —Sergeant-Major Hughes and Sergeant Drummond were examined by me. A great lack of knowledge in artillery was shown. The battery is armed with two 8.8.L. guns. These guns are in a very unsatisfactory state, and are, in my opinion, unfit for service. The trail of one of the guns had been broken, and repaired in Wellington in such a manner that the elevating-gear could not bo used. Napier Eifles.—l2th August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 6 non-commissioned officers, and 35 privates. Absent: 3 non-commissioned officers and 10 privates. Uniform. —Kharkee. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Chicken: Appeared nervous. Lieutenant Swan: Drilled indifferently. Lieutenant Stubbs: Drilled indifferently. Non-commissioned Officers, —Colour-Sergeant Teycherne was quite inefficient ia his drill. The other non-commissioned officers were not up to the mark. I believe that Captain Chicken is a good hard-working officer, but am inclined to think he does more work himself than he ought. The officers and non-commissioned officers must be made more use of, and given opportunities of learning their work.

East Coast District. 13 a a*li k o -4J i=1 o 3 43 S 02 °asa -&^as ■S H B o li s| 13 si go o a a"™ O 0) ftg d CD d Cβ M 3 o B d ! o3 Cβ t> 'u Officer Commanding District Staff sergeant East Coast Mounted Rifle Volunteers Napier Naval Artillery Volunteers P Battery New Zealand Artillery Volunteers Napier Rifle Volunteers Hastings Rifle Volunteers Garrison Band l 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 4 3 5 4 3 2 4 5 4 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 33 48 43 47 45 17 1 1 46 60 57 60 53 20 Totals 1 5 1 7 6 298 21 17 233

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Napier Naval Artillery.—l2th August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 4 petty officers, and 48 seamen-gunners. Absent: 6 sea-men-gunners. Uniform. —Naval Artillery uniform. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine; black belts. Officers. —Lieutenant-Commander Smith. Sub-Lieutenant E. Gooch : Efficient. Petty Officers. —Moderate. Men. —Good. Drill. —l was disappointed by the drill of this corps, more especially by that of the officers and petty The men were sufficiently steady, marched well, and carried themselves well. I consider that Sub-Lieutenant Gooch is a good officer, and I have reason to believe that he might improve matters.

(3.) REPORT ON THE VOLUNTEERS IN THE AUCKLAND DISTRICT.

Field Artillery. A Battery: Well instructed in gunnery, but no knowledge of the simplest battery movements. Naval Artillery Volunteers. In the Auckland Navals the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men require to give more time and attention to their artillery work. The Ponsonby Navals are in a very good state. The Thames Navals are simply an excellent rifle company, with no knowledge of gun-drill or of submarine mining. Engineers. The Auckland Engineer corps is not to be compared with the corps at Christchurch or Dunedin. The commanding officer lacks energy, and the subaltern officer is rarely with his corps. Eifle Corps. The system of inspection and supervision in regard to these corps is not equal to that in the Wellington District. It has been the custom to have the Government parade for all the Eifle corps in Auckland on the same night (once a month). At this parade the corps are exercised at battalion drill in the drill-shed. This drill is practically valueless, as the various companies have generally no knowledge of company drill. The outlying corps have been visited by the commanding officer once a quarter. This is quite insufficient as regards their instruction. Colonel Goring, in addition to his work as Officer Commanding the District, with fourteen Volunteer corps depending on his guidance, is the actual commanding officer of the Permanent Artillery, is responsible for the whole of the works and armament, and is the inspector of the small-arm ammunition made by the colonial company and bought by the Government. A glance at the work done by Lieutenant-Colonel Newall, in command of the Wellington district, as commented upon in the general report on that district, will give some idea of the work which is expected from Colonel Goring in addition to the duties above enumerated. He has to assist him an adjutant, who is also storekeeper and office clerk, and a drill sergeant-instructor (Scully), who is quite useless in that capacity. It is absolutely necessary that better instruction should be provided in this district. Colonel Goring, who is an excellent, hard-working officer, with his heart in his work, has been devoting his time to the instruction of the Naval Artillery Volunteers and the field battery, with

Auckland District. i a as 3 B i> 3 a V CD 1 02 Sip si" QJ tn M O Q U 03 S| Ph o o to I to I m Q I Officer Commanding District Acting Adjutant Staff sergeant Auckland.Naval Artillery Volunteers Thames Naval Artillery Volunteers Ponsonby Naval Artillery Volunteers A Battery Artillery Volunteers Waiuku Cavalry Volunteers Te Awamutu Mounted Rifle Volunteers South Franklin Mounted Rifle Volunteers .. Auckland Engineer Volunteers Victoria Rifle Volunteers Auckland City Guards Volunteers .. Newton Rifle Volunteers Wairoa Rifle Volunteers .. Hamilton Rifle Volunteers Te Aroha Rifle Volunteers Garrison Band Volunteers 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 4 3 4 6 5 4 4 3 3 4 5 3 3 4 2 4 3 5 5 3 i i i i l i i i 2 2 2 1 2 G5 52 53 38 53 43 30 43 55 52 50 33 48 44 2i 79 60 65 52 6,8 57 42 54 63 63 61 45 61 47 28 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 2 2 • • Totals .. 26 Hi 14 53 41 16 38;; 848

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excellent results as regards the Ponsonby Navals and the battery. He has recognised the fact that unless the guns on the works are effectively manned the other defences will be of little use. It is a fact to be thoroughly understood that, of the three Bin. B.L. guns, four 6in. B.L. guns, two 7in. E.M.L. guns, two 64-pr. E.M.L. guns, and three 6-pr. Q.F. guns mounted at Auckland at the time of my inspection, there were only men to man the three Bin. B.L. guns and two of the 6in. B.L. guns, leaving the remaining guns without a man to serve them. There is also a deficiency of Rifle corps in the district; and of those now existing one —the Wairoa Rifles —is valueless, and should be disbanded. I have recommended the raising of a corps at Te Aroha, and I believe another corps can be raised in the Hamilton district. The Thames Navals should be treated as a Rifle corps. Mounted Coeps. The Waiuku Cavalry come out on two separate occasions, during the year, for three days at each time. The South Franklin Mounted Rifles train on various Saturdays during the year, and the Te Awamutu Rifles have the usual annual week's training. It would be of the greatest advantage to these corps were a camp organized to which each corps would go at the same time for a week's training each year, and at which the instructor would be present. A spirit of emulation would be evoked, the better points of each corps would be seen and worked up to by the other corps, and therefore a much greater standard of efficiency attained. It would be advisable that the camps should not be in the same place each year, but that the men should, in turn, assemble at the home of one of the corps. The home corps would have a further incentive to show what it could do to its visiting allies. I have reason to believe that this would be a welcome move, and any small expense incurred would be well repaid. Auckland Bnginebes.—l7th August, 1892. .Present: 1 captain, 1 staff sergeant, 2 sergeants, and 39 rank and file. Absent: 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 9 rank and file. Uniform. —Engineer uniform (helmets and tunics) ; just received from England, but generally unfitted. Some of the men were in old uniform. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine; white-enamel belts, unfitted. Officers. —Major Anderson : Is the city engineer in Auckland, and should therefore be a good man for his position, but appears to have little power of command, and knows little, if any, drill. Lieutenant Jackson Palmer: Absent at Wellington on parliamentary duties; this officer rarely attends any parades. Non-commissioned Officers. —Indifferent. Men. —The drilling of the company throughout was very indifferent. General Remarks. —Of engineering work this corps knows nothing. They have had little encouragement given them to learn, but this I judge to be greatly their own fault, as if men will not help themselves they cannot expect help from others. I gave orders that Sergeant-Major Gunn, R.E., should be put in charge of the corps for instructional purposes, and I understand that considerable improvement has taken place. A Batteey.—lßth August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 staff sergeants, 5 sergeants, and 32 rank and file. Absent: .1 sergeant and 9 rank and file. Uniform. —'New Zealand Artillery Volunteer ; helmets and tunics ; in good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine; white-enamel belts, with cross-belts. Four 9-pr. R.B.L. guns, with carriages and limbers; in fair order. Officers. —Captain Geddes : Not a good commanding officer. Lieutenant O'Brien : Very good young officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Very good. Men. —Good class ; well instructed. Drill. —In infantry drill the battery is not well grounded. This Ido not attach much importance to. As regards the artillery standing-gun drill, including fire discipline and general knowledge of gunnery, I found everything in a very satisfactory state, the commanding officer excepced. I saw the battery in marching-order on the afternoon of the 20th August. There had been no practice in out-door drill, and nothing was known of it. Only the smallest amount of knowledge is required by me, and that could with ease be learnt by man-handling the guns with the aid of dragropes. If Captain Geddes intends to keep command of this battery he must apply himself seriously to learn his work. It is not creditable to him that his officer and non-commissioned officers should be much more efficient than he is. The credit for this efficiency is due to Lieutenant-Colonel Goring and Sergeant-Major Bush, R.A. Auckland Naval Abtilleby Voluntbeks. —19th August, 1892. Present: 1 lieutenant-commander, 1 sub-lieutenant, 2 chief petty officers, 4 first-class petty officers, and 59 seamen (gunners and submarine miners). Absent: 1 sub-lieutenant and 11 seamen (gunners and submarine miners). Uniform. —Naval Artillery Volunteers ; in good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; brown belts. Officers. —Lieutenant-Commander Parker : A good commanding officer. Lieutenant Little: Good officer (gunnery lieutenant). Lieutenant Smith : Good officer (submarine mining lieutenant): absent ill. 4—H 9.

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Non-commissioned Officers. —Good class. Men. —Good stamp generally. Drill. —lnfantry drill: This was indifferently done, under Lieutenant-Commander Parker and Lieutenant Little, the chief faults lying with the officers and non-commissioned officers. Gunnery : I found the knowledge of gunnery very insufficient. Submarine mining: As far as knotting and connecting-up, which is hardly to be called drill, fair proficiency was shown. Signalling: Fairly done. I was not satisfied with the knowledge of drill evinced by this corps. Ido not attach much importance to their weakness in infantry work ; but in gunnery, neither the commanding officer nor men were at all up to the standard, and they gave me the impression that little interest had been taken in their work. The guns are situated at the North Head, and the men appear to find great difficulty in going there for drill. A number of the men belong to the fire-brigade, and are unable therefore to leave Auckland. On the other hand, it will be seen that the men of the Ponsonby Naval corps do go to their work, and are in a very different state as regards efficiency. The Auckland N avals must be given to understand that unless they can produce a higher standard of efficiency it will not be advisable to continue the corps. I saw this corps together with the Ponsonby Naval Artillery Volunteer corps, manning the gunsat the North Head. The work done by the gunners of the Auckland Navals (two 7in. B.M.L. guns and one Bin. B.L. gun) was not to be compared with that done by the Ponsonby Navals. Ponsonby Naval Artillery Volunteers. —22nd August, 1892. Present : 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 chief petty officer, 4 first-class petty officers, and 40 seamen (gunners and submarine miners). Absent: 17 seamen (gunners and submarine miners). Uniform. —Naval Artillery Volunteer uniform ; in good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; brown belts. Officers. —Captain Miller : Very good commanding officer. Lieutenant Graham : Will make a good officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Very good indeed. Men. —Very good. Drill. —The infantry drill was very weak. The gunnery knowledge displayed by all concerned was really excellent. The officers and men have taken the greatest interest in their work, giving up much of their time. They and their instructors—Lieutenant-Colonel Goring and Sergeant-Major Bush—are to be congratulated. Submarine-mining work good as far as it goes I saw this corps at work also on the afterpoon of the 11th September, maiming two Sin. B.L. guns on the North Head. The detachments, under their own petty officers as gun captains and under their own officers as fire commanders, proved quite capable. This corps, with a little time, will, I consider, be able to supply at least four efficient detachments on emergency. Auckland City Guards.—23rd August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 3 sergeants, and 27 rank and file. Absent: 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 20 rank and file. Uniform. —Ordinary uniform ; scarlet tunics ; black helmets ; in fair order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Kohn : Takes considerable interest in his work. Lieutenant Dormer: A very good officer ; quite capable. Non-commissioned Officers. —Do not take sufficient interest in their work. Men. —Good stamp. Drill. —The drill was indifferently done, except as regards Lieutenant Dormer, who showed clearly that he knew what he was about. The non-commissioned officers were not able to give that assistance and support which it is reasonable to expect from them. I was not satisfied in what I saw of this corps. The attendance was very poor, and no satisfactory reasons could be given for the number of absentees. Captain Kohn had been away on leave for some time previous to my inspection, and the company evidently felt the result of his absence. I am given to understand that the corps has improved considerably. Newton Bifles. —24th August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 38 rank and file. Absent: 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 11 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet tunics ; black helmets ; in many cases old and dirty. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Bobertson : Good commanding officer. Lieutenant Durham : Absent from district. Lieutenant Watson : Promises well. Non-commissioned Officers. —Not up to the ordinary standard; must do more work. Men. —Good stamp. Drill. —The drill was not good, non-commissioned officers being weak, and the men showing unsteadiness in the ranks. Captain Bobertson must give more attention to his drill, and try to get a higher standard of work out of his non-commissioned officers and men. I believe that he was very nervous, and did not do himself credit in consequence.

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Victoria Rifles. —25th August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 3 sergeants, and 39 rank and file. Absent: 11 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet tunics ; black helmets ; in fair order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts, different patterns. Officers. —Captain Somers : A very good commanding officer. Lieutenant Skinner : A very good officer. Lieutenant Kearny : A very good enthusiastic officer ; excellent drill. Non-commissioned Officers. —Are much more capable than those in the other Eifle corps in Auckland. Men. —Good stamp. Drill. —The drill in this corps was very satisfactory, each officer proving himself capable as an instructor. Captain Somers is a very good officer, taking much interest and pride in his corps. Lieutenant Skinner is doing well, and Lieutenant Kearny is an excellent officer. Battalion Parade. —27th August, 1892. The three Eifle corps and the company of Engineers paraded for battalion drill on the afternoon of the 27th August, under Lieutenant-Colonel Goring. The turn-out was fair, but the drill was practically a fiasco. The faults which were evident during my inspection of the corps as companies were intensified when they came together as a battalion. Officers and non-commissioned officers were alike unable to direct or help in directing the simplest movements. Skirmishing was attempted, but proved a failure. The Garrison "Band paraded for inspection, 25 strong. The uniform is in fair order; instruments in good order ; and the men are capable musicians. Waiboa Eifles.—26th August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 20 rank and file. Absent: 23 rank and file. • Captain Crawford was quite unacquainted with the manner in which an inspecting officer should be received. Uniform. —On inspecting the corps I found that the clothing of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men was old, shabby, and dirty; the trousers in most cases were filthy, and made of serge instead of cloth. Three men in the ranks had on plain clothes trousers, and one man wore a civilian hat. Captain Crawford informed me that no uniform had been bought for the company for ten years; and, on being asked how the capitation-money had been expended, he stated that it went in several ways, one being to pay the expenses of rifle teams going about the country from time to time. Arms and Accoutrements. —The arms and accoutrements were generally dirty, four Or five of the rifles not having been cleaned since they were last fired out of, four of them being covered with rust. The sword and scabbard of the commanding officer were extremely dirty. Drill. —Neither the officer commanding nor either of his subalterns were able to give correctly the simplest commands, nor see whether the easiest company movements were correctly or incorrectly performed, and the non-commissioned officers and men were unable to carry them out. Captain Crawford stated that several members of the corps were present on the ground in plain clothes, and wanted these men counted as being on parade. This I refused. Colonel Goring informed me that when he inspected this corps last autumn men had been similarly pointed out to him. This fact, taken in conjunction with the statement of the commanding officer that no uniform had been purchased for ten years, goes far to show the state in which this corps has been existing. Lieutenant Bell, the junior subaltern, had but recently passed his examination. The inability of this officer to drill the company made me make inquiries as to the examination which officers are supposed to pass. The result of these inquiries will be found under my general report under heading of Boards of Examination. No parade state could be obtained, either before or after the parade. I much regret to report so unfavourably of this corps. Neither officers, non-commissioned officers, nor men proved to be in any way efficient. An application has been sent in to have the corps transformed into a Mounted Eifle corps. I consider that this would be inadvisable ; and, as the present corps is quite valueless, I have no alternative but to recommend that it be disbanded. South Fbanklin Mounted Eiples.—29th August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 3 sergeants, and 20 rank and file. Absent : 1 lieutenant, 2 sergeants, and 13 rank and file. Uniform. —White helmets, red tunics, and black overalls are worn by this corps. The overalls are badly cut and fitting, and not well suited for mounted infantry work. Major Harris will have the men in breeches and gaiters shortly. Arms and Accoutrements. —Artillery carbines; brown belts. No buckets; no bandoliers. Horses. —Small but active. Men. —Physique good; good riders ; very quick at mounting and dismounting. Officers. —Major Harris: Intelligent and efficient; I judge, a good officer. Lieutenant Webster was absent from parade with my leave. Lieutenant Blakey : Promising. Drill.— Good. It was unfortunate that circumstances made it necessary for me to inspect this corps on the day on which the Pukekohe Annual Fair took place. It was impossible for Lieutenant Webster to leave his work. This he explained to me, and I granted him leave from parade. This corps trains on various Saturday afternoons. From what I saw of this corps I consider it to be well commanded and in fair order. It deserves support; but must do its annual week's training in future, besides the Satin-day afternoon drills.

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Waiuku Cavalry.—Both August, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, and 43 rank and file. Absent: 16 rank and file (1 sick). Uniform. —White helmets ; hussar tunics, with black braid (officers, silver braid); brown-cord breeches ; gaiters ; high-heeled elastic-side boots, and lace boots. The tunics are generally old and shabby, but will last until it is decided what the uniform will be. The corps would have had new tunics, but were advised not by Colonel Goring. Arms and Accoutrements. —Cavalry carbine, clean, with buckets (two deficient) ; cavalry swords of different patterns ; generally clean ; brown belts. The belts were not properly fitted. Eevolvers in store. These were clean. Horses. —Good, active horses. Officers. —Captain Manning: A hard-working, capable officer. Lieutenant Barriball: A capable officer. Lieutenant Currie : Has not passed his examination yet. I think he will prove efficient. Men. —A good class. Drill. —The riding was very good. Movements on the whole fairly done. This and the other mounted corps in the Auckland district are suffering from the want of instruction by the instructor, who has not visited the district during the last drill season. The corps was put through the pursuing practice by the commanding officer, and did it very well at a walk and canter. The swordexercise was not well done, but this is only what might be expected. In an attempt at field manoeuvring there was not that grasp of the situation which I should have wished for. Subsequently a good number of the men went over some posts and rails, singly and in sections, showing good riding and well-trained horses. The corps musters for three days at a time in the spring and autumn, and drills as a rule once a month. I consider this to be a good corps, deserving of encouragement. Hamilton Light Infantby.—lst September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, and 46 rank and file. Absent: 7 rank and file. Uniform. —Black helmets; red tunics; black trousers : a good clean turn-out. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts ; clean and well cared for. Officers. —Captain Eeid : I consider that Captain Eeid is a very capable officer. Lieutenant Kirk : lam informed by Colonel Goring and Captain Eeid that this is a good officer. Lieutenant Dyer: Capable. Men. —Good physique ; steady and intelligent. Drill. —The men drilled steadily and well under Captain Eeid. Manual exercise very well done. Marching steady and correct. All attempts at company drill were defeated by the inefficiency of the non-commissioned officers. Skirmishing drill was very fairly executed. Lieutenants Kirk and Dyer drilled the company, but showed a decided want of practice. There was an excellent muster and turn-out. I consider that, if the non-commissioned officers were more efficient, and if the subaltern officers had more practice in drilling their men, there would not be much wanting in this corps. I spoke to Captain Eeid concerning these points, and have no doubt but that they will be attended to. Te Awamutu Mounted Eiples.—lst September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 3 sergeants, and 33 rank and file. Absent: 1 sergeant and 17 rank and file. Uniform. —Kharkee. A few men had on blucher boots and light-coloured cord breeches. This was explained by the fact of ten sets of uniform not having yet been supplied. It was the first time that the men wore their uniform on a mounted parade, and I was sorry to observe that in some cases the frocks had been already marked by the carbines being slung across the shoulders. The morning had been very wet and stormy, and the head - dresses were much bedraggled in consequence. I personally think that this form of head-gear is very inefficient. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider carbine; no buckets nor bandoliers; brown belts and pouches (new). Horses. —A very good stamp. Officers. —Captain Bruce : I judge to be a capable commanding officer. Lieutenant Eigg: A smart-looking and intelligent officer. Men. —A good stamp. Drill. —Eiding good. Movements fairly executed, but direction not good. In dismounting for moving into action want of precision was very noticeable. This and other small irregularities would be easily righted were an instructor available during the training. It will be observed that there was but a small muster for inspection, but, considering the very inclement night and morning which preceded the inspection, and the very great distance which the men came—in some cases from Eaglan, a distance of thirty miles, and the least distance being ten miles—l was surprised to find so many men on parade, and I expressed my pleasure in their having turned up so well. From what I saw I consider this corps well worthy of support.

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Thames Naval Aetilleey Volunteers.—sth September, 1892. Present: 2 lieutenants, 1 chief petty officer, 2 first-class petty officers, 43 seamen, and 10 bandsmen. Absent: 1 first-class petty officer and 14 seamen. Uniform. —Naval Artillery Volunteer uniform, in good order. The bandsmen were dressed in a fancy uniform, very clean and smart. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; brown belts. Officers. —Lieutenant Potts : A capable painstaking commanding officer. Lieutenant Eadford : A very smart officer ; good drill. Non-commissioned Officers. —Very good. Men. —Excellent stamp. Drill. —The drill of this corps was far above the average. The men have evidently been well drilled for years. They are veteran soldiers compared to the ordinary Volunteers. A 12-pr. E.B.L. gun is in charge of the corps. Up to the time of my inspection no gun-drill had been done. I found the gun in a very bad state. The corps has a very good band, which at the same time is quite contrary to regulations. I explained to the commanding officer that he is only entitled to five bandsmen, and that if he has more than that number in his band the extra men must be, if Volunteers, dressed in proper uniform, and on parade as properly-drilled men at Government parades. This is a very good infantry company, but has no pretensions to be considered as a Naval Artillery Volunteer Corps.

(4.) REPORT ON VOLUNTEERS.—NORTH CANTERBURY DISTRICT.

Naval Aetilleey. Lyttelton Naval Artillery : This corps is supposed to be affiliated to the guns at Fort Jervois (Bipa Island). It appears that the men have great difficulty in going over to the island for drill, and I found that during last year practically no drill had been done until the corps went into camp. The drill learnt in camp is soon forgotten unless the memory is refreshed by work done during the year. If this corps finds it impossible to go to the fort at least once a month during the present year it will be unwise to continue spending money on it. Gaeeison Aetilleey. The Garrison Battery at Lyttelton is in good order. The Commanding Officer and men show great interest in their work with the guns on the north shore of the harbour. I have under consideration whether it will not be advisable to affiliate this corps to Eipa Island (the most important work), leaving the guns on the north shore to the Lyttelton Navals. Field Aetilleey. The battery is in fair order. The guns and equipment were not sufficiently well cared for, and the commanding officer was not as efficient as I desire he should be. On the other hand, the non-commissioned officers and men showed good knowledge of their work, and have taken a great deal of pride in their battery. Under better conditions this battery will be efficient. Cavaley. The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Corps is extremely well turned out. Officers, non-com-missioned officers, and men take very great pride in their corps. Mounted Infantby. The Mounted Bifle corps is in very good order, well cared for by its officers, and by Major Slater —a thoroughly good officer. ■ -.

North Canterbury District. a I! |.f d '5 I d o W a o CO i I I | B || w 1 S^° sPv oO „ °"5 „-£ " . 5300 000 xH -g m ° H I Pμ 3 Officer Commanding District Staff sergeants Lyttelton Naval Artillery Volunteers E Battery Artillery Volunteers N Battery Artillery Volunteers Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Volunteers Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers Canterbury Engineer Volunteers Canterbury Honorary Reserve Corps Volunteers Christchureh City Guards Volunteers Christ's College Kifle Volunteers Christchurch Eifle Volunteers A Company Canterbury Rifle Volunteers Canterbury Scottish Rifle Volunteers ., Richmond Rifle Volunteers Kaiapoi Rifle Volunteers Rangiora Rifle Volunteers Christchurch Garrison Band Volunteers 1 i I 1 2 7a 69 63 75 44 52 57 45 63 52 67 59 39 68 53 35 i 1 J i 1 1 I 1 j 1 I 1 ' I 1 j I • • 1 1 2 I 8 2 1 o 2 ' 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 ij ..2 .... 1 .. .. 2 1 .. 2 .... 1 .... 1 1 .. 2 ..' .. 1 1 .. 1 1 .. 1 1 .. 1 1 j .. 1 1 .. 1 1 I 4 4 1 59 4 ; 4 2 54 4 J 2 2 48 4 14 2 59 2 2 1 35 4 5 1 86 3.2 .. I 48 3,4 1 ! 31 4 J 4 1 50 4|4 1 37 4 J 4 1 53 4 j 4 1 46 1.8 1 31 4 4 1 55 4 4 1 39 1 1 1 31 I • • i 1 1 ; 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 ! * ' ! i •• 1 I 1 1 1 2 1 .. .. .. 1 .... 1 .... 1 8 2' 18 Totals 1 12 22 14 i 8 i I 54 j 55 18 |712 916

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Infantry Coups. There is a great difference between the corps in this district. Of those which I have inspected some were in a very efficient state as regards their officers and men, but much below the minimum as laid down by regulations, as, for instance, the Christchurch City Guards and Christchurch Eifles. The Christ's College Eifles is a good corps ; but, on the other hand, the Canterbury Scottish Eifle corps simply existed on paper, and the Richmond Eifle corps could not be said to exist at all. I am thoroughly confident that a very good battalion of four companies can be formed in Christchurch, with the companies in the district as outlying companies of the battalion. Were this done, good rifles supplied, and a fair capitation-allowance given, Volunteering would flourish here as elsewhere. Captain J. C. Martin, who proved himself a thoroughly good officer when in command of the field battery, and who has a great deal of influence amongst Volunteers in Christchurch, would be an excellent man to take command of the battalion. Engineers. The Engineer corps is in very good order. Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, the Commanding Officer of the District, is painstaking and capable. Major Slater is a thoroughly good officer. Major Francis is a very good officer, very sound, and will assist largely in making the battalion a success. Major Eichards has done well in instructing the cadet corps. I judge, however, that he lacks that power of command necessary in a major of a battalion. Major Moore, in South Canterbury district, is very efficient, and will be a very good man in the battalion. Captain Bowron was of very great assistance to me in guiding me over the country round Christchurch and Lyttelton. He has taken very great pains to learn all about his district, and will be a very valuable staff officer for intelligence, but wholly lacks power of command. Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry.— 6th, 7th and Bth October, 1892. 'Present : 1 captain, 3 lieutenants, 1 staff sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 44 rank and file. Absent: 21 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet tunics; breeches ; white helmets, with scarlet plumes ; and also undress uniform ; in excellent order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider cavalry carbines; white-enamel belts; brown-leather buckets. Officers. —Captain Wright: A good commanding officer; takes much interest. Lieutenant Ehodes : Good officer. Lieutenant Archer : Good officer. Lieutenant Chapman : Good officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Very good indeed. Sergeant-Major Lindsay is really an excellent non-commissioned officer. Men. —Very good stamp. Horses. —Excellent. Hiding. —Good throughout. Drill. —The drill was only fairly done. Captain Wright is not a good drill, being nervous. The subaltern officers evidently want experience. It has been the habit to try and learn difficult parade movements with untrained horses during a week's drill, of which two days are lost in volleyfiring and inspections. It would be much better if the time were devoted to more practical work— such as reconnoitring and outpost duties. The spirit in this corps is excellent. The discipline during camp is high. Stables are regularly attended, The turn-out for inspection parade was very clean and smart. The corps is in possession of an ambulance, which is its own private property. The corps has asked to be allowed the services of the cavalry instructor for an extra week's training at its own expense, so that the men should have an opportunity of learning the practical work, which is so essential. A Company, Cheistchurch. —14th November, 1892. Present : 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 38 rank and file. Absent: 20 rank and file (5 without leave). Uniform. —Scarlet tunics ; black helmets. Captain Whiteside in undress. Arms and Accoutrements. — Snider rifles ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Whiteside wants experience as a commanding officer, and lacks power of command. Lieutenant Drayton does not attend parades regularly; only present nine times in last year. Non-commissioned Officers. —Colour-Sergeant Millar. A good non-commissioned officer on parade. Sergeant Hunt : Good. The other sergeants want experience. Men. —Good stamp. Drill. —I found that Captain Whiteside and Lieutenant Drayton were wanting in knowledge of their drill. Colour-Sergeant Millar did very well. The men were steady on parade, and I consider they would have done well had they been properly supported by their officers. Captain Whiteside stated that he found it impossible to get the men to come to any drills other than the Government parades, and that if he attempted to reprimand the men they at once wanted to resign. This corps is the result of the amalgamation of the Irish Eifles and Sydenham Eifles in June last, when the corps mustered 79. Within five months the corps has dwindled to a total of 65, but I believe that the original total contained the names of men who only existed on paper. Captain Whiteside also stated that some twenty of the men were only waiting to the end of the year before resigning. I have no hesitation in stating that things are not satisfactory in this corps. Captain Whiteside appears inclined to foment grievances instead of using tact to remove them, and the want of knowledge of drill in the officers has, of course, a bad effect on the men. I spoke seriously to the corps, and hope that things will improve.

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Chkist's College Cadets. —15th November, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 49 rank and tile. Uniform. —Blue frocks ; peaked forage-caps ; white covers. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; brown belts; carbines require attention. Officers. —Captain Lingard : A very good commanding officer. Lieutenant Izard: Smart. Lieutenant Napier Bell: Smart. Non-commissioned Officers. —Capable. Cadets. —Good and intelligent. Drill. —New provisional drill is in force. The drill was well done under each officer. The sergeants in charge of sections drilled their squads satisfactorily. Skirmishing drill was done satisfactorily. This is a very good cadet corps. High School Cadets, Chbistohuhch. —15th November, 1892. Present : 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 40 rank and file. Absent: 4 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet frocks ; peaked forage-caps ; white covers. The frocks appear to be made at different tailors, and are of varied pattern. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; brown-leather belts. Officers. —Captain Lawrence : Very rarely comes on parade ; unable to command the company owing to weak voice. Lieutenant Laing. Non-commissioned Officers and Cadets. —A good-looking lot of lads. Drill. —The new drill has been taken into force in this corps. Captain Lawrence looks after the clothing and interior economy of the corps. He and Lieutenant Laing are masters in the school. I think at least one officer should be a boy, and that he should have all responsibility as regards drill. Self-reliance should be encouraged amongst the cadets, instead of a policy of leaning on their masters. The work done is generally fair. Major Richards has taken great pains in drilling the two cadet corps in Christchurch, and with very satisfactory results. Chkistchubch City Guabds. —loth November, 1892. Present: 1 captain, ] lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 3 sergeants, and 27 rank and file. Absent: 1 lieutenant, and 6 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet; black helmets. Arms. —Snider rifle ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Massey : A very good commanding officer. Lieutenant Baker : A very good officer. Lieutenant Weeks : A smart officer ; seen by me at Palmerston North. Non-commissioned Officers. —Very good. Men. —Very good. Drill. —The turn-out was smart and good. The drill was well done throughout. Physical drill has been practised by this corps, and has evoked a good deal of interest amongst the men. There is an excellent spirit, and it is difficult to understand how such a well-commanded and excellent corps should be so low in strength. I hope that the words of encouragement which I spoke may have some effect in attracting men to the ranks. Cantebbuky Mounted Rifles. —16th November, 1892. Present: 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 2 sergeants, and 29 rank and file. Absent : 8 rank and file. Uniform. —Blue frocks; kharkee breeches ; leather gaiters; forage-caps. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; brown-leather belts and bandoliers. Horses. —Good useful horses throughout. Saddlery. —ln good order. Each man carries his picquetting-rope. Officers. —Captain: None. Lieutenant Palairet: A good officer, taking great interest in his work. Lieutenant Snow : A good smart officer; very zealous. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good capable men. Men. —Excellent stamp; very intelligent. Drill. —The turn-out was good; the appearance of the men very creditable and smart. Drill on the whole well done. Skirmishing intelligently worked. A very creditable corps, owing much to the supervision and advice devoted to them by Major Slater. Chbistchubch Rifles. —17th November, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 39 rank and file. Absent : 3 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet; black helmets. Anns and Accoutrements. —Snider rifles; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Andrews : A very smart young officer. Lieutenant Cresswell: Good efficient officer. Lieutenant Sandford : Good efficient officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Very good. Men. —Very good. Drill. —Turn-out good and clean ; drill very good throughout. This is a very good corps, but, like the Christchurch Guards, below strength.

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Christ's College Rifles.—lBth November, 1892. Present : 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 40 rank and file. Absent :15 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet tunics; black helmets ; three men in serge frocks (temporary). Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifles ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain: None. Lieutenant Day: Smart and intelligent. Non-commissioned Officers. —Colour-Sergeant Smith is, I judge, a very capable non-commissioned officer. Sergeants Webb and Currie, when drilling the company, did not. appear to the best advantage, owing, I think, to nervousness. Men. —A very fine body of men. Drill. —The turn-out was very good. The drill of the individual men in the ranks was excellent, all being very steady. Manual, firing, and sword-bayonet exercises very well done. The words of command and orders given were at times incorrect, but, from the class of drill exhibited by the men, I have no doubt but that those errors were the result of nervousness. This is a very good corps. E Batteky, New Zealand Volunteer Abtilleey.—l9th November, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 staff sergeants, 4 sergeants, and 42 rank and file. Absent: 1 lieutenant and 13 rank and file. Uniform. —Tunics; busbies. The uniform has been found to be too expensive, and the men are gradually getting into serge frocks. This- gradual transformation is disastrous to the appearance of the men, as each new frock is different in material and colour, and often in cut. The plumes are of all shapes. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbines; enamel belts. The belts having been bought.at different times are varied in pattern. Pour 9-pr. E.B.L. guns. The guns are in fair order. At some time they must have undergone bad treatment, as the chambers and bores are honeycombed, but not sufficiently to condemn the guns. Officers. —Captain Jackson. Lieutenant Donald absent on leave in Australia. Non-commissioned Officers. —Very capable, good non-commissioned officers; have been well taught, and can now teach their men well. Men. —Very good stamp; intelligent, and know their gunnery well. Turn-out. —The appearance of the battery on parade is spoilt by the defects mentioned above as regards uniform and belts. The busby has been discarded for a longtime in the Imperial service. The busbies of this battery are nearly worn out. It would be advisable to adopt a cheaper headdress —a helmet. The enamel belts are also in a poor state, and, being of different pattern as regards their buckles, should be discarded, and buff belts supplied by the Government. The horses, two per gun, were hired for the battery drill. They were of good stamp, and would do their work well. The drill, under Captain Jackson, was not well done. Due allowance must, of course, be made for the difficulty of guiding untrained horses, and on account of the very rare occasions on which the battery turns out with horses. The gunnery was well done, and generally well understood. Great credit is due to the noncommissioned officers. They appeared to be men quite capable of intelligently working and fighting their guns. It will be necessary for Captain Jackson to work hard in order to put himself into the proper position of a commanding officer, knowing more, and being able to instruct those under him, and thereby keeping their respect. The battery paraded on the 21st November for inspection in the drill-shed. The parade was clean ; the infantry drill was satisfactory. Lyttelton Naval Aetilleby.—2lst November, 1892. Present: 1 lieutenant, 1 chief petty officer, 4 petty officers, and 59 rank and file. Absent: 1 captain and 3 rank and file. Uniform. —Naval Artillery Volunteer uniform, in good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; brown belts. Officers. —Captain Eose : Absent; unable to attend, owing to sheep-shearing; Lieutenant Joyce: Smart, capable young officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Chief Petty Officer Toomey : Very good. The other petty officers are capable men. Men. —A very fine body of men. Drill. —The corps was drilled as a company by Sub-Lieutenant Joyce, Chief Petty Officer Toomey, and First-class Petty Officer Wallace. The drill was very satisfactory. In gunnery the men showed a fair knowledge, considering that during the past year they had only done gun-drill during the eight days they were in camp at Eipa Island. Only one gunnery parade had been done previous to their going into camp in November. Excuses were made that for the first four or five months of the year no drill-books could be obtained. Of course it is a great advantage to a man to have a drill-book, but it is not absolutely necessary. I regret that I was obliged'to speak very severely to this corps regarding a disgusting habit which they have of spitting in all directions when on parade. The drill-shed at the end of the inspection was in a filthy condition.

25

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N Battery Abtilleey.—2lst November, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 staff sergeants, 3 sergeants, and 41 rank and file. Absent: 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 10 rank and file. Uniform. —Artillery ; white-enamel belts ; busbies. Arms. —Artillery carbine. Officers. —Captain Maclntyre : A good and diligent officer. Lieutenant Brice: Has not paid sufficient attention to his duties, and has but slender knowledge of them. Lieutenant Palmer: Has tendered his resignation ; a capable officer, but lately inattentive to duty. Non-commissioned Officers. —All the sergeants diligent and capable. Men. —Uniform in good order; of good physique and class ; good esprit. Drill.' —The corps was drilled as a company by Captain Maclntyre, Lieutenant Brice, and two sergeants. The drill on the part of the men was good, especially as they have been giving almost exclusive attention to gun-drill for some months. The knowledge of gunnery was very good. Cantebbuby Engineers.—22nd November, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 staff sergeants, 4 sergeants, 3 corporals, and 23 rank and file. Absent: 2 corporals and 14 rank and file. Uniform.— Scarlet frock ; forage-caps. Arms and Accoutrements. —Artillery carbine ; buff shoulder- and waist-belts. Frocks made by different tailors at various times—not uniform. Officers. —Captain Webster : Gives much attention to duty and interior economy; accomplished in technical duties of engineers; a very good officer. Lieutenant McGee : Attends to drill and field-work ; a good painstaking officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —All good. Sergeant Paul, a good instructor in electricity, and Sergeant Midgely, in field-work, are especially good. . good class ; attentive to drill and other duties, and do a good deal of technical work. Drill. —The corps was drilled as a company by Lieutenant McGee. The drill of the corps is fairly good, notwithstanding the comparative small amount of time that can be devoted to it. Arms and accoutrements are kept in very good order. Canterbury Scottish Eiples—2Bth November, 1892. Present: 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 34 rank and file. Absent: 21 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet doublet; kilt; forage-caps. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider sword-rifles ; buff belts. Officers. —Lieutenant Eoss : Attentive to duty; will be a smart capable officer (the only officer at present). Non-commissioned Officers. —Colour-Sergeant Philips : A very good non-commissioned officer. The other sergeants will become smart non-commissioned officers with a little more experience. Men. —Good class. Drill. —The corps drilled fairly well, under Lieutenant Eoss and Colour-Sergeant Philips. Arms in good order. A considerable number of the men were practically on paper only. Thirteen of these were struck off the day after the inspection. Eichmond Eifles. —23rd November, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 sergeant, and 24 rank and file. Absent: 7 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet tunic ; black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider sword rifles; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Bowron : A zealous and very energetic officer. Theoretically accomplished in the knowledge of military administration; practically, has not been successful. No other officers. Non-commissioned Officer.— One sergeant (Sergeant Campbell) ; quite inefficient. Men.—Very young ; all recruits. Drill. —Only capable of doing squad drill. This corps is of no practical use, and should be disbanded. Captain Bowron has worked hard as a Volunteer. He is theoretically a very good officer, but practically is wanting. He lacks power of control of men. I consider that in certain positions on the staff he will continue to be a very useful officer. Battalion Paeade.—26th November, 1892. The infantry corps in Christchurch, and the Kaiapoi Eifles, which corps came in for the occasion, paraded on the afternoon of the 26th November for battalion drill. There were only 219 of all ranks, out of a total strength of 399, on parade. This small muster was no doubt partly accounted for by heavy rain up to the hour of parade. The march-past was very well done. Battalion movements were steadily performed, and some outpost duty by the various companies was, on the whole, satisfactorily carried out, considering the small amount of practice which had been had in this class of work. Of the corps on parade, the Christ's College Eifles and Kaiapoi Eifles turned out best.

5—H. 9.

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26

(5.) REPORT ON VOLUNTEERS, DUNEDIN DISTRICT.

Naval Aetilleby Volunteees. The Dunedin Naval Artillery Volunteer corps is a very good one. Great interest is taken by all ranks in their work. The Peninsula Naval corps is not at all on the same lines. The officers are not efficient, and the interest evinced by the men is not up to the mark. I recommend that this corps should be disbanded, and that the best of its men should be absorbed by the Dunedin Naval corps, which would then be raised up to a strength of four officers and 100 men. The Port Chalmers Navals are not up to the required standard. No gunnery has been attempted by this corps. I recommend that the corps should be cut down to 3 officers and 50 men, who should be employed simply as submarine miners, in which the men appear to take much interest. The Bluff Naval Volunteers have no knowledge of either gunnery or submarine mining. The corps has about three-quarters of its members in Invercargill. It should be regarded as an infantry corps, forming one of the outlying companies of the Dunedin battalion, and should belong simply to Invercargill, the Bluff portion being disbanded. Gabeison Aetillbby. The Garrison Battery at Port Chalmers was found by me to be very inefficient. I recommend that this corps should be disbanded. Field Battebies. The field battery in Dunedin is very efficient as regards its instruction and drill. The equipment is in the same sorry condition as in other batteries generally. The field battery at Invercargill is not up to the mark, and should be disbanded. It is not required. The guns are in a disgraceful condition; the carriages and limbers are unfit for work. Cavaley. The Otago Hussars are in excellent order. Enginbbes. A very good corps doing excellent work. Mounted Bifles. The North Otago Mounted Eifles are in very good condition. Infantby. Generally the various corps in this district are not up to the standard of those in the Wellington district, the reason being that in this district Colonel Webb has only one capable sergeantinstructor, and this man is also storekeeper and magazine-keeper. It is quite impossible that under the circumstances the corps should have received the requisite instruction and care. With the number of corps which I propose to retain, and the better system of instruction which will be maintained, the corps should rise in efficiency, and I have no doubt but that this will be the case. Lieutenant-Colonel Webb is a very excellent commanding officer, taking great interest in his work. Majors Callan and Smaill, New Zealand Volunteers, do very good work; and Captain Milne is much to be commended.

Dunediu District. n3 d 550 O fcD 3 ■+3 § O u; 02 02 o , S» ■§§ «i ■3^.2 •rH O 3 O gccCO E° II 05 O O 02 oO o 02^ 43 n" o g O 03 ■ o o 0) . 5 g> i o EH CO ft d O (X) I Officer Commanding District Staff sergeants Dunedin Naval Artillery Volunteers Port Chalmers Naval Artillery Volunteers Peninsula Naval Artillery Volunteers B Battery Artillery Volunteers L Battery Artillery Volunteers Otago Hussars Volunteers JDunedin Engineer Volunteers Dunedin City Guards Volunteers Bruee Rifle Volunteers East Taieri Rifle Volunteers North Dunedin Rifle Volunteers Highland Rifle Volunteers Irish Rifle Volunteers Tuapeka Rifle Volunteers .. Kaitangata Rifle Volunteers Garrison Band Volunteers Artillery Band Volunteers 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 I 2 2 2 I ! -2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 2 1 4 4 3 4 2 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 3 4 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 53 55 53 39 41 42 58 50 38 29 53 55 51 30 41 29 24 1 2 66 68 65 53 53 56 72 63 46 39 65 67 63 42 54 34 26 i i Totals 1 13 29 2 17 60 54 18 741

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Dunedin Engineers.—l9th October and 29th October (afternoon), 1892 Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 5 sergeants, and 51 rank and file. Absent: 12 rank and file (3 sick). Uniform. —Engineer full-dress and undress uniform, the former in very good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Beal: A very good commanding officer, taking very great interest in his corps. Lieutenant May : A very good officer; telegraphic specialist. Lieutenant Barclay : A very good officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Very good stamp ; intelligent and hard-working. Men. —Very good class ; keen. Drill. —Company drill done sufficiently well; telegraphy very good ; signalling good ; engineering work, modelling, telegraphy, laying out fieldworks, &c, well done. This corps is much in debt for clothing and engineering stores and appliances (£260). Captain Beal is responsible for this sum. The corps was started during the scare of 1885, when a responsibility of some £700 was undertaken by Captain Beal, on the understanding that he would be assisted in paying this money off. A report of the circumstances has been forwarded for the consideration of the Defence Minister. I consider this to be a very good corps, and worthy of support. The corps was seen by me at field-engineering work on the 29th October. The work was well done. Dunedin Naval Aetilleby.—2oth October, 1892. Present: 1 lieutenant-commander, 1 sub-lieutenant, 1 chief petty officer, 4 petty officers, and 53 rank and file. Absent: 1 sub-lieutenant (with leave) and 5 rank and file. Uniform. —Naval Artillery Volunteer uniform, in good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; brown belts. Officers. —Lieutenant-Commander Allen: In command a little more than a year; keen, and taking great interest. Lieutenant Morrison : Absent, owing to recent death of his father. Lieutenant Logan : A good officer, working well with his corps. Non-commissioned Officers. —Very good. Men. —Very good. Drill. —Company drill fair. This corps is well commanded, has good spirit, and all ranks are particularly desirous of learning their artillery work. I saw this corps at 6in.-gun drill on the 17th December. Three detachments were very efficient, and another detachment would have been shown me had not a number of the men been ill with influenza. The corps had been in camp for a fortnight, with most satisfactory results. Before going into camp no 6in.-8.L.-gun drill had been done, and the proficiency attained by the men is remarkable, and reflects very great credit on them and their instructors. Lieutenant-Commander Allen has proved himself a good commanding officer. Oednance Band. Present: 1 bandmaster, 1 sergeant, and 23 bandsmen. Absent: 1 private. A very well-turned-out band ; good uniform, good instruments, and very good in musical proficiency. L Batteey (Gaeeison Aetilleey).—2lst October, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant-major, 2 sergeants, 27 rank and file, and 5 band. Absent: 1 lieutenant, 2 sergeants, and 13 rank and file. Uniform. —Artillery Volunteer. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; enamel belts. Officers. —Captain Waters : Has not that control over his men which is necessary. Lieutenant Asher : Absent, unable to leave work. Lieutenant Eoss: Eecently joined; takes interest in his duties. Non-commissioned Officers. —Not up to standard. Men.— Not well under control.. Of the number of men on parade, some ten men came in a quarter of an hour after parade hour. Drill. —The company drill was extremely poor, neither officers, non-commissioned officers, nor men knowing their work. On the other hand, I found one squad very well up in 64-pr.-gun drill, and with good knowledge of artillery ; but I am of opinion that one good squad in a corps, with every other member inefficient, is not satisfactory. Poet Chalmees Naval Aetilleey.—2lst October, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 chief petty officer, 2 petty officers, 45 rank and file, and 5 band. Absent: 2 sub-lieutenants, 2 petty officers, and 10 rank and file (1 sick). Uniform. —Naval Volunteer Artillery. Petty officers' jackets :In this corps the petty officers wore jumpers. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine; brown belts. Two men without swordbayonets. Officers. —Captain Thomson. Lieutenant Knewstubb : Absent at Timara. Acting-Lieutenant McKay: This officer has not passed; pending his so doing he has no uniform; he was present in plain clothes.

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Non-commissioned Officers and Men. —This corps is composed of men physically of good stamp. It has been the custom to neglect all drills except submarine mining. Captain Thomson informed me that it was very difficult to get the men together, as their work—connected with loading and unloading ships—was so uncertain as to time that it was practically impossible to arrange for drills on any particular day at any short time beforehand. Drill. —The company drill was only moderate, but would have been considerably better had the petty officers been more up to the mark. The submarine-mining work done by this corps is very good; Captain Falconer reports that it is the best. No artillery work is done. The corps paraded with their boats on Saturday afternoon, 22nd October, and did well. Captain Thomson informed me that he thought it would be better for the corps if the regulation were altered as to strength. Since inspection an instructor was detailed to instruct the men of this corps in gun-drill, at the special request of Captain Thomson, and on dates specified by him. The instructor attended on those dates :on one occasion no men came; on another two men came. Naturally, LieutenantColonel Webb ordered the instructor to discontinue his visits. B Batteey Aetilleey.—Gunnery Practice at Tomahawk Bay, 29th October, 1892 (afternoon). Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant-major, 4 sergeants, and 36 rank and file. Absent: 1 lieutenant and 9 rank and file (2 sick). Uniform. —Artillery Volunteer. Both full dress and undress in very good order; busbies worn in full dress. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine; white enamel belts. Officers. —Captain Proudfoot: A very good commanding officer; knows his work well. Lieutenant Chalmers :At Wellington; a very good and intelligent officer. Lieutenant Monkman: A good subaltern officer; works well. 'Non-commissioned Officers. —Very good; smart and intelligent. Men. —Very good stamp. Drill. —The officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of this battery have a very good knowledge of their work. The shooting was very fair. I inspected the battery in full dress on the evening of the 29th November. The turn-out was very good. This battery, as regards personnel, is in a very satisfactory state. Dunedin City Guaeds. —31st October, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 35 rank and file. Absent: 20 rank and file (2 sick). Uniform. —Scarlet; small bearskin head-dress. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts and slings. Officers. —Captain Smith : A good commanding officer. Lieutenant Crawford : A good officer. Lieutenant Jack : Lately given his commission; likely to do well. Non-commissioned Officers.' —Pair; some too old. Men. —Fair average. Drill. —Fair. Of the men absent, 8 were absent on leave in other parts of the province and colony over fifty miles from Dunedin, 6 were absent from causes beyond their control, 2 were absent sick, and 4 absent without leave. I have examined the report of the attendances at drill, and find that the absentees have during the year attended their drills very well, and believe that it was an unfortunate chance so many being absent at my inspection. Dunedin Gakeison Band. Present: 1 bandmaster, 1 drum-major, 1 sergeant, and 25 bandsmen. Absent: 6 bandsmen. Uniform. —Scarlet; in good order. Instruments good. Efficient musicians. Dunedin Highland Eifles.—lst November, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 3 sergeants, and 36 rank and file (4 pipers included). Absent: 1 sergeant and 24 rank and file. Uniform. —Highland ; feather bonnets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts, slings. Officers. —Captain Gillies: A fairly good drill; wanting power of command. Lieutenant Nelson: Nervous, but takes great interest in his work. Lieutenant : *A vacancy has existed for over a year. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good. Men. —A fine-looking body of men, and well turned out. Drill. —The drill was fair ; marching good ; but small details are overlooked. Out of 25 men absent, 17 had no excuse, 3 were away from Dunedin, 1 at work, 1 late, and 3 sick. This was very unsatisfactory. The majority of absentees were recruits who have done very little drill. They are in the habit of going to company parades when they do put in an appearance, and not going to the recruits drill, under the staff instructor. I judge that there is a want of discipline in this.company.

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Noeth Dunedin EiFLEs. —2nd November, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 3 sergeants, and 45 rank and file. Absent: 13 rank and file (4 sick). Uniform. —Kharkee, and soft felt hat. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle; buff belts, slings. Officers. —Captain Myers : Takes great interest in his company. Lieutenant Johnston : A good officer. Lieutenant McMillan : A very good drill; smart. Non-commissioned Officers. —A good stamp. Men, —A very good stamp. Drill. —Good. Turn-out good. This corps drills at its own drill-hall, which is too small for company work when there is a good muster. More attention is wanted in the details, without which really good drill cannot be done. This is a good corps, in very satisfactory condition. Of the absentees, 4 had leave; 5 without leave, but with good excuses, except in one case; and 4 were sick. Otago Hussaes.—3rd November, 1892 (afternoon). Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 surgeon, 1 troop sergeant-major, 4 sergeants, and 37 troopers. Absent: 11 troopers. Uniform. —Blue and silver. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider carbine. Officers. —Captain Bobin : A really excellent officer in all respects. Lieutenant Allan : Good smart young officer. Lieutenant Sievwright: Good smart young officer. Surgeon Coughtrey : Takes great interest, and is most useful. Non-commissioned Officers. —Very good. • Men.— -Excellent stamp. Horses. —Good. Drill. —Very well done. Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men worked hard, and with excellent results, during their training. A great deal of work is done during the year by this corps. It is divided into two parts—country, under Lieutenant Allan; and town, under Lieutenant Sievwright. A spirit of emulation is thus fostered advantageously. The work of military sketching done under Captain Eobin is really excellent. Outpost duty was well done and well understood. This is a most satisfactory corps. Dunedin leish Bifles.—29th November, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 3 sergeants, and 27 rank and file. Absent: 1 sergeant and 28 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet, green facings; black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle; buff belts and slings. Officers. —Captain Toomey: Not fitted to command. Lieutenant Marks: Moderate. Lieutenant Simmonds : A good officer, but young. Non-commissioned Officers. —Indifferent. Men. —Not up to the ordinary standard. Drill. —The turn-out was not at all good : uniforms old and dirty, and belts in many cases very dirty. The drill was indifferent. This company is in a bad state. Only 34 out of a nominal total of 63 men appeared on parade. Of the absentees, 1 sergeant and 4 men were returned as away at work, 8 men as out of town, 6 men as at a bazaar, 3 men with no excuse, and 7 men as sick. This speaks for itself. I had to speak very seriously to those present on the inefficient state in which I found them. For a battalion parade ordered for Saturday, 3rd December, a half-holiday, of this corps one officer appeared, who reported to Colonel Webb that he did not know where his men were ; six only of all ranks were present. I have no hesitation in recommending that this corps should be disbanded, and that no capitation be given to it for the past year. Peninsula Naval Aetilleey, Dunedin.—lst December, 1892. Present: 1 lieutenant commanding, 1 sub-lieutenant, 1 chief petty officer, 3 petty officers, and 35 rank and file. Absent: 1 petty officer and 23 rank and file. Uniform. —Naval artillery. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine ; brown belts. Officers. —Lieutenant-commanding Carvosso: Lacks power of command. Sub-Lieutenant Eendel: Acting. Non-commissioned Officers. —Fairly good. Men. —Mixed : some good, and others not so. Drill. —The infantry drill was not good. At the time of my inspection this corps was in camp for the purpose of learning gun-drill. I subsequently inspected the men at their artillery work, and found one good detachment, one detachment very fairly up. in their work, and one detachment quite inefficient. The corps had very bad luck in the weather during its camp, and many of the men had to leave camp sick. I do not consider that either of the officers of this corps is up to the required standard.

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Kaitangata Eiples.—l2th December, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 34 rank and file. Absent: 10 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet tunics; black helmets. The tunics are of many patterns; helmets also of different patterns ; trousers of different patterns. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle; buff belts, of different patterns; slings, old and incomplete. Officers. —Captain Eutherford: Capable; a good man for his position. Lieutenant Simpson: Pair. Lieutenant Brown : Good smart officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Colour-Sergeant Smaill: A very good non-commissioned officer. Sergeants Fraser and Simpson are not up to the mark; the other sergeants are good. Man. —A very good stamp generally, but several very raw men in the ranks. Drill. —The drill, considering that the sergeant-instructor only visits the corps once monthly, is fairly good. With more instruction, I have no doubt but that it will become good. A good spirit of discipline is evident. The men obey the words of command well, and are very steady in the ranks. Change of uniform has not been made, owing to indecision as to the pattern to be adopted. With new uniforms and proper accoutrements the appearance of the men would be very different, and the corps would be in a much more satisfactory state. Bkuce Bifles (Milton). —13th December, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 colour-sergeant, 2 sergeants, and 25 rank and file. Absent: 17 rank and file (5 sick). Uniform. —Scarlet; black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts. Officer. —Captain Eeid : Very good officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —A good class of men, but not up to the average. Men. —Good stamp. Drill. —The drill under Captain Eeid was well done. Captain Eeid proved very efficient in command of his company, and is undoubtedly a very capable officer, but he has no other officers in the company, and the non-commissioned officers are not of much, if any, assistance to him. The corps is also short of non-commissioned officers, and is below its strength. The attendance at drill has been bad during the year. Except as regards the commanding officer, I regret to have to report that this corps is not in an efficient state. Tuapeka Eifles (Lawbence). —14th December, 1892. Present: 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 27 rank and file. Absent: 1 captain and 14 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet; black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle; buff belts. Officers. —Captain McKeich : Absent on business. Lieutenant Urquhart. Lieutenant Brooks. Non-commissioned Officers. —Below the average in capability. Men. —Good physique. Drill. —The drill was much below par. Lieutenant Urquhart was not capable. Lieutenant Brooks was very nervous, and did not appear to advantage. The non-commissioned officers were not up to the mark, and consequently the men were hustled about, and were unable to work together. The drill was in the open, on a very bad piece of ground; but, even taking that into consideration, the men were unable to march together, and gave me the impression that they very rarely drilled outside their hall. Ido not consider this corps is in a good state. East Taieei Eifles (Mosgiel).—lsth December, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 3 sergeants, and 21 rank and file. Absent: 1 colour-sergeant and 20 rank and file (4 sick). Uniform. —Scarlet; black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Carncross : A good commanding officer. Lieutenant Cameron : A very good officer. Lieutenant Kennedy : A good officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Capable. Men.— Good. Drill. —The drill of this corps was very good under officers and non-commissioned officers. There was but a poor attendance on parade: 8 of the absentees were out of the district, and are therefore non-effective; 4 were sick ; 6 absent without leave; 3 absent with leave, working. I believe that, although this corps cannot at present be regarded as satisfactory as regards its strength, it will, under its present officers, revive and become a very good company. Otago High School Cadets, Dcnedin.—2nd December, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 36 rank and file. Absent: 4 rank and file. Uniform. —Blue frocks, white facings ; round blue forage-cap, white band. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Montgomery, Lieutenant Eoyse, and Lieutenant Herbert. Non-commissioned Officers and Cadets. —A fine well-grown body of boys.

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Drill. —The turn-out was moderate, and the drill was distinctly below the standard of the same class of cadet corps elsewhere in the colony. The officers were not up to the mark, and I judge that little interest has been taken except in shooting. Bifles are out of place, being too heavy and unwieldy for many of the cadets.

Return of Cadet Corps of Dunedin District. —Inspected 2nd, 14th, and 15th December, 1892.

Outrani High School Cadets (15th December). —The cadets are small, but of very good physique. The corps paraded in uniform —red frocks, glengarries, brown leather belts. Arms in good order. Half the arms cut-down Snider rifles, half cavalry Snider carbines. The drill was very good. Captain White, a master in the school, has taken great interest in the corps, and has done well. Lawrence High School Cadets (14th December). —The cadets are well drilled, and well turned out in red frocks and glengarries. Arms in good order—cut-down Snider rifles, cavalry Snider carbines. Captain Darton, a master in the school, has devoted much attention to his corps, with very satisfactory results. Tokomairiro High School Cadets (14th December). —Naval uniform; in good order. Arms (Snider artillery carbines) in good order. Drill fair. Captain McElrea takes great interest in the cadets, and has worked hard at his drill. He has been but a short time in charge. Only 25 boys were over thirteen years old. The Albany Street, Union Street, South District, Normal, North-east Valley, and George Street Schools, at Dunedin, were inspected by me on the 2nd December. The drill in these schools has been confined chiefly to physical drill, and ordinary squad drill under the instruction of Permanent Artillery Militia. The drill was in all cases most satisfactorily done. The various schools only keep up a sufficient number of sets of uniforms to allow the rifle teams competing away from home to travel on the railways in uniform.

Dunedin Battalion Parade.—3rd December, 1892. Parade State.

It will be remarked that the Dunedin Irish Bines did not obey orders. I have ordered an inquiry to be held regarding this. It will be seen that in the other corps hardly more than half the men attended. This was very disappointing ; but, on the other hand, I was much pleased with the drill of the men who turned out. Lieut.-Colonel Webb put the battalion through battalion drill in a very satisfactory manner. The march-past was very well done. Major Callan drilled the battalion satisfactorily; and Captain and Adjutant Milne, and Captains Smith, Myers, and Gillies all showed knowledge in command. The battalion was subsequently exercised in the attack formation.

Corps. £■§" f.2S Amount of Capitation received for 1891. Number and Description of Arms on Issue. Number ■ of Uniforms on Issue. Ammunition received, 1891. <3 g £l o Dunedin High School Albany Street School Union Street School South District School Middle District School Normal School 69 55 44 40 Nil 45 £ s. d. 20 0 0 20 0 0 20 0 0 20 0 0 Nil 15 0 0 60 Snider rifles ... 21 Snider carbines 25 6 Nil Rounds. 3,000 1,375 1,100 1,050 Nil 1,125 48 49 34 49 7 Snider carbines 1 Snider rifle 21 Snider carbines Nil 51 North-east Valley School ... 68 20 0 0 I 1,250 87 George Street School Outram School Lawrence High School Tokomairiro High School ... 55 62 57 40 5 0 0 10 0 0 20 0 0 20 0 0 28 Snider carbines 40 44 Nil 475 1,350 1,075 44 87 37 38 ' • Totals ... 170 0 0 21,800

! QJ I 'o O pi CD 3 '5 I 0) 0 O" 3 —I o EP CO Q oa CO a C3 to ■+= I go I ■So p H-9 O <D ft 3 'o o o Staff Garrison Band Dunedin City Guards North Dunedin Eifles Dunedin Highland Eifies Dunedin Irish Eifies 1 i i i i 2 2 12 1 "i "i 2 2 3 1 1 1 21 29 29 28 5 24 36 35 33 10 27 30 34 63 5 34 63 65 67 63 ... ■" Total I 1 i 4 5 i 107 133 164 297

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(6.) REPORT ON SOUTHLAND DISTRICT.

EiVEBSDALB EiPLES. —sth December, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 38 rank and file. Absent: 7 rank and file (at work). Uniform. —Scarlet tunics ; helmets ; in good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Pease: A good commanding officer. Lieutenant Wilson-Hall: A good officer.- Lieutenant Kelly : A good officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good. Men. —Very good stamp. Drill. —The drill was very satisfactorily done. Great interest is taken by all ranks in their work, and an excellent spirit prevails. Eight recruits who had joined the corps during the last two months had all done their thirty hours' recruit-drill. The members of this corps, on formation, purchased their own uniform and raised money to build their own drill-hall without extraneous assistance. A very satisfactory corps, well worthy of support. GoiiE Eiples.—6th December, 1892. Present: 2 lieutenants, 2 sergeants, and 25 rank and file. Absent: 1 captain, 1 coloursergeant, 1 sergeant, and 16 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet; helmets; indifferent. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Valentine (absent) : This officer has practically done no drill with the corps for the last three years. Lieutenant Boyne : Owing to the absence of Captain Valentine, Lieutenant Boyne has been in a very difficult position; much responsibility has been thrown on him, which he appears unable to grapple with. Lieutenant Shaw : Fair. Non-commissioned Officers. —The colour-sergeant and another sergeant were absent. These non-commissioned officers have hardly attended a parade this year. The two sergeants present were below par. Men. —Good physique, but not well drilled or turned out. But little interest appears to have been taken in their work. The attendance was bad for the inspection; but the evening was an unfortunate one, as the Gore Agricultural Show was held on that day. On the other hand, an examination of the muster-rolls for the year showed that the attendance has been bad throughout. Undoubtedly the continued absence of the commanding officer has had much to do with the disorganization so apparent in this corps. He is a member of the House of Eepresentatives, and at other times a very busy man, living a considerable distance from Gore. His resignation was sent in about a month before my inspection, but had not been forwarded. G Battery, New Zealand Aktilleby Volunteers, Invebcabgill.—7th December, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 staff sergeants, 2 sergeants, and 28 rank and file. Absent: 1 acting-lieutenant, 13 rank and file (1 sick). Uniform. —New Zealand Artillery Volunteers, in very bad condition. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine; white-enamel belts, in bad condition. Four 12-pr. E.B.L. guns, in very bad order; gun-carriages and limbers and one wagon in very bad state— wood rotten, wheels coming to pieces, unfit for further use. Small stores generally deficient; straps wanting; sidearms tied on with pieces of string. Officers. —Captain McNab : A capable man, but one who for some time has recognised the fact that his battery was on its last legs. Lieutenant Innes : A smart, capable officer. Actinglieutenant Carlyle : Not present; had no uniform. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good class; capable. Men. —Moderate physique ; young; intelligent. Drill. —For some years this corps has had no instruction in its artillery work, and has been an indifferent infantry company, with four guns attached to it. During the past month SergeantInstructor Eichardson, E.A., had been giving the battery a course of drill and instruction. Great interest was evidently shown by all in this work, and a great deal was learnt in the fortnight during

Southland District. I I . So as ., •S a SO '3 o a eg o> 4= o a i 3. w Cβ 02 2 If I s|I.l 1° ffi O O oO OOO o 0 . a" )fficer Commanding District .. Itaff sergeant 51uff Naval Artillery Volunteers i Battery, New Zealand Artillery Volunteers .. Hty Guards Kifle Volunteers Uverton Rifle Volunteers lore Rifle Volunteers tiversdale Rifle Volunteers .. jarrison Band 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 5 2 4 4 4 4 1 5 3 4 4 4 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 74 34 38 36 35 40 17 i i 90 44 51 48 48 53 20 Totals 356 11 24 25 274

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which the course lasted. The fact of no instructor having been with the battery is certainly an excuse, but not a sufficient one, for in the case of B Battery the same state of affairs existed, but, with a good commanding officer, gunnery has been maintained at a good standard. The guns have been allowed to remain in a disgraceful condition. Dirt, which at latest could have been deposited on the splashboards of the limbers last Easter, was on them at my inspection. The equipment of this battery should be recalled to store, and the battery disbanded. Bluff Naval Abtilleey.—7th December, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 2 chief petty officers, 3 petty officers, and 51 rank and file. Absent: 1 petty officer and 27 rank and file (1 sick, 6 without leave). Uniform. —Naval Artillery uniform, in very good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine; brown leather belts. Officers. —Captain the Hon. J. G. Ward : Captain Ward has not been able to attend the parades of his corps, and, although present, excused himself from taking command. Lieutenant Henderson : A very good officer, takes great interest, and well fitted to command. Lieutenant McDougall: A painstaking and very practical officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —A good class, but do not sufficiently aid their officers in controlling the men. Men. —A fine body of men, well turned out. Drill. —The drill was fair on the whole. It would have been better had there been more discipline amongst the men. Talking, pushing, laughing, and general unsteadiness were apparent. The corps is divided into two sections—one at Invercargill, the other at the Bluff. These two sections rarely drill together, and it was distinctly noticeable that on parade the Bluff section was the cause of most of the mistakes made, and of a great deal of the unsteadiness shown. There are quite sufficient men in Invercargill to form a good company, and I recommend that a company be formed there under Lieutenant Henderson. There is no raison d'etre for Naval Artillery at either the Bluff or Invercargill, and therefore the corps formed at Invercargill should be looked upon as a rifle company, and'supplied with rifles. Ido not consider that the Bluff can yet support a corps of its own, and at the present moment no corps is required there. I inspected the " Kakeno " while at the Bluff. This vessel is of no use to the navals or to the Defence Department. I recommend that she be sold. Invebcabgill City Guaeds. —7th December, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 31 rank and file. Absent: 1 sergeant and 11 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet tunics ; black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; white-enamel belts ; no slings. Officers. —Captain Hawkins: A very good commanding officer. Lieutenant Dunlop : A good officer. Lieutenant McKay : A good officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good. Men. —Good stamp. Drill. —The turn-out was smart, and the drill was, on the whole, good. Attention is wanted to detail, especially by the non-commissioned officers. This corps is in a satisfactory state. The Bluff Naval Artillery and the Invercargill City Guards were put through battalion drill by Major Hannah, Captain Hawkins, and Lieutenant Henderson. The drill was very fair, and these officers commanded efficiently. I was attended on parade by Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. H. Feldwick, M.L.C., New Zealand Artillery Volunteers, and by Surgeon-Major Galbraith. Major Hannah, who is in charge of the Invercargill District, accompanied me round his command. He takes great interest in his work, and devotes much time to it. Inveecaegill Garrison Band. Present: 1 bandmaster, 1 sergeant, and 18 bandsmen. The band was well turned out, plays well, and is in a satisfactory condition. Eiveeton Eifles. —Bth December, 1892. Present : 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 3 sergeants, and 25 rank and file (1 sergeant and 1 man seen with Invercargill City Guards). Absent: 1 sergeant and 16 rank and file (4 men came more than half an hour late). Uniform. —Scarlet tunics, blue facings ; black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; black-enamel belts ; no slings. Officers. —Acting-Captain Bobinson: Wanting power of command; bad drill-. Acting-Lieutenant Evans: Likely to prove a good officer, but lives too far from Eiverton. Non-commissioned Officers. —Not up to standard. Men. —Good physique. Drill. —The turn-out was clean, but the belts have never been fitted to the men, and consequently hang much too low. The drill was very indifferent. The manual exercise was fairly done, but all other attempts at drill were failures, This corps, I regret to report, is not efficient. It is too far away from any possible point where it could be employed in the defence of the colony. No reason exists for keeping it up.

6—H. 9.

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(6.) REPORT ON VOLUNTEERS, OAMARU DISTRICT.

I regret to report that throughout this district I found affairs in a very unsatisfactory state. The commanding officer has not that power of command or knowledge which is requisite in an officer in such a position. The staff sergeant-instructor is quite inefficient. Naval Aetilleby. . The Qamaru Naval Artillery knew nothing of gunnery or submarine mining, and very little of infantry drill. A 64-pr. E.M.L. gun is on charge. I found the gun to be very much rusted and uncared for. The corps also was in a bad state of discipline. Field Aetilleey. The Field Battery was thoroughly inefficient at my inspection. Mounted Eifles. The North Otago Mounted Bifie corps, belonging to this district, was in very good order. The corps hardly comes under the supervision of the Officer Commanding the District, and the sergeantinstructor lias nothing to say to it. Infantey Coeps. The infantry corps were very much below the average standard. The officers were generally not at all up to the mark. It is absurd that a man having no knowledge of drill himself should be placed in the position of President of Board of Examination for promotion or for commissions. It naturally follows that all presenting themselves are passed. I found officers who had passed their examinations but a short time previous to my inspection absolutely without any rudimentary knowledge of drill.

I'Battery, New Zealand Aetilleey.—llth October, 1892. Present: 1 lieutenant, 5 sergeants, and 40 rank and file. Absent : 1 sergeant and 5 rank and file. Uniform. —Frocks and tunics; blue trousers, red stripe ; busbies ; white-enamel belt, with cross-belt. The tunics old and worn out; the frocks very badly made. The belts belonging to the corps badly fitting and old (ten years) ; no sword-knots. Arms and Accoutrements. —Three 9-pr. E.B.L. guns, with limbers in fair condition. Snider artillery carbines ; black slings ; sword-bayonets. Officers. —Captain : none. Lieutenant J. H. Eice. Non-commissioned Officers. —Appeared to be of good stamp. Men. —A great number of recruits (25) enlisted within the last two months. Generally, a young body. Drill. —The battery was drilled as a company by Lieutenant Eice. I found that the drill was not good, being more squad drill than company drill. This officer has only lately taken over charge of the battery from Captain Creagh, who retired about two months ago. The non-commissioned officers had done but very little drill as commanders of squads or of the company. The manual exercise was very indifferently done. I subsequently had the men fallen in on their guns. The mere drill on the guns was on the whole well done, but I found that there was absolutely no knowledge of fire discipline or of how the battery should be worked, and, on asking the men questions —I went through them all—there was only one man who had any knowledge at all of his ammunition. I did not find another man in the battery who knew the difference between a common shell and a Shrapnel shell, or who could have brought up either had he been sent for one. They knew nothing of the fuzes. In the orderly room are cases containing sections of the shells and fuzes, but it appears that absolutely no instruction is given. It is, of course, to be recognised that the officer commanding has but lately retired ; that I found the sergeant-instructor of the district quite inefficient and unable to impart instruction in infantry drill; and that no gunnery-instructor has been attached to the battery for the last two

Oainaru District. a. 2 O -w .3 Oro o O a a o> to <e 1 IS o^ ° a i§ •h nog o .ass's H -^ Q eg m Q O O go 111 |Ij I Pμ Cβ O H Officer Commanding District Staff sergeant Oamaru Naval Artillery Volunteers I Battery Artillery Volunteers North Ota"o Mounted Rifle Volunteers.. Oamaru Rifle Volunteers Palmerston South Rifle Volunteers Waikouaiti Rifle Volunteers Naseby Rifle Volunteers Garrison Band Volunteers 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 5 4 2 3 3 4 1 5 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 46 41 49 26 38 43 37 22 61 4! 6: 3' 4! 51 51 21 1 1 1 1 5 4 2 4 4 1 Totals .. 1 G 10 1 8 26 25 11 302 391

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years. Also, I was informed that the battery had only been held together with great difficulty; but, even taking all these things into consideration, I do not consider that sufficient reason existed for the absolute want of knowledge displayed by the men as regards their ammunition. Naturally the recruits would know but little, but the older soldiers were quite as ignorant. Those men who are shown as absent were unable to appear on parade, as their uniform was not made. Oamabu Naval Artillery Volunteers. —12th October, 1892. Present: 1 lieutenant-commander, 1 sub-lieutenant, 4 petty officers, 45 seamen, &c, and 5 bandsmen. Absent: 1 petty officer and 9 seamen, &c. Uniform. —Naval Artillery uniform. There was a considerable want of uniformity. Some men with lanyards, others without. Some with handkerchiefs, others without. The jumpers were not made uniformly alike. Cap-bands with different words and letters on them. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbine; sword-bayonets; brown belts, not worn uniformly. Officers. —Lieutenant-Commander Taylor; Sub-Lieutenant Mahon. Petty Officers. —Not up to the standard which I have found elsewhere. Men. —A considerable number of recruits. The men are not of the same physique as the men in the other Naval corps which I have inspected. Drill. —Lieutenant-Commander Taylor drilled the corps as a company. The drill was not well done, and Lieutenant Taylor made no attempt to put the men right. No cautions were given by, him, the drill being thus made the more difficult for the men. Lieutenant Mahon proved to be a good drill. The petty officers were not up to the mark. Quartermaster Symons, when called upon to drill the company, said that he had never done anything more than "prove" the company. Petty Officer Melldrum put the company through the sword-bayonet exercise, "ordering" badly, and the men doing very badly. T called upon Sergeant-Instructor McPherson to drill the company, and at once found a reason for the drill of this corps and of the battery being so much below par. He proved to be quite unable to drill the men either as a company or at sword-bayonet exercise. I was informed that he was not well; but that was no reason for the bad style of his drill and instruction. He appeared quite incapable of detecting faults perpetrated before his eyes, and lam perfectly satisfied that a great deal of the shortcomings which I found in this command are due to the inefficiency of this non-commissioned officer (vide general remarks Oamaru district). I had the men told off for gun-drill, then fallen out. There appeared to be two squads, one drilling with the 64-pr. E.M.L. gun, the other with a 24-pr. S.B. gun. It is a waste of time for men to drill with this latter gun when there is a 64-pr. E.M.L. gun here for them to drill with, I found in this corps the same want of knowledge as regards their work that was apparent in the battery. Not a man knew what a "projectile " was. I regret that I have to report that this corps has been in a very unsatisfactory state for some years. On going into a matter involving gross breaches of discipline that have occurred within the past few months, I found that Lieutenant-Commander Taylor does not possess that power of command or tact desirable in a commanding officer. Naseby Eifles.—l9th December, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 3 sergeants, and 37 rank and file (5 band). Absent: 1 colour-sergeant, 1 sergeant, and 6 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet; black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Hosie. Lieutenant McLennon : Acting. Lieutenant Hilton : Acting. Non-commissioned Officers. —Fair, on the whole. Men. —Very good stamp. Brill. —The drill was fairly good. Captain Hosie drilled the company fairly. He is not up to date in his words of command. Lieutenant McLennon was fair, and Lieutenant Hilton has plenty of confidence, but wants practice. Both these officers are acting. The marching of the men was excellent, but the details of drill were wanting. The manual was but moderately done. Considering the distance of this corps from its instructors, it is in fairly good condition. Palmerston Eiples.—2oth December, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 sergeants, and 26 rank and file. Absent: 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 1 sergeant, and 19 rank and file (3 sick). Uniform. —Scarlet; black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Grant: A good officer. Lieutenant Dreaver : A young officer. Lieutenant Muir : Absent on business. Non-commissioned Officers. —The colour-sergeant was absent, and has not been on parade since April. The sergeants on parade were not up to the mark. Men. —A fine body of men. Drill. —Captain Grant was suffering from a severe cold, and unable to do much drill. What he did do was well done. Lieutenant Dreaver showed but little knowledge of his drill. The men on the whole did well, but had little support from him or their non-commissioned officers. This corps is not in a satisfactory state as regards its numbers, many of the absentees being simply paper men, and four of those shown as effective having been recruited in December.

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Palmeeston High School Cadets. Uniform. —Forty-three sets. Arms. —Forty Snider artillery carbines, in good order. Officer. —Captain Grant : A very good officer. Waikouaiti Eifles. —21st December, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 2 sergeants, and 21 rank and file. Absent: 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 28 rank and file (6 influenza). Uniform. —Scarlet, no facings ; black helmets of different patterns. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts, very dirty. Officers. —Captain White: Deficient in knowledge of drill; no gloves. Lieutenant Stewart: Absent, shearing. Lieutenant Templeton: Not up to the standard, and should not have been passed. Non-commissioned Officers. —Know very little of their duties. Wen. —Good stamp ; many of long service, but require to be properly drilled. Brill. —This corps does not appear to have been properly grounded in drill, officers, non-com-missioned officers, and men being very ignorant of matters of detail. The'men are in the habit of appearing in a mixture of uniform and civilian garb at the railway-station. There is very little discipline in this corps. I saw several men quietly talking to their friends and loafing about on their way to the drill-hall some half-hour after the time for which the parade was ordered. Oamaru Cadets. —Waitaki High School Cadets (28): Naval uniforms. South School Cadets (33) : Blue uniforms, red facings. District High School (32): Scarlet. North School (42): No uniforms, owing to all being in hands of tailors. These corps were inspected by me on the 14th October, 1892. Except as regards the District High School, the drill was very poor. I was informed that-Sergeant-Major Piper, of the North Otago Mounted Eifles, is a master in this school, and takes considerable trouble with the drill; the result was very apparent. The officers of the corps generally knew nothing of their drill. The corps, as far as I could learn, only received instruction about once a month, from Sergeant-Instructor McPherson.

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S.—GBNBEAL EEPOET ON VOLUNTEBES. Generally throughout the colony a very good spirit exists amongst the Volunteers. It was hardly to be expected that this good spirit should prevail throughout. In the few cases where a bad spirit was found I have noted it in my report on individual corps, and need refer to it no further. It is, however, generally urged that not sufficient is done for the Volunteers ; that there is an insufficiency of capitation, worn-out rifles, bad ammunition ; a tax of about 27-J per cent, levied on uniforms imported from England, or else an increase of more than that amount in extra cost of uniforms made up in the colony over the cost of that manufactured at Home, while the cut and wearing capability of the colonially-made stuff is not to bo held in comparison with uniforms of Home manufacture ; that this uniform is obtained solely for the benefit of the country, as without uniform no men could go on service without being liable to be strung up to the nearest tree did they fall into the hands of the enemy; and that generally, while many promises have been made, no real interest is taken in their welfare. There are also other most material reasons for inefficiency, in that the Volunteers and other forces of the colony have seldom, if ever, been really inspected; that the infantry sergeant-instructors are generally far behind the time in their knowledge and power of imparting instruction ; that there has been a very great insufficiency of instruction ; that the officers, however willing to learn, have not had proper opportunities of acquiring knowledge; and that there has been no system of any kind on which either officer or man could depend for more than twelve months at a time. As will be seen elsewhere, I have no fault to find, but, on the other hand, great praise to bestow, on the officers commanding centres* for the way in which they have worked. Any one taking the example of work done by Lieutenant-Colonel Newall in the Wellington centre will at once understand that his whole time is taken up in attempting to do more than a man's possible work. However willing—and he is most willing—he may be to teach individual officers, or to organize classes of instruction, he has not the time for it. The other commanding officers are generally in the same plight. It must also be borne in mind that the officers commanding centres have not had the opportunities afforded to Imperial officers during these last few years of going through classes of instruction and brushing up their knowledge. Military instruction in these days is an absolute necessity, and that it must be of the best kind goes without saying. Officers and men of intelligence, very willing to learn if properly taught by a man of superior knowledge, will not submit to be instructed by a man whom they know to be inferior to themselves in learning. This is remarkably exemplified in the case of the Oamaru District, where neither commanding officer nor instructor are in any way capable as accepted under modern ideas, the result being almost absolute inefficiency on parade and disorganization generally in the corps throughout the command, the nearly sole exception being the North Otago Mounted Eifles, who have but little to do with the commanding officer, and nothing with the staff sergeantinstructor. 1. Naval Aktilleby Voluntbbes. I believe that these corps, which are scattered over the colony, were originally intended for service on board ship. They have long ago been turned to other work. The corps belonging to the four centres have been organized in such a way that each is supposed to contain a proportion of gunners and submarine miners. The corps in the smaller towns are simply infantry corps, dressed in Naval uniform. Prior to my arrival in the colony it had been the general custom for the gunnery portion of the Naval corps of the four centres to learn a certain amount of drill pure and simple, not sufficient trouble being taken to interest the men in their work. Where instruction in gunnery has been combined with drill, as at Auckland, under the supervision of Lieutenant-Colonel Goring, I found that those men, who had attempted to learn, possessed an intelligent grasp of their work, and were to be relied on. I have endeavoured to inculcate this doctrine generally, and have greatly succeeded. It appeared to me certain that if the men only knew why they were told to do certain things they would have much more interest in their work, and would give up their time much more willingly. In Auckland the Officer Commanding the District happens to be the officer commanding the Permanent Artillery. He found himself to be responsible for the efficiency of each corps in his district, and, knowing what was to be expected of his Naval Artillery Volunteers, he devoted much care and time to their instruction, with good results. In the other centres there is a commanding officer other than the officer commanding the Permanent Artillery, and the latter officer has had no responsibility placed on him as regards the command and instruction of the Artillery Volunteers in his district. This is wrong, and must be altered. In future he must be responsible for their efficiency. During the last few months excellent work has been done generally. Captain E. G. Bourke, E.N., commanding H.M.S. " Eingarooma," most kindly gave the Auckland Naval Artillery Volunteers great encouragement in taking a large portion for a three days' cruise, so that they might have instruction, and learn how gunnery and torpedo work is carried out on board one of Her Majesty's ships. The Wellington Naval Artillery were in camp for fifteen days; the Petone Naval Artillery— port watch, fourteen days, starboard watch, ten days; the Lyttelton Naval Artillery, nine days; the Dunedin Naval Artillery, fourteen days ; the Peninsula Naval Artillery, fourteen days. In each case wonderful improvement has been made. I may specially mention that prior to going into camp the Dunedin Naval Artillery knew nothing of the drill or working of a 6in. B.L. gun. Some little time subsequently I found three really excellent detachments, composed of men who knew a very great deal about everything concerning their work, even to range-finding —a state of affairs very highly creditable to them and their instructors.

*In speaking of centres, I refer to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

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These camps are absolutely essential. The drill done daring the remainder of the year is only sufficient to keep up the knowledge gained during the annual training in camp. I propose that the Na.val Artillery corps at each centre should go into camp, at the most convenient time for each corps, for a fortnight yearly, and that at Easter these corps should also go into camp for their own particular work with guns and mines. The annual allowance of ammunition and stores necessary for the training of the men should be divided, so that a proportion be expended during the training and a proportion during the Easter encampment. The corps go into camp close to the guns with which they are to work. After their work each day they go to camp, do some two hours drill in the evening, get up in the morning in time to do two hours more drill before leaving for their work, to return again bo their camp in the evening. In one case advantage was taken of the camp to do enough work to capitate for the year, no previous drill having been done. This must be guarded against in the future. The submarine-mining portion of the Naval Artillery corps at the four centres are instructed in very elementary matters, such as knotting, laying out stores, and connecting-up. It may be stated that the men have had no practice in laying out a line of mines. A continued course of knotting, splicing, and connecting-up is not sufficient to keep up interest in the work. The men are beginning to find it very irksome. The Naval Artillery Volunteers, who pass certain examinations in gunnery and submarine mining, receive certificates of qualification entitling them to an allowance of £1 each for that year, together with a badge; and any man obtaining his certificate for three successive years becomes entitled to an additional allowance of £1 and an extra badge. The difference between the work required from a gunner and from a submarine miner is enormous at the present moment; but I propose that the instruction must be made more thorough, and practical work in laying out mines and picking them up must be gone through. The Naval corps throughout the colony are in possession of various boats and boat-houses, either bought and built by the Government, by the corps, or by both combined. Each corps receives' an annual allowance of £25 per annum for the up-keep of their boats and boat-houses. The boat in possession of the Wanganui Navals is hardly worth £25 ! It is absurd that the Government should continue paying £25 per annum to each corps, making a total of £450 per annum, when the boats are of no value from the defence point of view. It is very pleasant for the men of these corps to have a boating-club supported by the Government. I will not say that the boats at Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers are absolutely useless, but I will state that the boats at Wanganui, Thames, Napier, and the small ports in the South Island are of no value to the Government. It will be a matter for consideration what should be done with the boats. In the four centres I consider the Government should hand the boats and sheds over to the corps, making each corps responsible for the production of boats for work when required. The extra capitation which I propose for these corps should cover the small extra expense of keeping these boats in order. The outlying Naval corps have in their possession certain pieces of ordnance as detailed in Appendices, page 67, with the amount and cost of ammunition supplied to the corps during the past year. It may be accepted as a fact that these corps have had no instruction in gunnery : they take no interest in it. The guns are in a disgraceful condition generally ; and it is most reprehensible that the authorities should not only countenance the firing of these weapons by untrained men under no proper supervision, but even supply the men with the very possible means of causing some disastrous accident. There is no advantage in keeping up these Naval Artillery Volunteer corps in the outlying districts. They get no instruction in their own particular work, whether gunnery or sub-marine mining. In some cases the service of the men as corps of Rifles may be made use of. The question of uniform is not pressing ; at any rate, the corps should be granted time to wear out their present uniforms before being obliged to adopt another. At the end of 1891 there were only 107 passed gunners and 107 passed submarine miners in the whole of the Naval Artillery corps. At the end of 1892 there were 142 certificated gunners and 92 submarine miners out of a total of 1,185 naval artillerymen. I propose that the corps in the centres told off for gunnery and submarine-mining duties should receive £3 per efficient man, the qualification for efficiency being that the man must have been at least seven out of the fourteen days in camp at annual training, and must put in at least eighteen drills during the rest of the year, three of these being whole-afternoon drills. 2. Gabeison Artillery. There are two batteries of garrison artillery, one at Lyttelton, the other at Port Chalmers. The men of these batteries are told off for the working of certain guns. The battery at Lyttelton is in good order ; that at Port Chalmers I found to be in a very inefficient state. It is not required, and should be disbanded. 3. Field Aktilleky. Taking the matter of instruction, which I have slightly touched on in reporting on the outlying corps of Naval Artillery, various field batteries throughout the colony have had no sound instruction for years, as for example the field batteries at Oamaru and Invercargill. The guns throughout in these batteries are in a terribly bad state, some being unsafe to fire, while the wheels, limbers,and woodwork in some cases are absolutely rotten. I have been obliged to stop further firing from the 6-pr. R.B.L. and 12-pr. E.B.L. guns. In the past batteries have been raised, and guns and stores sent, to various places in the colony, quite irrespective of the possibility of the battery being instructed, or a proper supervision being maintained over the material.

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In the field batteries I have found the most absolute opposites as regards knowledge. In no case can I report that I have found what might be called an efficient battery. There is not a rangefinder for these batteries in the colony ; none of them have their proper supply of ammunition ; there is practically no equipment for guns, carriages, and limbers ; the side-arms are generally unserviceable, the sponges being worn out; there is no harness, and small stores are generally deficient ; but in some cases the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men are very fairly capable. A Battery, at Auckland, with an inefficient commanding officer, is in good order as regards instruction, owing to the efforts of Lieutenant-Colonel Goring. D Battery, at Wellington, with a quite new commanding officer, is in good order as regards instruction, owing to the work done by SergeantMajor Eichardson. B Battery, at Christchurch, with a commanding officer not up to the mark, still has the stamp of instruction given to it by its late commanding officer, Captain Martin; and B Battery, at Dunedin, is well and capably instructed and commanded by its own commanding officer, Captain Proudfoot. On the other hand, the batteries at Napier, Oamaru, and Invercargill are in a totally different condition. I propose to, if possible, organize four batteries, one for each centre, three of them with six 9-pr. 8.8.L. guns in each, and the fourth having six 6-pr. Nordenfeldt guns on travelling-carriages. Whereas it has been the custom to allow the Naval Artillery Volunteers the sum of £25 annually for the up-keep of boats which it is doubtful would in any case be of use, and absolutely certain in most cases to be of no use, no money has been given to the field batteries to aid in the care and preservation of their guns and carriages—costly material which every effort should have been made to keep in order. No use has ever been made of the Permanent Artillery in this direction during the past, and it is doubtful whether any could have been made except in the four centres. In the future I propose that the officer commanding the Permanent Artillery in each centre shall be the staff officer for Artillery in his district, and shall have the care of the material of the field batteries under his supervision. He has two artificers under his command, who should periodically inspect and report to him. 4. Cavalky. There are five corps of Cavalry in the colony, located at or in Waiuku, Wanganui, Eangitikei, Canterbury, and Otago. Although it is practically certain that these corps will never be called upon to act as Cavalry in their role of delivering their attack by pure and simple shock, yet it is equally certain that Cavahy will be required for scouting, reconnoitring, patrolling, and outpost duties. I have found a great deal of good in these corps. Of all the Volunteer corps in New Zealand there is none to compare with the Otago Hussars for efficiency. The aim of this corps has been work, not show, and Captain Eobin had his men and horses in thoroughly capable condition. Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men had a practical knowledge of the country around Dunedin, and were quite capable of undertaking any duty of the nature of outposts, patrolling, &c, and of bringing back in a very short time a rough sketch of their field of action, quite good enough for any ordinary requirements. Captain Eobin himself is an excellent military sketcher, and has done very good work for me in supplying some detailed maps of the country round Dunedin. The Canterbury Yeomanry is also an exceptional corps. As regards its horses, uniform, accoutrements, ambulance, &c.—all the private property of the corps—it stands facile princeps. The Alexandra Cavalry and the Waiuku Cavalry are also good, useful bodies of men, well mounted, and able to use their horses. It is a matter of regret that the Instructor has not been able to visit each of these corps during their training, which is during one week of each year. Corps in different localities have been permitted to train during the same week. It is obviously impossible for the instructor to be at two places at once. The trainings at which he is not present are not effective. The Otago Hussars is the only corps which possesses any knowledge of the Cavalry work which is in reality essential. The other corps have been striving to break their horses and men into parade-ground soldiers in the space of a week's annual training. Naturally, most of the week is taken up in getting some refractory horses into order. The drill of the other men is delayed, and at the end of a couple of hours' parade-work but little has been achieved, Some one has started the idea that Cavalry would, under all circumstances, be useless in New and that only Mounted Eifles should be kept up. This is by no means right. If the Cavalry will —and I propose that they shall—drop the attempt to make themselves into parade-drill machines, in which they cannot possibly succeed, and will devote themselves to learning their outpost, scouting, and reconnoitring work, they will become an efficient and very useful force. The Canterbury Yeomanry have asked to be allowed to go into camp for an extra week this year at their own expense, only asking that the services of the instructor may be given to them. This is a sufficient indication of the spirit which prevails in this corps. 5. Mounted Eiples. There are ten corps or companies of Mounted Eifles in New Zealand. These are the outcome of indifferent Infantry corps or of Cavalry corps being made into Mounted Eifles. The corps are, with the exception of the Hereteunga Mounted Eifles in and near Wellington, and the Canterbury Mounted Eifles, in and near Christchurch, purely country corps. The training is for one week annually, but there are some exceptions to this rule, one corps being allowed to train twice annualiv, for three days at each time, and one corps trains on various half-days during the year. The instructor has not been able to be with each corps at its trainings as these have been allowed to clash. Given good weather the mounted rifleman will get some nine parades during his week in camp ; for the rest of the year there is absolutely no rule requiring his attendance on parade. It can hardly have been understood when these corps were organized that, in order to have a good mounted rifleman, you must first have a first-class infantryman. He is then put on a horse and

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taught sufficient riding to be able to stick on while ho is being carried from one place to another on that horse. Directly he arrives he dismounts and resumes his role of infantryman. Naturally this training can be developed ; but it must always be remembered that Mounted Eifles must never attempt to ape cavalrymen. Now, in New Zealand we have the extraordinary farce of inefficient infantry or cavalry converted into Mounted Eifles by a stroke of the pen, armed with different patterns of worn-out carbines instead of with first-class rifles, and never given an opportunity of being taught the way to use the weapon which they have. It is considered necessary for an infantry Volunteer to attend at least eighteen parades yearly, of which six must have been daylight, while it is only necessary for the mounted rifleman to be on parade some nine times, during which he is chiefly occupied by drill on horseback. To Cavalry and Mounted Eifle corps the Government give the sum of £2 per annum per efficient man, the qualification for which is residence in camp during the whole week of the training. For this sum the man has to provide himself with uniform, horse, horse appointments, and food and drink for himself and his horse. It is simply marvellous that men can be found who will give up their time and spend their money in the way that the men of these corps do. I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that the spirit which animates them is admirable, and that it could be readily worked upon towards attaining excellent results. If the men were given some little encouragement and help they would gladly do more. The capitation for these corps should be raised to £3 per efficient man and 10s. to each man who, besides being otherwise efficient, was in camp during Easter. The efficiency qualification should also be raised to include a minimum of six parades during each year, irrespective of camps, in addition to the annual training. There should be a monthly parade for each corps or division according to circumstances, and each man should be obliged to attend at least six of these parades. The local circumstances of each corps vary so greatly from those of its neighbours that it is impossible to lay down a hard-and-fast rule governing them all. One of the great objects in having a Commandant is the possibility of allowing him a free hand in the consideration of- these local circumstances ; and the capitation of a corps should depend more upon his report as to the efficiency of the corps than on the possible fulfilment of conditions which, in themselves, do not mean efficiency. 6. Engineees. There are three corps of Engineers—one at Auckland, one at Christchurch, and one at Dunedin. The work done is field-engineering, including signalling and telegraphy. The corps at Christchurch and Dunedin are very efficient. Not only are they well up in their military duties, but they are actual schools of instruction, training the youth of the colony in telegraphy. Very great credit is due to the officers, who have got together a considerable equipment of instructional stores at the expense of themselves and their men. In the Auckland corps this has not been done. I recommend that in future the Government should supply the equipment and stores for instructional purposes, and am of opinion that in the cases where these stores have been bought privately, leaving the corps in debt, a certain grant should be made. 7. Infantry Coeps. The infantry Volunteer corps of the colony are divided into two distinct parts, according as to whether they are located in or in the vicinity of the four chief towns or in the country districts. These two divisions are governed by different rules as to numbers and conditions for capitation. The town corps must have a minimum of 3 officers and 60 men on the roll; the country corps a minimum of 3 officers and 45 men. The town corps must put in per each man eighteen parades, of which six must be daylight battalion drills, two-thirds of strength being present; eight company drills, at which one-half must be present; and four company or squad drills, at which not less than onethird of the total shall be present. The country corps have to put in eighteen drills, of which six are daylight, and not less than two-thirds of the total strength must be present. A curious anomaly exists in the possibility of a corps in either branch being able to remain below its minimum strength for nine months in the year, so long as it can muster the required number during the last quarter of the year. It thus follows that a corps can and does work very satisfactorily for its own benefit by having about two-thirds of the minimum strength good men, who can be depended on to put in eighteen parades during the year, and the remaining one-third paper men, who may exist only in the imagination, or who may have long ago left the district in which the corps is located. That this evil is rampant I can personally testify. I found the Scottish Eifle corps, at Christchurch, with a paper strength of 3 officers and about 60 men. On investigating the affairs of this particular company it was patent that there were only some twenty-one men who were in reality earning their capitation. I have been frequently told that such-and-such men were kept on the rolls for the simple purpose of keeping up the numerical strength, although it was an absolute fact that the men had altogether ceased to be Volunteers, and were possibly out of the country. On the other hand, I have found officers (and these are the good men, who should be supported) who will not be parties to a sham. They will not have men in their companies who will not attend parades, and consequently they find it, under present conditions, impossible to keep their companies up to the minimum. In Christchurch this is particularly noticeable. In this town there are two really good companies, numbering some 45 men each. The commanding officers will not take on men who will not work, and consequently these two good corps run the risk of not earning capitation; while another corps in no way to be compared to them finds no difficulty in complying with the conditions. On the face of it, this is absolutely wrong. With such small units as exist in the colony, and with the present disregard of what is required to support Volunteering, in the way of sufficiency of capitation, and issue of good rifles, and ammunition in sufficient quantities, it is impossible for officers commanding companies to get on. They are, or most of them think they are,

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obliged to enlist men, and not only enlist them, but search for them, and actually make it worth their while to become Volunteers for the last three months of the Volunteer year, so that the real members of the corps may be able to earn capitation. Of course, with proper inspection, and a really responsible person at the head of affairs, such a system could not exist. As it is certain that the conditions governing one centre or locality are not equally binding in another, so it must be seen that it is impossible to lay down hard-and-fast rules, to operate under the most opposite circumstances. I can only speak of things as I have found them. I have made a very searching inspection. With a better state of affairs generally, I have little doubt but that the tide of Volunteering will once more flow :at present it is but very low water. If Volunteering ceases to exist, the colony will have to face a much larger expenditure than at present. As she cannot afford to do much more than put the defences she now has into good order, and provide sufficient trained men and Volunteers to work those defences and to guard them, the colony must face the question of spending her money to the best advantage instead of throwing it heedlessly away. In the first instance, I have no hesitation in saying that to a great extent Volunteering has been kept alive by the fact of a Commandant coming out to the colony. The Volunteers are looking to their Commandant for help to extricate them from the mess into which they know they have drifted. They know as well as I do what their shortcomings are. They know their wants and their unsatisfied aspirations. They know that they have never been inspected in reality before. They know that they have worked hard to give me a favourable impression at that inspection, and they have found me ready and willing to give them all credit and to point out their deficiencies. To give them all credit would be hard. They have done their best under circumstances in which they have known that their best must be indifferent. Their officers are, en masse, unskilled, either as drill-instructors or in the art of commanding and leading men. Their drill-instructors supplied by the Government are generally out of date and inefficient. Their arms are useless, and often unsafe. They have suffered from the effects of bad ammunition. They have been ground down in the way of capitation. They, for the benefit of a few clothes-manufacturers, have been obliged to spend yearly large sums out of their insufficient' capitation. They have no haversacks, water-bottles, great-coats, valises, or means of carrying ammunition. They know this all too well; and yet their spirit has been such that they have held on and on, not knowing what the next year might bring forth, but hoping against hope that something might be done for them. It would be hard to find a better spirit than generally prevails amongst the men composing the Volunteer Forces. The officers are not as good as they might be, and the same may be said of the non-commissioned officers. In making this statement I am speaking generally. There are some remarkable exceptions, and, in reality, I can attach but small blame to those who are behindhand. How can it be expected that these men, working under the circumstances which prevail, should be efficient ? They have never had the chance of either example or instruction. It will be absolutely necessary that I shall have a free hand as regards inspection and command of the Volunteer Forces. It will be equally necessary that I shall be given a staff officer to work with me, and take in hand the instruction of officers throughout the colony. With only one such officer to help me I shall only with great difficulty be able to keep up to my work. It has been quite impossible for me to do more than I have done during the past eight months, and that work has been almost entirely inspections. Wlien I have the command of the Forces actually on my hands, which is absolutely essential for their well-being, the work will be more than I could face singlehanded. An officer who would be my staff officer, and who could help me in inspections and in the instruction of officers and non-commissioned officers, will be no more than I shall absolutely require, and I hope the Government will at once see their way to give me power to select such an officer. I have entered in my estimates the salary and allowances for which I can obtain such an officer, but I by no means lay down the rule that in future an equally good man will be obtained for the same money. I have gone very carefully into the requirements which I deem essential for the defence of the chief centres and coal port of Westport, and in my proposals have cut down the requirements of each centre to the lowest limits which will give the colony reasonable security. The strength of men per corps and number of men in each centre will be found to vary. That is accounted for by the local requirements of the individual centre. The individual corps numbers are based on what I think each locality can produce in good Volunteers; and I have adopted a maximum strength of in many cases the present minimum, for I deem it very much better to have fifty really efficient men than seventy-five indifferent men. With a good nucleus to work on it will be easy to increase the strength on emergency, while with bad material as a basis no satisfactory result would accrue from increasing its strength. Formerly this resulted in increasing the number of different corps, instead of being able to increase the number in each corps, as I propose. I have worked out my scheme so that the infantry corps belonging to each centre w T ill form % battalion, the country corps being affiliated thereto. In war time the men called up and kept under canvas would be drawn from the country corps, the town corps being in readiness to support them on emergency. It will be seen that I have done away with a considerable number of corps, as well as altered the strength of those remaining. I do not consider it right or necessary that the colcny should be called on to spend more money than she can reasonably afford, but I am of opinion that it is essential she shall have a certain number of men as efficient as they can be made for that money. To this end concentration is necessary. The corps situated at Naseby costs the country some £4 each time it is visited by the sergeant-instructor, who, by the way, is quite uselese when he gets there, as not only is he an incapable instructor, but a man who has been travelling by coach for ten hours over bad roads can hardly be expected to be much good at the end. IS'aseby is ten hours by coach from the nearest railway-station, and is thus not within range of proper instruction at reason--7 H—9.

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able cost. These remarks apply to corps at Beefton, Boss, &c. The money saved by the reduction of corps in perfectly useless and unjustifiable places is devoted to the improvement of those corps which remain. Instead of the present capitation per infantryman of £2, I recommend that the capitation should be £2 10s., and that an allowance of 10s. shall be made to each efficient man who is present throughout the Easter encampment; and for this capitation and allowance I consider that three of the so-called daylight parad.es should be whole afternoon parades, rendered feasible by the present Government half-holiday. If these parades are made useful, and the men are interested by being instructed in good work, outpost duties, attack, &c, they will, I feel certain, willingly respond to this call on their time. 8. Instkuction. As above indicated, the drill sergeant-instructors are, as a rule, quite behindhand. I propose that, of the thirteen at present doing duty, only four should be retained ; and that six sergeantinstructors should be brought out to the colony from the Imperial service. These men should be changed every three years. Beckoning that their pay should be 7s. 6d. per diem, with houseallowance at £50, and making a rule that the appointments were only open to unmarried men, including passage-money out and back to England, the cost of the ten instructors that I propose would be little, if anything, more than the cost of the present staff, and the amount gained in better instruction, and therefore in efficiency, would be enormous. The Volunteers would have an opportunity of seeing amongst them smart, well-dressed, and well-set-up men. The example thus given would be invaluable. Under no circumstance should one of these men be allowed to continue in the service after his term expires. Compensation on retirement would thus die out. 9. Officers. Considerable comment has from time to time been made on the system which prevails of election of officers. It has been without doubt the case that a corps could elect any person to the position- of one. of its officers. This power has in many cases been so abused that many men who would otherwise have come forward and made good officers have stood aloof rather than serve with or under men who were known to be inefficient, or to have no interest in their corps except as a step to other power. To a certain extent the evil was cured by the institution of examinations for officers ; but the amount of knowledge required to pass these examinations, though as much as could reasonably be expected from men who had no opportunities of instruction, is of such an elementary nature that it is no real test of efficiency, and is often learnt up for the moment and forgotten immediately after. On the other hand, a safeguard exists in the Officer Commanding the District having the power to veto the appointment of any individual as an officer. This power has, however, seldom been exercised. It is a well-known fact that when so exercised it has been overruled. With a battalion system a great deal of the difficulties above alluded to will disappear. The officer commanding the battalion will undoubtedly use his influence in securing good officers for the companies of his battalion, and will most certainly not accept the services of any one whom he knows to be unfitted or useless. He will be able to give great help to the Officer Commanding the District when the latter has to give his certificate that a candidate is a lit and proper person for a commission. I have found the officers to be lamentably deficient in knowledge of field-work. The elements of tactics and outpost and reconnoitring duties should be subjects in which they must show proficiency before being qualified for a captain's commission. We should not be content until at least such work is generally known. Hitherto it has been impossible for them to gain the knowledge, as they have had no opportunities for learning. It would be part of the duty of the staff officer whom I recommend to give the necessary instruction. 10. Boakds on? Examination. There is a Central Board at Wellington, with Lieutenant-Colonel Newall as President. He has to assist him Major Messenger (for Artillery questions), Captain Coleman (for Cavalry and Mounted Bifles), Captain Falconer (for engineering), and other officers as members. It is the duty of the Board to prepare a number of questions on the various subjects in which the candidates have to pass. Four sets of questions are prepared for each year, to be used as required at examinations, which take place quarterly. The officers commanding the other districts notify in due time to the President of the Central Board the number of candidates in their respective districts, and receive in due course sets of papers for each candidate. In each district there is a District Board, the commanding officer being President, and two or more of his senior officers members. It is their duty to receive the sets of questions unopened, to open them in the presence of the candidates, and to deliver the sets of questions to them as they are required. They receive the answers, and forward the papers, together with the result of the practical examination which is conducted under their supervision, to the President of the Central Board, who, with his Board, allots marks to the written answers, and issues certificates to those who have qualified. A candidate for commission as lieutenant is allowed at the same time to pass his examination for a captain's commission, the further necessary qualification being a certain amount of knowledge of battalion drill. I consider this to be wrong. Long before he becomes a captain he will have forgotten what he has learnt. I found that at Auckland the Officer Commanding the District was not the President of his District Board, and that elsewhere officers who were in the position of being Presidents or members of Boards were in no way capable of judging whether a candidate knew his duties or not, and consequently men have been passed and have received commissions who a few weeks subsequently, at

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my inspection, were quite unable either to impart instruction or to drill their men. The system is bad, but will be largely rectified by all corps being brought under a properly-qualified commanding officer, and the infantry corps under a capable battalion commander. The further improvement necessary is the institution of a proper examination for a captain's commission, the subjects to be the same as for the lieutenants, and also to take in elementary tactics, outpost advance and rear guards, and reconnoitring duties, in all of which instruction must be given. From the officers qualifying for commissions as lieutenant-commanders of the central naval corps, or as captains of batteries, a higher knowledge of their gunnery duties should be exacted. I in no way wish to frighten officers by appearing to want too much. It will be my duty to see that they have proper opportunities afforded to them of learning before they shall be asked to pass examinations. 11. Medical Staff. There is a very considerable number of medical officers, including many of the best men in the colony, who have given their services to the various corps. These officers are, I find, very willing to devote their valuable time to both instructing men in ambulance duties and in attendance at parade, camps, and sham fights whenever their services are required, and not only do the} 7 give their time, but actually provide all medical requirements at their own personal expense. They deserve great praise. There is no system of organization for hospitals, either field or base. I am of opinion that none is required. In war time all that will be necessary is the provision of a few ambulances at different points in the defence lines, and the creation of a hospital in each of the four centres, to which all casualties would at once be removed. 12. Uniform. The corps are clothed in various different patterns of uniform—Artillery; Naval; Cavalry of different kinds ; Engineer ; Mounted Rifles, in kharkee (a woollen texture which easily loses its shape, and' shows'dirt very quickly), with broad-brim soft-felt hats, which are completely spoilt by a shower of rain ; and infantry corps in Guards, Highland, and infantry uniform—scarlet and kharkee. The kharkee uniform was instituted in 1891. It has been locally made, and is in many cases ludicrous in its shape, the frocks having the appearance of loose smocks, some with four buttons, some with five; some with pockets and others without; some with long skirts, others with short— in fact, there is no uniformity. The head-dress is eminently unfitted for uniform. Generally the dress is unpopular, and does not give one the idea of being at all lasting in wear or appearance. It will be a matter for serious consideration as to what will be the best uniform to adopt, but I am much in favour of a dark one, loosely made, in " Norfolk jacket " shape, as in the frocks of the Imperial Artillery. I propose that during the next three years the corps shall be obliged to bank from £1 10s. to £1 15s. of their capitation per man, which will provide funds for their being put into a good and serviceable uniform at the end of that period, and will not necessitate their being overwhelmed with a big debt, as has been the case generally in the past. For the capitation recommended, and with an inexpensive uniform —only one class of uniform being allowed—l have no doubt that with care the corps will be able to provide greatcoats, haversacks, &c, in the future. 13. Small Aems. The small arm in use is the Snider rifle (medium) for Infantry, and either the Snider artillery carbine or Snider cavalry carbine for Cavalry, Mounted Rifles, Naval Artillery, and Permanent Forces. There are also some cut-down Snider rifles in the hands of the cadets. These latter weapons are extremely ill-balanced and cumbersome ; some inches have been taken off the muzzle end, the foresight being placed at the present muzzle, and- no alteration made in the leaf-sight. Naturally, the weapons are useless for target-practice or any reliable shooting under these circumstances. The arms are worn out and generally unserviceable, and in many cases unsafe, the breech-blocks being frequently blown open. There are 8,400 medium Snider rifles, 3,620 Snider artillery carbines, and 1,881 Snider cavalry carbines in the colony. They are all old weapons, and, with the exception of some 3,000 imported between 1887 and 1888, which were old rifles manufactured between 1859 and 1864, and converted in 1886, have been in the colony from nineteen to twelve years. It has been the rule for each corps to have its rifles or carbines inspected once annually by the Officer Commanding the District, who is responsible that the numbers are complete, and, as far as he can judge, in good order; but there is no actual inspection of the weapons by a skilled man, such as an armourer. After a very careful consideration of the whole matter of rearmament, I have come to the conclusion that the Government cannot do better than arm its Forces with the Martini-Henry weapon. lam confident that that rifle is quite sufficiently good for our present defence purposes. The ranges which we now have will be generally suitable for target-practice with the MartiniHenry, whereas there are few, if any, ranges to be found in New Zealand which could be made into safe and good ranges for the Magazine rifle. The Magazine rifle may give an advantage to highlytrained men, but it is very questionable whether it could confer any advantage on men not so highly trained. Rather it is possible that the reverse might be the case. The Martini-Henry rifle is a good serviceable weapon, capable of standing a considerable amount of hard usage. The Magazine rifle is much more delicate, and would require very much more care. The expense of the latter is considerably greater than that of the former, and the difference in cost of ammunition is very great, being much in favour of the Martini-Henry. The care of the arms must be much more watched than in the past. It would be an expensive matter for the Government to put up or hire stores in which the arms should be kept under the supervision of trained men. Inconvenience to the Volunteers would also ensue. But steps should be taken that the weapons should be efficiently inspected each year.

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I propose that the artificers of the Permanent Artillery should be instructed in certain portions of the gunsmiths' work, and that one of these artificers should once a year make a round of inspection of the arms in the district to which he is attached, the cost of any repairs, which he may find necessary, to be made good by the corps having the damaged rifle on charge. In this way we shall have some guarantee that the arms are being cared for and are fit for service. I propose that all the Forces shall be armed with rifles. The Cavalry corps will in the future have to devote themselves to field-work (reconnoitring, outpost, &c.) to a very much greater extent than in the past, and when doing that work should carry rifles. When on purely parade duty they need not carry their rifles. The mounted infantry should most certainly be armed with rifles. The Permanent Forces, Naval Artillery, and field batteries should also be armed with rifles. During war time these latter corps will have work to do other than rifle-shooting, and their weapons will be to some extent a reserve. It will require 4,250 rifles to arm the force which I propose keeping up, and there should be a reserve of at least 1,750 rifles, this reserve to be created from time to time as funds may admit. 14. Small-abm Ammunition. With a small-arm-ammunitioii factory in the colony it will be necessary to keep up a reserve of at least one million rounds in stock, and located in proportion at the four centres, according to the number of men in each centre. Each year this reserve would be drawn on for current expenditure, and replaced by newly-manufactured ammunition. If there is no factory in the colony the reserve should be two and a half million rounds. Prior to my arrival in the colony, Snider ammunition had been bought either through the Home Government, from private firms at Home, or else from the Colonial Ammunition Company at Auckland. That bought through the Home authorities may be put down as satisfactory: it had passed the Government test. That bought from private firms was not to be depended on : sometimes it was good, sometimes bad. That bought from the Colonial Ammunition Company was at first found to be very unreliable, and gave general dissatisfaction. When the company was first called on to manufacture ammunition for the Government it was obliged to meet a very urgent demand produced by a scare. Representations were made that the brass, &c. in the colony was not sufficiently good in quality to meet the demand. At a pinch, inferior stuff was used, and the factory was induced to strain its productive-power, the result being bad ammunition, which has given a bad. name to any material produced by this company. The company acted very unwisely in its own interest in undertaking an order which it could not satisfactorily complete. Since then, arrangements were made by which the company was to make a certain number of rounds annually, the Government importing the powder, the company the other material. The ammunition was tested in a very unsatisfactory way, by simply firing from a man's shoulder. No machine for testing cartridges was in existence. The testing that was carried out was invariably done with rifles well cared for and in good condition, and the ammunition has been passed as satisfactory. When fired from numbers of rifles in possession of the Volunteers a very different tale has been told. These rifles, worn out in barrel and breech, have not given the same results as the good weapons used at the testing. Cartridges returned as unserviceable through misfiring have almost invariably been exploded at the first attempt in the good rifles. Breech-blocks have been blown open and the bases of the cartridges burst in these inefficient weapons when never an accident has occurred at Auckland in testing. At the same time Ido not consider that the factory has at all times turned out satisfactory work. The anvils have been left out in some cartridges. This should certainly have been detected before the ammunition was passed. When I went to Auckland I found matters in this state, and also that the Government had ceased to buy any ammunition from any source, falling back on the reserves to supply the wants of the current year. I went through the Colonial Ammunition Company's works at Auckland, and found their material and general supervision in manufacture to be satisfactory, and, with care, no reason should exist for the company not being able to supply thoroughly reliable ammunition. I told Captain Whitney, the manager, that if things were left to me I should insist on a more thorough testing of the ammunition, and that in the first place I should want a machine put up on the range for proving the cartridges. He at once agreed to this, and I wrote to the Hon. the Defence Minister calling his attention to the very grave danger which was being incurred by depleting the magazines of all reserve ammunition ; that I recommended a colonial company being given orders for supply in preference to the colony being dependent on Home articles very difficult to be obtained on emergency or during war time; and I recommended that general arrangements should be left in my hands, subject to his approval. I believe that an order has been placed with the company, and hope that some improvement has been made in the testing and proving of the ammunition. I regard it as inexpedient that the Government should import powder, the company importing brass and other material. It would be much more politic for the Government to order the ammunition to be supplied, and made with the powder which they desire, the company being rebated in duty for the amount of powder used in the manufacture of the Government ammunition. A considerable amount of friction and of labour in clerking, storage, and other ways would be saved. There is no provision for the supply of ammunition to men in the field, and the pouches worn by the men will only carry ten rounds of ammunition. This is thoroughly and altogether as inefficient an arrangement as could well be imagined, and I can hardly conceive how it could have existed so long. The proper supply carried by the man should be seventy rounds. Means should at once be given him for carrying at least fifty rounds. This will be referred to under " Accoutrements." It will be necessary to provide pack-saddles for the carrying and supply of ammunition in the field. This vital service has hitherto escaped all recognition.

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I do not consider that a hundred rounds per man for practice is a sufficient allowance for the Volunteers. It must be remembered that the colony expects a good deal from her Forces, and gives very little in return. I recommend that, in addition to the hundred rounds per man, each Volunteer may be allowed to purchase a second hundred from the Government at ss. per hundred, and that a liberal supply of blank ammunition should be issued. 15. Accoutrements. The accoutrements at present on issue are black-leather waistbelts with frog and one small pouch for Naval Artillery ; cross-belt with pouch, sword-belts, and in some cases buckets for Cavalry and Mounted Bifles; and generally buff belts with one small pouch for infantry. The Field Artillery have as a rule white-enamel cross-belts and sword-belts. Most corps have slings for their carbines or rifles ; in some cases these are black. A few corps have no slings. As a fact, the infantry have only the means of carrying one packet of ten rounds of ammunition per man. No other kind of accoutrement is in possession of the corps. Those at present in charge of the Naval Artillery and of the Field Artillery are as a rule worn out. The Mounted Rifles should have bandoliers. It will be necessary to supply both Mounted Rifles and Cavalry with proper means of carrying rifles. Slings should be in possession of all corps, and an ample supply of pouches, with straps, should be in store. Water-bottles for Cavalry, Field Artillery, Mounted Rifles, and infantry should be in stock. Ido not consider that valise equipment is required. The Forces will never be called upon to act away from their own head-quarters. There are in store some 2,000 sets of brown-leather waistbelts and pouches, and about 2,000 buff belts with pouches. I consider that this constitutes a sufficient stock of these articles. There are only 2,000 water-bottles; another 2,000 are required. There are no bandoliers nor equipment for carrying rifles on horseback. 16. Bands. . It.is provided by regulation that garrison bands may exist in towns in which there are four or more Volunteer corps, each corps being allowed five bandsmen, and that outlying corps should be allowed to count five men as bandsmen on their strength. This regulation was modified during the battalion system period, as, for instance, at Dunedin, where two battalions existed, two bands were allowed. On the abolition of battalions the bands have remained. There are at present bands at Auckland (Garrison), Napier (Garrison), Wanganui (Garrison), Wellington (Garrison), Nelson (Garrison), Ohristchurch (Garrison), Oamaru (Garrisonj, Dunedin (two—Garrison and Ordnance), Invercargill (Garrison), costing the country, in allowances and capitation, £667 yearly ; and also there are numerous corps drawing capitation for five men on their strength, who are in no way efficient Volunteers ; and also there are corps who draw capitation for extra men forming bands, who, contrary to regulations, are kept on the roll and shown as efficient men, as, for instance, the Oamaru Naval Artillery has a band of its own, chiefly composed of men on its strength, while there is a garrison band in the town, having five of its members as its share of the Oamaru Naval Corps. In Oamaru there are at present two bands largely supported by Government, and only two corps—one fifty-six strong, and the other fifty-one. There is a manifest waste of money in this arrangement. I consider that the Government will do all that is necessary if it supports one band at each centre. 17. Cadet Cobps. There are thirty-nine cadet corps in the colony, numbering, in all, 2,153 cadets. These corps vary in value from very great efficiency—as at Wanganui, Nelson, Christ's College, and Lawrence High School—to absolute inefficiency—as at Masterton and several of the schools at Oamaru. There appears to be no system in the management or guidance of these corps. Some have carbines, others have not; some have uniforms, others have not. And, again, there are others which have perhaps a dozen sets of uniforms—sufficient to allow a few of their members to journey by train in uniform from one place to another on a free ticket, as Volunteers in uniform, for the purpose of rifleshooting. Some of the corps are instructed by the Volunteer drill-instructors, others by the men of the Permanent Artillery, and others by their own masters. Some are taught company drill, some are taught physical drill, and others are taught nothing. Some have cavalry carbines, others artillery carbines, others cut-down rifles. Some are composed of boys averaging fifteen years of age, others of boys hardly up to thirteen years, with many of them as young as eleven. I look upon it as wrong to allow boys of such tender years to be dragging about these heavy weapons and to shoot with them. The cavalry carbine is a well-known kicker, even in a man's hands. How can it be expected that boys of thirteen years old should be able to learn anything by firing such rifles ? The cut-down rifle is a most heavy and cumbersome article, and quite valueless for teaching the boys to shoot. Cadet corps composed of boys of the age and size of those at the Wanganui, Nelson, Christchurch, and Dunedin High Schools are in every way fitted to be given carbines and allowed to shoot in recompense for learning their drill and giving up play-hours for that purpose. But, on the other hand, it is nonsense giving boys who learn no drill, who have no uniform, and who are only thirteen years old, an allowance of twenty-five rounds of ammunition yearly. It is also absurd to give an annual money-grant of perhaps £20 per annum to such corps. Of the corps which I have inspected, those belonging to the Masterton School, Oamaru High School, Oamaru Normal School, Oamaru South School, Dunedin "Union Street School, Dunedin Normal School, Dunedin South District School, Dunedin Middle District School, Dunedin Northeast Valley School, Dunedin Albany Street School, and Dunedin George Street School do not, in

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my opinion, earn any grant. They are practically without uniform, and know little of any drill, except that the schools in Dunedin are trained in physical drill, which, in my opinion, is all that they are fitted for. The above schools were given altogether £160 during the last year. They have had issued to them 13,325 rounds of ammunition, costing £66. It has been impossible for me to inspect all the cadet corps, but I have reason to believe that there are many other corps in similar circumstances to those above instanced. The corps should be divided into two classes —Class 1., composed of schools like those at Wanganui, New Plymouth, Nelson, Christ's College, Christchurch High School, Dunedin High School, &c; and Class 11., of schools like those enumerated above. Class I. should be properly instructed in drill, and should receive a grant of £20 per annum, as at present, on the district commanding officer's certificate of efficiency, and should get the allowance of twenty-five rounds per cadet. Class 11. should be taught physical and squad drill, should have only ten Snider artillery carbines and five hundred rounds of ammunition per annum per corps. No grant is necessary in the case of these corps. No uniform need be kept up. Arrangements should be made with the Eailway Commissioners by which, on warrant signed by the Defence Department, the teams of these corps should be allowed to travel in plain clothes for the purpose of firing annual matches with the corps in their immediate vicinity. It is manifestly to the advantage of the colony and of the boys themselves that they should be taught drill to a certain extent, and I put it forward for consideration as to whether it would be possible to make the masters of the various local schools qualify as instructors in physical and squad drill. The masters are themselves drawn from certain schools, and, while there, could be instructed, either by the staff sergeant-instructor or by the Permanent Artillery, as the case might be. It is impossible for the instructional staff to do the drilling of all the corps, and it is often left dependent on the will or capability of one of the masters. One drill a month, which is the most that can be given by the instructors in many cases, is valueless unless supplemented by instruction during the rest of the month. (Eeturn of cadet corps will be found in Appendix, page 66.) 18. Riflb-clubs. There are two kinds of rifle-clubs—one formed of Volunteer corps which have been disbanded, the other formed of civilians. To the former, numbering ten (see Appendix, p. 67), the Government supply Snider rifles and a hundred rounds of ammunition per member per annum. It would seem to have been the intention to have permitted the men who were originally in the disbanded corps to retain their rifles and to receive a grant of ammunition yearly, in compensation for the disbandment. This intention has been lost sight of, and the clubs are at present largely composed of civilians and paper men, for whom the rounds are drawn, but who never fire a rifle. The ammunition is granted on the certificate of the captain of the club that the grant of the former year has been expended for the purpose for which it was intended—namely, rifle-practice on the ranges. This certificate has been signed, although the ammunition of the former grant was not expended. The grant was not made for the benefit of a few, but for each individual member. The ammunition has also been sold. In my opinion, there is no necessity for the Government to give ammunition or the use of rifles to men who have not been actual members of the disbanded corps; and I also consider that a limit of five years should be fixed, after which the grant should cease and the rifles be withdrawn. To the second class of rifle-club the Government gives the privilege of buying arms and ammunition, which is imported for the purpose, from the Government stores. Also, the Government supports these clubs by giving a free grant of 50,000 rounds to the Eifle Association, carries the members to the meeting of the association, and provides tents for them while at the meeting. The weapon used at the association meeting is the Martini-Henry, either bought by the members through the Government or privately, the Government weapon, the Snider rifle, being looked upon as absolutely unreliable. Under the circumstances, Ido not propose interfering; but when the Forces are armed with the Martini-Henry rifle, I consider that the Government should insist on the Government weapon being alone used, so that the Volunteers and civilians should bo brought on to the same footing. It would be manifestly unfair to their own men for the Defence Department to grant ammunition, &c, to the association, and allow a civilian member of a private rifle-club to use a superior weapon, fitted with different sights, in the competition for the championship. 19. Eifle-eanges. The rifle-ranges in the colony are generally in good order, but I regret to hare to report that those belonging to Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin—three out of the four chief towns in New Zealand—are less satisfactory than elsewhere. When I first visited Auckland I found the range there in a most unsafe state. It has been altered very considerably, but lies in a bad position, the back of the range being the •very-much-frequented resort of Mount Eden. I could find no other range available in the vicinity. In Wellington the range is bounded on one side by a narrow strip of reserve, the actual firingline being within a few feet of the reserve boundary, and the back of the reserve is private property. Houses are springing up in the immediate vicinity, 'and it appears certain that before long the range will have to be shut up. A good range can be found near Wellington. The present range, which is Defence Department property, is becoming more and more valuable, so that when a change is necessary the range can be sold and the money spent in rendering a range in Evans Bay fairly accessible. In Dunedin the range is at present only 500 yards in length. It is safe, but there is practically no access to the range. When I first tried to inspect the range I could not get there. It was absolutely unapproachable, having been cut off by a high wooden paling bounding the cemetery. On representation, two holes have been made in the fence, through which the men can creep, but

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at any time this privilege may be rescinded. I was given to understand by one of the trustees who at present represent the owners of the range that the trust would shortly expire. I went over some Government ground near Lawyer's Head on which a good range could be made. lam strongly of opinion that this work should be undertaken. 20. Telegbaphic Communications. The protection of the landing of the cable connecting New Zealand with Australia is a matter requiring serious consideration, to which due weight should be given. lam of opinion that the cable should be landed within the protection of the guns in Wellington Harbour, and this could be easily done without interfering with the mine-field. Communication between Auckland and Wellington may be considered fairly safe : a small secondary line to duplicate one exposed point would be required. Communication with the South Island is by cable : from its landing to Christchurch the line lies in a safe position; thence to Timaru the line is safe, but between that and Oamaru there is nothing to prevent a boat's crew from landing and cutting the wires. A duplicate line should turn inland from about Rangitata to Palmerston, to connect there with Naseby line, or else run direct to Naseby and thence to Dunedin.

6.—GENERAL CONDITIONS GOVERNING MY RECOMMENDATIONS. I have found that in the colony a certain feeling exists of doubt as to whether there is any necessity for the maintenance of defence forces or for the up-keep of defence works. It is certain that such doubts arise from a want of appreciation of the necessity, and this is owing to the fact.that.bald recommendations have from time to time been made on purely technical grounds not understood by the general public, who, being altogether an intelligent public, naturally ask why such things should be done. The greater the intelligence the more reason for explanation. Without explanation, the intelligent man, not knowing the basis on which calculations are made, is apt to deduce wrong results from false data, which he is forced to set up owing to lack of knowledge of the real considerations. I therefore think it advisable to plainly state the conditions which have guided me in formulating the recommendations put forward in this report. I have been constantly met by the following arguments, which, though true to a certain extent, are in reality fallacies. It is argued that the defences of the chief ports of New Zealand would be absolutely useless against a heavily-armoured squadron carrying all the appliances for countermining and such like operations ; and it is asked, " If the defences are so useless, why should they be maintained?" Also, it is argued that if five hundred men in the attack have Magazine rifles they will have a very great advantage over five hundred men in the defence armed with a weapon even slightly inferior ; and that therefore it is madness to arm the men who will have to defend New Zealand with anything but the very best of weapons. These two cases may be taken as fairly true samples of the criticism which the public makes as regards our forces and defences. They do not know of their own knowledge, and it has not been explained to them, that it is practically out of the question for a heavily-armoured fleet, with all the necessaries of war, to come to these shores ; while, on the other hand, it is a very practical matter for two or three cruisers and privateers to come here ; and they have no knowledge of the vast superiority which men acting in a well-selected defensive position have over an equal number of men attacking such a position ; nor has it been explained that in such a broken country as surrounds our chief ports the value of very long-range rifles is considerably reduced; nor do they fully understand that a Magazine rifle in the hands of any but very well-disciplined troops may, instead of being a tower of strength, be a source of weakness, owing to the rate with which ammunition may be consumed without attaining a due result: but they may rest assured that five hundred steady men (without being the best soldiers in the world), armed with a good and serviceable weapon, such as the Martini-Henry, and placed in any of the defensive positions guarding our chief ports from a land-attack, would be fully and more than fully equal to double the number of men, however well disciplined and armed, working in an unknown country, to the attack of positions of the strength of which they have no knowledge. Nor is the raisou d'etre, for the fortification of our chief ports fully understood. The rvle of our navy is the defence of our commerce while on the sea. In war time it may be accepted as a fact that our commerce will be confined to definite trade routes. On those trade routes our merchantmen will be met and passed along by our ships of war. While on those routes they will enjoy comparative safety. If they leave those routes they will do so at their own risk. From this it can be deducted that during war time there will be a great difficulty in effecting insurance on vessels which, from their start until they reach their destination, deviate from the routes which will be laid down by the Admiralty, and unless their port of- destination is so sufficiently fortified that they will be protected therein from the risk of being seized by an enemy's cruiser or privateer. Therefore it is necessary to provide safe harbours for these vessels on their arrival, or else submit to have the whole commercial work of the colony paralysed during war time. Proceeding , on these lines, it is incumbent that we should sufficiently fortify our principal ports for the protection of ocean-going steamers on their arrival, and also for the care and protection of the colony's own merchant shipping ; and last, but by no means least, that the ships of war in these waters should have safe refuge in the face of a temporarily too powerful enemy, and ports in which they may depend on renewing their coal-supply.

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48

And it is necessary that the chief coaling-port of the colony should be made secure from the depredations of an enemy. It is certain that an enemy cannot act unless supplied with coal; and it is therefore certain that if he comes he must bring colliers with him, or else be dependent on renewing his coal-supply on arrival in these waters. If he knows that the chief ports whence the coal-supplies are shipped are denied to him, that the chief ports wherein coal-supplies are kept are also closed to him, and that he will find our warships on the lines connecting the coal-ship-ping ports with the chief ports of the colony, he will regard any buccaneering expedition with distrust, and the colony will enjoy comparative immunity from his depredations. Any attack on New Zealand must be delivered by means of ships of war, or by naval transport, or by both combined, and will take one of the following forms : — (1.) Attack by fleet of heavily-armoured vessels on fortified centres. (2.) Attack by fleet of cruisers. (3.) Attack by a number of ships, composed partly of cruisers, partly of privateers. (4.) A landing of men from transports. The objects of these attacks will be the destruction of fortifications, of docks, of shipping, the levying of indemnities, and the demoralisation of commerce. They are rendered more or less possible according as to whether the British Empire is— (A) in command of the seas, or in equal strength on the seas with her opponents; (B) whether she has lost command of the sea, or is in inferior strength. If condition (A) prevails, then form of attack (1) may be disregarded: the heavily-armoured vessels of the opposing fleet will be well taken care of. Attack (2) will be a matter of difficulty, as an enemy's fleet of cruisers could not move without their locality being soon learnt, and arrangements made for their interception or reception at their destination by a stronger naval force. Attack (3) is more possible, as, although allowing our command of the seas, it would be difficult to have all the privateers which an enterprising enemy could send out shadowed by our ships of war. These .privateers could be despatched from different ports, with orders to concentrate at a certain point, where they would be met by one or two cruisers, and a rush might be attempted on the chief ports of this colony for the purpose of their destruction as safe harbours for our navy and commerce. And attack (4) will only be made in combination with attacks (2) or (3), when it would only be an operation of a few hours' duration, as an enemy could not afford to land men and leave his ships short-handled with the risk of our ships turning up while his men were on shore. Also, attacks (2), (3), and (4), either alone or in combination, run the very great risk of failure before they can be delivered. The enemy's ships will have to come many thousands of miles through waters well searched by our ships before they can reach their point of concentration. They will have either to bring colliers with them, have them at the point of concentration, or they will have to make a dash at one of our coaling-ports, or capture our colliers, thus showing their whereabouts and giving warning of their approach. Under condition (B) —when our opponents have established their supremacy by sea — Form of attack (1) is hardly to be expected. After a battle a I'outrance, the enemy will for some considerable time have few, if any, heavily-armoured vessels to send many thousands of miles from his shores for the purpose of destroying a few forts and ships lying in colonial harbours. Besides, these heavily-armoured ships have but small coal-accommodation, and would find great difficulty in coming so far. Form of attack (2) becomes at once more probable; but the enemy's first-class cruisers will either have met our own cruisers before this time, or will have to deal with them ; and supposing that they have done so, and are free, it will be much more their role to lie round the English coast, intercepting the food-supply of England, thus starving her into submission, than to be starting on a roving expedition to the other side of the world, with very little to be gained at the end of it. That would come, if necessary, in the after time. Attack (3), alone or combined with (4), on the other hand, becomes almost a certainty. Our watchfulness will have to be redoubled, and our defences must be in such a state that we can ward off such attacks with ease. The time will have arrived when on the vitality and defensive power of the colonies will depend their ultimate independence and integrity, or their annexation by our conquerors. Attack (3) alone, or in combination with (4), is generally admitted to be what the colonies must guard themselves against. It has been my endeavour during the past months to make myself well acquainted with the country—its resources, and its capabilities. I fully recognise that it is impossible for the colony to do more than a certain amount in its defence, and I in no way desire'to urge any undue expenditure, either of capital in putting the defences into more perfect order than would be required, or of annual allowances to keep up those defences, or to support more men than are absolutely necessary. The colony has spent very large sums of capital in the past on its defence (nearly £500,000 up to the present time), and it is spending a considerable amount annually. The vote bias averaged £83,435 during the past eight years. It is impossible to take last year's vote as a basis of calculation, as there was in that vote absolutely no provision made for the cost of ammunition to be used during the present year. The ammunition used has been taken to a very great extent out of store, the reserve being reduced to an absolutely unsafe limit.

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7.—PEE SENT ORGANIZATION. For some years past there has been no Commandant, the duties having been performed by the different Defence Ministers. They have been assisted by Under-Secretaries for Defence, who, although Imperial officers, have for many years been in civil employment, and yet are supposed to have technical knowledge which the Ministers, being civilians, could hardly be expected to possess. The present Under-Secretary for Defence is also Commissioner of Police and Inspector of Prisons. The duties connected with these offices are so arduous and important that it has been quite impossible for him to keep up the extremely vital work of inspecting the defence forces and works, which has consequently been allowed to lapse. The want of inspection and of competent reports has, I fear, lulled the colony into the belief that her defence and defence forces are in an efficient state. I regret that it is my imperative duty to dispel that belief. Out of the 1,185 Naval Artillery Volunteers now on the roll there are but 142 fairly-efficient gunners and 92 men partially trained as submarine miners. Of the Cavalry and Mounted Bine corps, I can point to but one —the Otago Hussars—which could be regarded as efficient. The field batteries are all inefficient, and amongst the Garrison Artillery Volunteers there are but 20 capable gunners. Two of the Engineer corps are very good; but in the Infantry corps there is generally no knowledge, either amongst the officers, non-commissioned officers, or men, of the duties they would have to perform were they ever called upon to face an enemy. Added to this are the facts that, at best, we have not sufficient men to work half the guns at present mounted; that the submarine-mining defence is valueless, and, even were it complete in stores and installations, there are not men trained to lay out the mines, nor are there boats fitted for that purpose; and that the rifles in the hands of the Volunteers are quite worn out. There is no scheme of defence, nor is there any worked-out plan for controlling the artillery fire or fighting the guns in action. On the other hand, we have a small trained force of Permanent Artillery just able to look after the armaments and the duties of the various stations, and a few trained submarine miners capable of doing the guiding and controlling work of the mine-fields were the fields laid. It is necessary to curtail the artillery defence as far as possible, and to put forward inducements to the men of the Artillery Volunteers, and so interest them in their work, that more trained men shall be forthcoming, and also to make use of the valuable reserve being built up in the Police Force. It is necessary to complete the submarine-mining defences, and to give facilities for the proper training of the Volunteer Submarine Miners. It is necessary to give encouragement to the Cavalry and Mounted Bine corps, and to exact in return more drills from the men. It is necessary to equip and properly maintain a field battery at each centre. It is necessary to further support the infantry corps recommended to be maintained, and to insist that each man shall attend at least three afternoon parades during the year, irrespective of the Easter encampment. And it is necessary that a proper system of command and inspection should be instituted.

B—H. 9.

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50

B.—SUMMAEY OF EECOMMENDATIONS. WOEKS AND AeMAMENTS. I have recommended certain changes in the works and armament by which the saving of a very number of men will be effected. Abtilleby Pees'onnel. To raise the numbers of trained or partially trained men to the strength required by me, I propose—(l) That the men who have gone from the Permanent Artillery to the Police Force should be called out for ten days in each year for training, which will render them efficient for service when required; (2) that the central Naval corps and the battery of Garrison Artillery (kept up) should receive capitation at the rate of £3 per efficient man ; (3) that these corps should go into camp for a fortnight each year, receiving Is. 6d. per man per day in camp for rations ; (4) that at Easter they should camp at their own forts; (5) that proper allowances of ammunition should be sanctioned for their instruction; (6) that every man must be present in camp at least seven out of the fourteen days, and must attend at least eighteen parades during the year, irrespective of camps, three being afternoon parades; (7) that the men should be examined for efficiency certificates, for which badges will be given; (8) that two-thirds of the strength must be present on at least four parades during the year. Submarine-mine Defence. I have recommended that this defence should be completed, and that properly-fitted launches and boats should be kept up where necessary. Submarine-mining Peesonnel. -I recommend (1) That the Naval corps at each centre should receive capitation of £3 per trained submarine miner ; (2) that the men should go into camp each year for a fortnight's training, receiving Is. 6d. per man per day in camp for rations; (3) that at Easter they should camp near their mine-stations and work at laying out mines; (4) that sufficient stores be provided for their proper instruction ; (5) that each man must be in camp for seven out of the fourteen days ; (6) that each man must attend eighteen parades, irrespective of camp, three of these being whole afternoons ; (7) that the men should be examined for efficiency certificates, for which badges will be given; (8) that two-thirds of the strength must be present on at least four parades during the year. Cavaley and Mounted Eiples. I recommend—(l) That Cavalry and Mounted Eifies corps should receive capitation of £3 per efficient man ; (2) that these corps should train either for one week at a time or else on twelve whole afternoons during the year ; (3) that if the corps trains in camp for a week, each man must put in at least six afternoon parades during the year, irrespective of camps; (4) that, if the training of the corps has up till now been twelve whole-afternoon parades during the year, each man must in future put in at least six other afternoon parades, irrespective of the Easter encampment; (5) that two-thirds of the strength must be present on at least four parades during the year. Field Aetilleey. Field batteries should be properly equipped and maintained, one to each centre. I recommend— (1) That batteries of six 9-pr. E.B.L. guns be formed at Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin; and one battery of six 6-pr. Nordenfeldt guns at Wellington ; (2) that these batteries should obtain capitation of £3 per efficient man; (3) that a proper allowance of ammunition for practice should be sanctioned ; (4) that 150 rounds of ammunition per gun be kept up for these batteries; (5) that each man must attend eighteen parades during the year, exclusive of Easter encampment, three being afternoon parades; (6) that two-thirds of the strength must be present on at least four parades during the year ; (7) that the men should be examined for efficiency certificates, for which badges will be given. Infantey and Engineebs. I recommend —(1) The keeping-up of the number of infantry corps as shown. These corps should be organized into battalions,' the head-quarters of the battalion being at the centre of the district; (2) that each corps should draw capitation of £2 10s. per efficient man; (3) that each man must put in eighteen parades, three of these being whole-afternoon parades, during the year, exclusive of Easter encampment; (4) that two-thirds of the strength must be present on at least four parades during the year; (5) that the men should be examined for proficiency in signalling, telegraphy, &c, for which certificates and badges will be given. Camps. I recommend that as far as possible the corps belonging to each centre should go into camp each Easter in the immediate vicinity of their centres, there to be exercised over the ground and at the particular work they would have to do were they called upon to meet an enemy. The expenses of these camps, including rations, should be defrayed by the Government. Bonus. I recommend that to each efficient Volunteer who has attended the Easter encampment of the year the sum of 10s. be given at the end of the year provided he has been in the camp three days.

51

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Badges.

I recommend —(1) That a silver badge be given to each Volunteer at the end of a year's efficient service ; (2) that if a man gains badges for three successive years he should be given a gold badge, the silver ones of the two previous years being withdrawn ; (3) that a Volunteer should forfeit his previously-earned badges if he is inefficient during any year, unless on account of sickness; (4) that badges of silver and gold under the above rules should be given to gunners and submarine miners who have obtained certificates. Small Aems. I recommend that the Forces shall be at once armed with Martini-Henry rifles. Ammunition. A reserve of ammunition should be created of—(1) at least one million rounds, provided that a colonial company be able to supply the annual requirements ; (2) at least two and a half million rounds if the ammunition is purchased outside the colony. Each Volunteer should receive a free allowance of a hundred rounds annually, and should have the privilege of buying another hundred rounds from the Government at ss. per hundred. Defence Office Cleeks. I am of opinion that the pay of the Defence Office clerks should be increased as shown in my estimates. These officers have very great responsibility, and are paid less than officers doing similar work in other departments. Infantby Sebgeant-Instbuctobs. I recommend that of the present staff of infantry sergeant-instructors four be retained, and that 'six sergeant-instructors be obtained from the Imperial service; these men to be bachelors, and only engaged for a period of three years, when they should be replaced. Defence Engineeb. I recommend that the Defence Engineer should be placed on the estimates of the Defence Department. Staff Offices. I recommend that a staff officer should be brought out from England on a three years' engagement. He should have the special duty of instruction in military matters. Estimates. I recommend —(1) That the estimate of yearly expenditure now submitted be passed for a period of three years. I beg most strongly to urge this. A very great deal of the difficulty which has arisen in Volunteer affairs in the past has been due to the want of settled conditions. (2) That the estimate of works be spread over three years, as shown. Commandant. The present scheme must be regarded as experimental. Only experience can dictate the regulations which will eventually govern it. If it be approved, and if the control be left in my hands, I firmly believe that at the end of three years I shall be able to hand over a very sound defence to the colony. I recommend that this course be adopted.

H.—9.

9.—PEOPOSED ESTABLISHMENT.

WELLINGTON DISTRICT.

52

Arm. No. of Corps. Officers. Rank and File. Officers. Rank and Officers. File. Rank and File. Cavalry, Alexandra „ (Eangitikei) Mounted Eifles Naval Artillery (Wellington) - „ (Petone)l ... Field Artillery 1 1 4 1 1 1 3 3 12 4 3 4 64 47 188 100 77 66 3 29 542 Eifles (in Wellington) „ (in district —Taranaki or Albert Eifles, Wanganui Navals, Wanganui, Marton, Palmerston North)... Volunteer staff — 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 1 adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 1 bandmaster, 30 band ... 5 9 15 180 300 6 30 30 510 Permanent staff— 1 -lieutenant-colonel, 1 adjutant,]: 2 staff ser-geant-instructors Permanent Artillery — 1 major, 1 master-gunner, 1 sergeant-instruc-tor, 48 rank and file ... Permanent Torpedo Corps— 1 captain, 1 torpedo instructor, 1 submarinemine instructor, 24 rank and file Police (to be called up for ten days annually) ... 2 1 2 50 1 26 35 113 63 1,165 * For artillery work. t Chiefly submarine-minin: work. J Also cavalr and mi mnted infantry i: ispector.

a o r o a +3 a o 9 0Q H o 'c? 3 CO a '3 ft ea o m a c3 a CD a CD 3 CO a 3 p CD CD jg CO C3 ca a a 1 hi c3 C? fq CO o 12 004J nj J S 1 § § "c3 o EH Capitation. Amount. Permanent staff Permanent Artillery Permanent Torpedo Corps ... Police... 1 1 2 4 £ s. d. £ s. d. 1 2 48 51 1 2 24 35 27 35 1 1 1 1 107 117 Volunteer staff ... 108 0 0 1 2 1 1 30 36 at 3 0 0* Cavalry Mounted Eifles... Naval Artillery... Field Artillery ... 2 4 2 1 4 8 5 3 111 188 177 66 117 200 184 70 1,998 10 0 9 20 542^ 571 at 3 10 0* Eifles... at 3 0 0* 1,512 0 0 8 16 480 504 1,111 1,111 atO 15 £ Of 3,618 10 833 5 0 0 .dd a: mm litio: £ 4,451 15 0 * These amounts include the bonus of 10s. to each man who, being otherwise efficient, has put in at least three [ays at Easter camps. t One hundred rounds free, and 100 rounds at 5s. per man.

H.—9.

AUCKLAND DISTRICT.

53

Arm. No. of Corps. Officers. Rank and File. Officers. Rank and File. Officers. Rank and File. Cavalry (Waiuku) ... Mounted Eifles (Franklin) ... „ (Te Awamutu) Naval Artillery (Ponsonby) ... „ (Auckland) ... Field Artillery 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 4 64 47 47 77 77 66 1 4* 19 378 Engineers Eifles (in Auckland) „ (Thames Navals, Hamilton, Te Aroha, and to be raised) Volunteer staff— 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 1 adjutant, quartermaster, 1 bandmaster, 30 band 4 3 12 12 50 240 240 6 30 33 560 Permanent staff— 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 adjutant, 2 staff ser-geant-instructors Permanent Artillery— 1 officer, 30 rank and file ... Permanent Torpedo Corps ... Staff sergeant-instructor, E.E. Police (to be called out for ten days annually)... 2 1 1 2 30 18 1 30 81 56 1,019 * One corps to be raised, if possible, i: AuckL md; othi irwise i: the district.

CD a o o CD a CD 3 03 H '3° CO a '3 c3 O 43 I a CD 43 a CD 1 g a ■2. @ a 43 a . c3 CO CD W 5b° co a SH to J a co'" ■a a ca ap (A Capitation. Amount. a c3 M "3 4=> o H Permanent staff Permanent Artillery Permanent Torpedo corps ... Staff sergeant-in-structor, E.E. Police 1 1 1 1 2 30 18 4 31 19 £ s. d. £ s. d. 1 "so 1 30 108 0 0 1 1 1 1 78 85 Volunteer staff... ... ! l 2 i ... 4 ; .. 4 ■:.. 3 i ... ! 13 ... 2; ... 16 I ... 18 j ... 1 2 1 30 36 at 3 0 0* Cavalry Mounted Eifles... Naval Artillery Field 1 2 2 1 64 94 154 66 1,389 10 0 6 378, 397 at 3 10 0* Engineers Eifles 1 8 501 480 ... | 530 1 at 3 0 0* 1,671 0 0 9 557 990 990 atO 15 £ 0t 3,168 10 742 10 0 0 Add ami lunition £ 3,911 0 0 * These amounts include the bonus of 10s. to each man who, being other [ays at Easter camps. t One hundred rounds free, and one hundred rounds dse effic: it 5s. pei ient, has put i: : man. at least three

EL—9.

CHRISTCHURCH DISTRICT.

54

Arm. No. of Corps. Officers. Rank and File. Officers. Rank and File. Officers. Rank and File. Cavalry ... Mounted Eifles „ (to be raised) Naval Artillery* ... Field Garrison „ 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 3 3 3 4 3 80 47 47 77 66 57 Engineers Eifles (in Christchurch) „ (in district) t Volunteer staff— 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 1 adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 1 bandmaster, 30 band ... 1 4 4 20 374 3 12 12 50 240 240 6 30 33 560 Permanent staff — 1 lieutenant-colonel, 3 staff sergeant-instruc-tors ... Permanent Artillery — 1 major, 24 rank and file ... Permanent Torpedo Corps ... Police- (to be called out for ten days annually)... 1 3 1 24 7 20 54 55 988 * For artillery work. f I have not been able ti Districts, and am therefore unable to at present decide wl i inspect doh cou: all the itry corj /ifle corj shall bi is in Noi 3 maints :th and South Cai .ined. iterbury a o 'o CD 4= a CD 3 hi O "5* CO a 'd 43 P< C3 o CO 43 a co CCl 43 CD C3 43 43 a a fa A < y\ CD 43 CO c3 a G 3 § a a c3 pq 43 9 CO H H CD O BO iS f-i o CD r-j CO_g =a 1o J a co"* -a a c3 m ■ Capitation. 'Amount. a c6 m O H Permanent staff Permanent Artillery Permanent Torpedo Corps ... Police... 1 ... J 3 24 7 20 4 25 7 20 £ s. d. £ s. d. 1 3 51 56 Volunteer staff... 1 2 1 1 30 36 at 3 0 0* 108 0 0 Cavalry Mounted Eifles... Naval Artillery... Field Artillery ... Garrison Artillery 1 2 1 1 1 3 4 2 3 .2 80 94 77 66 57 6 14 374 394 at 3 10 0* 1,379 0 0 Engineers Eifles... 1 8 2 16 50 480 at 3 0 0* 1,671 0 0 9 18 53i 557 987 987 atO 15 £ 0t 3,158 740 0 5 0 0 Add a: imunition £ 3,898 5 0 * These amounts include the bonus of 10s. to each man who, being otherw lays at Easter camps. f One hundred rounds free, and 100 rounds at 5s. per r ise efficii man. snt, has put in at least three

H.—9.

DUNEDIN DISTRICT.

55

Arm. N°- ° £ Officers. Corps. Rank and File. lOfficers. Rank and File. Officers. Rank and File. Cavalry (Otago Hussars) Mounted Eifles (North Otago) Naval Artillery (Dunedin)* ... „ (Port Chalmers)! Field Artillery 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 4 3 4 64 47 100 50 66 17 327 Engineers Eifles (in Dunedin) „ (Waikouaiti, Mosgiel, Kaitangata, Eiversdale, Invercargill Navals, Invercargill City Eifles) Volunteer staff— 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 1 adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 1 bandmaster, 30 band ... 1 4 3 12 50 240 6 18 360 6 30 39 680 Permanent staff — 1 lieutenant-colonel, 3 staff sergeant-instruc-tors ... Permanent Artillery— 1 captain, 30 rank and file Permanent Torpedo Corps ... Police (to be called out for ten days annually)... 1 3 1 30 9 20 62 58 1,069 * For artillery work. t For submarine-: lining 'ork. CD a o o c 43 a o 3 CD . ! I ° -+= s g o j k! "a cS a^ CD co cS I u CD CO CS a 3 cS pa 43 CD S r" 1 CD o LJ 6043 T3 mo a «d 3 « » ' a J a ■ 3 CO P3 O EH Capitation. Amount. a cS a s. a. £ s. d. Permanent staff Permanent Artillery... Permanent Torpedo Corps ... Police... 1 3 30 9 20 4 31 9 20 Volunteer staff... 1 1 59 64 108 0 0 1 2 1 1 i 30 36 at 3 0 0* Cavalry Mounted Eifles... Naval Artillery... Field 1 1 2 1 2 2 5 3 ... ! 64 ... '■ 47 ... ! 150 66 1,204 0 0 Engineers Eifles... 5 12 ... 327 344 at 3 10 0* 1 10 2 20 50 ... | 600 at 3 0 0* 2,049 0 0 11 22 ... i 650 683 1,063 1,063 atO 15 £ 0t 3,361 797 0 5 0 0 Add ammunit: Lon £ 4,158 5 0 * These amounts include the bonus of 10s. to each man who, being others [ays at Easter camps. t One hundred rounds free, and 100 rounds at 5s. per ise efficient, has put in at least three man.

H.—9

56

NELSON AND WESTLAND DISTRICT.

STATEMENT SHOWING NUMBER OF CORPS OF EACH ARM OF THE SERVICE, AND TOTAL OF EACH ARM, IN THE SEVERAL CENTRES.

Arm. No. of Corps. lOfficers. Rank and File. Officers. Rank and 1 File. Officers. Rank and File. [aval Artillery (Westport) ... 1 60 titles 2 3 60 120 6 120 r olunteer staff 'ermanent staff 1 9 180 o o CD 3 03 43 a to c« a a '3 -2 o i-l CD O &TJ43 CO S *H CD J.9 02 CD £ "3 a 03 *t a c3 0 "3 o EH Capitation. Amount. 'ermanent staff olunteer staff 1 £ s. d. £ s. d. "i "2 [aval Artillery iifles • 1 2 ... 2 4 ... 60 120 63 126 at 3 10 0* at 3 0 0* 220 10 0 378 0 0 189 189 at 0 15 Of £598 10 0 141 15 0 Add ammunition £740 5 0 * These amounts include the bonus of 10s. to each man who, being othen lays at Easter camps. t One hundred rounds free, and 100 rounds at 5s. per fse effii dent, has put i: at least three nan.

No. of Corps. Officers. Rank and File. Total. Total all Ranks. Officers. Rank and File. lavalry:— Auckland Wellington Christchurch ... Dunedin I 2 1 1 3 6 4 3 64 111 80 64 16 319 lounted Eifles:— Auckland Wellington Christchurch ... Dunedin 2 4 ■ 2 1 6 12 6 3 94 188 94 47 335 Ti 423 [aval Artillery: — Auckland Wellington Christchurch ... Dunedin 2 2 i '2 6 7 3 7 154 177 77 150 450 23 558 'ield Artillery: — Auckland Wellington Christchurch ... Dunedin i 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 66 66 66 66 581 16 264

H.—9.

STATEMENT SHOWING NUMBER OF CORPS OF EACH ARM OF THE SERVICE, AND TOTAL OF EACH ARM, IN THE SEVERAL CENTRES— continued.

9—H. 9.

57

Total. No. of Corps. Officers. Rank and File. Total all Ranks. Officers. Rank and File. Garrison Artillery:— Christchurch ... 1 57 57 Engineers:— Auckland Christchurch ... Dunedin 1 1 1 3 3 3 50 50 50 60 Eifles :— Auckland Wellington Christchurch ... Dunedin 150 159 8 8 :8 10 24 24 24 30 480 480 480 600 Volunteer staff (and bands): — Auckland Wellington Christchurch ... Dunedin 102 2,040 2,142 6 6 6 6 30 30 30 30 Permanent staff:— Auckland Wellington Christchurch ... Dunedin 24 120 144 2 2 1 1 2 2 3 3 Permanent Artillery:— Auckland Wellington Christchurch ... Dunedin 10 16 1 11 1 30 50 24 30 Permanent Torpedo Corps: — Auckland Wellington Christchurch ... Dunedin 134 138 1 1 18 26 7 9 Staff sergeant-instruc-tor, E.E. :— Auckland 60 62 Police : — Auckland Wellington Christchurch ... Dunedin 1 30 35 20 20 105 105* Totals ... 63 232 4,241 232 4,241 4,473 * Th: is number will gradually in< irease until it reaches 150.

H.—9

58

10. —AN ESTIMATE for Defence Services as compared with Appropriations for Year ending 31st March, 1893.

1892-93. Salaries. Other Chagea. Total. Salaries. Other Charges. Total. £ £ £ £ £ £ Vote . —Defence Department 2,600 900 3,500 876 200 1,076 >> . —Permanent Militia ... 24,781 1,840 26,621 1 28,835 24,465 53,300 j> . —Volunteers 3,147 27,125 30,272 j> . —Armaments and Works 2,511 4,150 6,661 2,491 850 3,341 » . —Miscellaneous Services 589 589 11,770 11,770 TOTAL OF CLASS 33,039 34,604 67,643 32,202 37,285 69,48

Item. DEFENCE DEPARTMENT. 1893-94. 189: 1-93. 1893-94. 1892-93. Total number of officers ... 7 1 £ £ VOTE No. . Salabies — Commandant Commandant (3 months, 1891-92) Staff Officer ♦Engineer for Defence flnspector of Stores in London... of Oaval?y and Mounted Infantry JChief Clerk [Record Clerk 700 450 600 165 225 260 200 700 176 2,600 876 Othbb Chaeges— Travelling-expenses House Allowance Forage Allowance 600 150 150 200 Total —Vote No. 900 200 3,500 1,076 PERMANENT MILITIA—ARTILLERY. 1893-94. 1892-93. Total number of officers ... 207 209 VOTE No. . Salaries— Garrison Artillery Branch — 2 Majors at £250 per annum ... 1 Captain at £225 per annum 1 Lieutenant 1 Master Gunner at 10s. per day 4 Sergeants-Major at 8s. 6d. per day 4 Sergeants at 8s. per day 1 Sergeant as Artillery Instructor 4 Corporals at 7s. 6d. per day ... 4 Bombardiers at 7s. 3d. per day 500 225 150 621 584 750 450 150 183 621 584 156 548 530 "548 530 ;cellaneous Si srvioes." Previously charged to " Harbour Defences." t Previously char; charged to " Militia and Vol ;ed to " Mil mteers." Previously

59

H.—9

DEFENCE DEPARTMENT—continued.

Item. 1893-94. 189 !-93. i PERMANENT MILITIA— A.'RHIL'LERY—continued. £ £ £ VOTE No. —continued. Salaeies — continued. 12 Artificers at 7s. per day 27 (runners, 1st Class, at 6s. 6d. per day ... 30 Gunners, 2nd Class, at 6s. per day 52 Gunners, 3rd Class, at 5s. 6d. per day ... 1,533 3,202 3,285 5,220 1,533 3,202 3,285 5,220 16,398 17,212 Staff— Attached— 1 Master Gunner Royal Artillery, at 10s. per diem 1 Sergeant-Instructor Royal Artillery, at 8s. 6d. per diem 183 156 339 Otheb Chabges— Travelling-expenses Repairing and painting Buildings Fuel and Light Gas and Water Maintenance and Repairs of Torpedo-boats, Boat-sheds, Launches, &c. House Allowance Volunteer Instruction Clothing Freight, cartage, &c. Stores for maintenance of guns and batteries Contingencies, Artillery and Torpedo Branches Big-gun Ammunition (Practice) Small-arms Ammunition (Practice) 200 100 100 300 350 50 150 150 1,200 300 150 600 500 800 1,000 250 150 Less estimated credits under section 41 of " The Public Revenues Act, 1891 " 1,065 5,250 1,000 1,065 4,250 PERMANENT MILITIA—SUBMARINE MINERS. Salaeies — 1 Captain, Instructor, Submarine Mining Establishments 1 Captain at £250 1 Whitehead Torpedo Instructor 1 Submarine Mining Instructor at 8s. 6d. per day 4 Petty Officers at 8s. 6d. per day 1 Engineer at 10s. per day 2 Corporals at 7s. 6d. per day ... ■ 6 Corporals, 2nd Class, at 7s. 3d. per day ... 14 Torpedomen and Artificers, 1st Class, at 7s. per day 18 Torpedomen, 2nd Class, at 6s. per day ... 15 Torpedomen, 3rd Class, at 5s. 6d. per day 300 250 200 300 250 200 156 621 183 274 794 1,789 1,971 1,506 621 183 274 794 1,789 1,971 1,506 7,888 8,044 Staff—Attached— 1 Submarine Mining Instructor, R.E. 156 Otheb Chaeges— Travelling-expenses House Allowance Fuel and Light Gas and Water ... Small-arms Ammunition (Practice) Submarine Stores (Practice) 200 150 50 50 75 250 775 Total —Vote No. ... ... | 8,819 I 26,621 29,506

H.—9

60

DEFENCE DEPARTMENT— continued.

;em. 1893-94. 189 1-93. VOLUNTEERS. 1893-4. 1892-93. Total number of officers ... 15 27 £ VOTE No. — Salaries — Head Office — Chief Clerk Record Clerk Auckland — *Officer Commanding District Adjutant Staff Instructor (Imperial) ... Napier — Officer Commanding Drill Instructor and. Magazine Keeper ... Wanganui — Drill Instructor and Magazine Keeper ... Wellington — Officer Commanding District Staff Instructor (Sergeant-Major Finn) 2 Staff Instructors at £210 (Imperial) ... Nelson and Westland — Officer Commanding Adjutant Staff Instructor (now in colony) Marlborough — Drill Instructor OliristcJmrch — Officer Commanding District Staff Instructor (now in colony) Staff Instructor (Imperial) ... South Canterbury — Officer Commanding Drill Instructor Westland — Drill Instructor (also Magazine Keeper nil) 300 17- r » 210 300 128 420 230 165 50 303 50 138 138 300 128 128 50 75 128 50 300 128 210 300 256 50 128 128 Oamaru — Officer Commanding Drill Instructor Dunedin — Officer Commanding District Staff Instructor (now in colony) 2 Staff Instructors at £210 (Imperial) ... Tnvercargill — Officer Commanding Drill Instructor 300 128 420 50 128 300 256 50 128 Otheb Chabges— Auckland — Eorage Allowance Travelling-expenses Napier Wellington— Forage and House Allowance Travelling-expenses Nelson and Westland — Travelling-expenses Marlborough Cbristchurch — Forage and House Allowance Travelling-expenses 3,147 3,579 50 250 } 175 50 100 450 I 450 200 55 70 1.00 350 } 350 Oamaru Dunedin — Forage and House Allowance Travelling-expenses Invercargill Westland Capitation Allowances Allowance to 4 Bandmasters ... Capitation to Cadets Prizes for Rifle-shooting Naval Artillery Volunteers, Purchase and Repair of Boats 20 100 350 } 300 14,000 100 250 COO 45 100 12,500 500 600 450 * Previously charged as " 1 Major, Permanent A " 1 Commanding Officer, jfcillery , Auckland £250 50 800

61

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DEFENCE DEPARTMENT— continued.

Item. 1893-94. 189 1-93. VOLUNTEEE8— continued. VOTE No. — continued. Other Charges— continued. Eent, Purchase, and Eepair of Eifle Eanges Subsidies in aid of erecting Drill- and Boat-sheds, &c.... Volunteer Encampments Purchase of Arms, Ammunition, &c, Freight, and Insurance Charges Freight and Cartage Advertising Eent of Offices, Fuel, Light, &c. Extra Clerical and other Assistance Small-arms Ammunition (Practice) Field- and Big-gun Ammunition (Practice) Submarine-mining Stores (Instruction) Contingencies £ £ 525 600 2,000 300 500 1,300 700 350 200 200 4,000 400 250 1,000 1,000 700 350 200 200 1,000 Less estimated credits under section 41 of "The . Public Eevenues Act, 1891 " 27,125 21,215 1,000 Total —Vote No. 27,125 20,215 30,272 I 23,794 AEMAMENTS AND WOEKS. 1893-94. 1892-93. Total number of officers ... 20 18 *VOTE No. . Salaries — Auckland — Magazine Keeper and Assistant Wellington — Storekeeper Assistant Storekeeper 2 Clerks: 1 at £175, 1 at £140 Storeman Armourer Armourer's Assistant 5 Arms Cleaners at £109 16s. Express Driver 2 Magazine Keepers : 1 at £120, 1 at £101 Otago — Caretaker, Powder Hulk Wanganui — f Magazine Keeper Napier — f Magazine Keeper 230 325 200 315 110 183 138 549 110 221 230 325 200 315 110 183 138 549 110 221 110 110 10 10 2,511 2,491 Other Charges— Eepairs to Magazines, Hulks, and Store Buildings TJp-keep of Torpedo Boats TJp-keep of Steam Launches ... Expenses of Launches and Torpedo Boats Expenses of Batteries TJp-keep of Batteries (completed) TJp-keep of Submarine-mining Works (completed) Freight, Insurance, and other charges Contingencies 350 200 400 800 1,000 1,300 300 300 1,500 350 500 Less estimated credits under section 41 of "The Public Eevenues Act, 1891" 6,150 850 2,000 Total —Vote No. 4,150 850 6,661 3,341 Under this vote there is revenue received of £1,400 per annum from re: ep of magazines and pay of magazine-keepers. It is at present abf :tment. f Previously charged as " Militia and Volunteers." nt of maga2 iorbed by T sines. This n 'reasury, and svonue should go no credit given to defray cost of to the Defence ip-kei )epar

H.—9

62

DEFENCE DEPARTMENT— continued.

;em. 1893-94. 189 !-93. MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES. VOTE No. . Repairs, &c, to Military Graveyards Purchase of Long-Service Medals Pension to Mrs. Elizabeth Ford Pension of late P. Q-. Eawson, continued to his Widow Pension of late William Oliver, continued to his Widow Pension of late Mrs. Passmore, continued to her Sisters Pension to Aperahama Tahumirangi for wounds received while in the service of the New Zealand Government Pensions to Recipients of N.Z. Cross Special Allowance to ex-Constable Packer, for serious permanent injuries received in the service Special Allowance to ex-Constable Miles Leighton for serious permanent injuries received in the service ... Compassiocate allowance to the widow of late Torpedoinan Heighten at the rate of £1 per week Compassionate allowance to ex-Torpedoman Cornwall for injuries received at the Shelly Bay explosion, at 15s. per week Compensation for loss of office to ex-Torpedoman Otway Arrears of New Zealand Cross pension to Captain G. Mair, as recommended by the Public Petitions Committee Expenses of blowing up rocks in Inner Harbour, Nelson Cost of removing rocks at the outer harbour, Nelson Expenses connected with the gun-cotton explosion at Shelly Bay Balance of sum agreed upon for the acquirement of land used as a Eifle-range at Polhill's Gully, Wellington Expenses of the Eoyai Commission on Polhill Gully Eifle-range Expenses of Eoyal Commission of inquiry into the case of Nicholas Fryday Subsidy to Hamilton Drillshed (first instalment) Repairs to machinery and hulls of steam-launches " Lyttelton," "Gordon," and "Isabel" For privilege of using Mount Eden Eifle-range Proportion of Salary of Imperial Officer in London as Inspector of Warlike Stores Liabilities on old orders for Ordnance and other warlike stores 50 50 46 45 47 10 180 40 30 52 39 50 50 46 45 37 47 10 180 40 30 39 39 68 160 250 439 525 1,800 175 100 100 150 225 165 7,000 Total—Vote No. 589 ll,77i TOTAL, DEFENCE DEPARTMENT 67,613 69,487

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ESTIMATE for Completion of Works, Armament, Submarine Defences, Torpedoboat Sheds, Magazines, etc., and Purchase of Small Arms and Ammunition.

First Year. Second Year. Third Year. Estimated Expenditure annually on Defence Forces and Works .. £67,643 £67,643 £67,643 Estimated Expenditure on Eearmament of Forces, Completion of Works, &c, including old Liabilities ... ... ... ' ... 37.980 22,800 8,000 Totals ... ... ... ... £105,623 £90,443 £75,643

CLASSIFIED Return of Proposed Expenditure on Works of Defence.

'irsi ear. iecom ear. Lin ear. item. COMPLETION OF WORKS, ETC. VOTE No. . Purchase of Martini-Henry Rifles — 2,500 Martini-Henry Rifles ... 1,500 1,000 „ Reserve of Small-arms Ammunition (1,000,000) Freight and Insurance on above Alteration in 6in. B.L. Guns ... Completion of Submarine Works and Stores Completion of Forts now under Construction New Works Torpedo-boat Sheds, Slips, &c. Magazines (District Civilian) ... Telegraph Communication Completion of Artillery Stores and Ammunition Miscellaneous Liabilities on old order for Ordnance and other warlike Stores £ 10,000 2,000 450 3,500 C,565 2,190 5,775 1,000 1,250 750 1,500 1,000 £ 6,000 2,000 250 2,800 1,825 1,600 4,875 700 750 £ 4,000 200 2,800 £ 10.000 6,000 4,000 4,000 900 9,100 8,390 3,790 10,650 1,700 2,000 750 2,500 3,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 2,000 2,000 Total—Vote No. . 37,980 22,800 8,000 68,780

M Port. Work. [ Particulars. Estimated Expe: First Second Year. Year. iditure. Third Year. [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Auckland ... Wellington 5) Lyttelton ... Mt. Victoria ... Gardens Battery Island Bay North Shore ... (A.) —New Woeks. 8in. B.L. emplacement, magazine, earthworks, &c. 7in. M.L. 6in. B.L. 8in. B.L. 6in. B.L. Electric-light casemate, &c 8in. B.L. gun on new site; emplacement, &c. ... 6in. B.L. gun emplacement, &c. £ 2,050 750 1,125 £ 2,000 875 £ ,, ... ,, ... 650 1,200 Dunedin ... Westport... Taiaroa Head ... Suitable site 2,000 Totals for new works 5,775 4,875 Auckland ... 'B.)— Completion of Existing Works. Completion of works in hand £ 200 £ £ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 ,, ,, ... Wellington ,; 55 Lyttelton ... N. Head Works Fort Bastion ... General Gordon Point ... Kau Point Fort Ballance ... Mt. Crawford ... Fort Kelburne... General ,, ... Fort Jervois ... General ,, ,, Telephonic circuit... Completion 8in. B.L. emplacement, &c. Emplacement, &c, for 1 Q,F. G-pr. Hotchkiss... Modifications and improvements Blockhouse and field-works... New hoist, &c. Telephonic circuit... Miscellaneous Completion of works in hand Telephonic circuit... Miscellaneous Abandonment of position and removal of guns Eemoval of 6in. gun (for Westport) ... Rearrangements and improvements ... Completion of works to design Telephonic circuit... Miscellaneous 100 400 70 400 300 200 350 170 70 260 200 ,, ... 200 Dunedin ... Lawyer's Head Lighthouse Batty. Taiaroa Hd. Wks. Harrington Point General 220 50 225 j) • ■ ■ )) • ■ • 250 j, ... 25 ;, ... 100 „ j> Totals for completion of existing works 2,190 1,600

H.—9

64

CLASSIFIED Return or Proposed Expenditure on Works of Defence— continued.

SUMMARY of Proposed Expenditure on Works of Defence.

First year... ... ... ... ... ... ... £17,730 Second year ... ... ... ... ... ... 9,750 Total ... ... ... ... £27,480

;imi ,xpe; ;ure. a t-H Port. Work. Particulars. First Year. Second Year. Third Year. 1 2 3 4 r> (i 7 8 1) Auckland ... Wellington >> Mine-field General Mine-field Electric light ... " Ellen Ballance " General Mine-field (C.) —Submarine Defence. Completion of equipment and stores, &c. Miscellaneous Completion of equipment and stores, &c. New casemate outside Fort Ballance Alterations for submarine-mining work Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Equipment stores and electric light ... Miscellaneous £ 4,200 100 1,590 275 300 100 £ 125 100 £ j> Lyttelton ... Dunedin ... 500 1,000 100 J? General ?> Totals for submarine defence 6,565 1,825 1 2 3 4 Auckland ... Boatshed Wellington Nil ... Lyttelton ... Slip ... Dunedin ... Boatshed (D.)— Toepedo-boat Sheds. Eemoval to new site; new shed and slip Nil Slip improvements Erection with slip, &c. ... ... £ 500 £ 200 500 £ 500 Totals for torpedo-boat sheds 1,000 700 (E.) —Main Magazines (Civilian). Improvements £ 650 600 £ £ 1 2 3 4 Auckland ... Wellington Lyttelton ... Dunedin ... Mount Eden ... Kaiwarra Erskine Point ... Nil ... ,, ... ■.. ... 750 ,, ... ... ... Nil Totals for main magazines ... 1,250 750 (I , .) —Telegeaph Communications. £ £ £ 1 All ... General ... Systematised communication between all works of defence ... ... ... ... i Total for communications 750 750

New Wot] :s. Completion of Existing Works. Submarine Defence. Tor )edo-boat iheds. Main Magazines. Ti Goi ilegra] imuni tions. ioaitals. Port. t-i CD i ! PR CO a> H 5^ Cβ J 2 ° "a S J CO EH (in CO B & in Iμ Cβ CD O o CD ti Cβ h CO g In o u O Cβ CD n '3 Cβ cj >H 2 s § DO GJ S .uckland Wellington iyttelton funedin... Westport I £ ; £ J £ 2,050l ... ' ... 750 ! 2,000i ... 1,775 875! ... 1,200 ... I ... ... 2,000 ... 5,7754,875 ... £ i £ 300! 350'; 870! 700i 500 200| 520| 350i £ £ 4,300 2,465 £ 125 100 500 1,100 £ £ 500 £ ... I £ £ 650 600 £ £ £ 150 200 200, 200| £ £ £ 7,950 4,885 2,475 2,420 £ 475 2,800 2,525 1,950 2,000 £ I 200! 500J ' 750 ... 500 ... J : 2,19011,600 6,765 1,825 1,000 700! 1,250 750 750 17,730 9,750

65

H.—9

11.—APPENDICES.

Return of Small Arms in Stores and on Issue in New Zealand, 31st December, 1892. [Abbreviations: S.A.C., Snider artillery carbines; S.C.C., Snider cavalry carbines; M.L.C., muzzle-loading carbines ; S.S.R., Snider sword-rifles ; C.D.S.R., cut-down Snider rifles.]

10— H. 9.

larl 'ines. Rifles, Snider. Snider. Revolvers, C.F. Distribution. co be n .3 S.S Swords, Cavalry. Sword. Loni Long. Artillery. Cavalry. Rifles cut aown. Defence stores Permanent Militia, Artillery ' „ Torpedo Uivil Police Volunteer Field and Garrison Artillery Volunteer Naval Artillery ... „ Engineers „ Cavalry and Mounted Eifles „ Infantry „ Eifle-clubs „ Garrison bands ... „ cadets ... „ staff B-overnment steamers No. 2,880 1 No. 977 No. 242 133 60 No. 468 No. 158 No. No. 1,444 4 No. 398 4 122 511 "25 46 518 10 670 804 185 92. 21 3,743 505 20 64 34 278 675 221 535 4 "45 703 3 2 472 349 149 "l2 6 Total in colony 7,842 977 3,125 1,743 507 149 2,180 1,070 ,eceived from England—1869 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1878 1879 1880 1881 1887 1888 1870 100 1,732 220 600 381 1,000 700 600 500 500 2,000 300 "300 500 200 2,100 700 1,500 300 -1,500 -1,520 500 "200 Total received 8,420 1,732 3,620 1,881 2,300 * Mai ufactured between 1859 and 1864; converted, 1886.

H.—9.

Return of Cadet Corps, showing Name, Number, Age, Amount of Grant, Arms on Issue, Description of Arms, and Number of Rounds of Ammunition issued to each Corps for Year ending 31st December, 1891.

66

Name of Corps. <S .a M 55 A| S o il si Iβ. a Grant for j g Year ended a 31st March, ° 1892. a _o o a> A Free Issue of Ammunition. New Plymouth School Napier High School Naval ... Wanganui Collegiate School Grey town School ... Masterton School ... Featherston School Wellington College Mount Cook School Nelson College Westport School ... Blenheim Borough School ... Tuamarina School... Eeefton High School Kumara School •Christ's College Christchch. Boys' High School Kaiapoi ... Queen's ... Timaru High School Temuka School Oamaiu High School Oamaru North School Oamaru South School Waitaki High School Palmerston High School 50 67 63 40 37 52 58 55 63 58 31 46 49 48 48 70 55 47 51 61 63 63 52 63 No. 50 65 63 20 55 18 52 58 55 63 58 31 37 49 47 48 67 55 46 25 61 48 63 40 55 No. 2 20 19 1 3 1 26 9 £ s. 10 0 20 0 20 0 Nil 15 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 5 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 20 0 15 0 10 0 15 0 20 0 10 0 20 0 20 0 a. o! I I o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 No. 60 60 62 10 47 10 38 70 50 60 (10 145 (16 26 (20 20 40 ( 3 37 ( 2 60 50 60 144 43 20 40 40 50 22 40 (25 125 7 6 Nil 20 60 (20 (20 I20 (20 1 i 44 Nil Nil 10 Nil S.C.C. S.A.C. » 1 M.L.C. J S.A.C. ) M.L.C. f S.A.C. S.C.C. S.A.C. „ ) S.C.C. I S.A.C. ) S.C.C. C.D.S.B.j S.C.C. S.A.C. ) S.C.C. C.D.S.E.J S.A.C. o.d'!s.e. S.C.C. 1,000 rounds Snider ball. Did not apply. 1,725 rounds Snider ball. No allowance. 1,375 rounds Snider ball. No allowance. 1,450 rounds Snider ball. 1,800 5,150 rounds Morris tube. 1,650 rounds Snider ball. 1,450 775 1,150 1,225 1,250 1,250 1,525 2,875 1,050 1,050 1,575 1,575 1,575 1,100 1,575 15 S.A.C. 12 8 Union Street School 57 47 10 20 0 0 1 S.C.C. J S.A.C. 1,100 Normal School South District Middle District Outram School Dunedin High School 46 50 No 62 69 46 41 roll 18 69 9 at p 44 15 0 20 0 resent 10 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 Nil S.C.C. S.S.E. S.A.C. I S.C.C. J S.A.C. ) S.S.E. C.D.S.E.j S.A.C. ) S.C.C. I C.D.S.E. 1,225 1,050 No allowance. 475 rounds Snider ball. 3,000 Lawrence High School 60 57 3 20 0 0 1,350 North-east Valley ... 71 70 1 20 0 0 1,250 Albany Street 58 55 3 20 0 0 1,375 Tokomairiro George Street Balclutha High School Invercargill Woodlands 40 55 No 51 40 40 51 roll 51 No 4 at p 20 0 5 0 resent 15 0 Nil 0 0 0 1,075 1,225 No allowance. 1,250 rounds Snider ball. No allowance. s.a!c. roll

H.—9

67

Return of Rifle-clubs, showing Numbers, Issue and Cost of Ammunition, and Expenditure on Freight, &c., in forwarding such Ammunition to each Club for Current Year.

* This is not a Government rifle-club, but ammunition is issued as a special concession.

Return showing Distribution of Ordnance on Charge of the Naval Corps outside the Radius of the Four Centres, and the Allowance and Cost of Ammunition, for the Year ended the 31st December, 1892.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,530 copies), £70.

By Authority: Samuel Oostall, Government Printer for the time being, Wellington.—lB93. Price Is. 6d.}

District. Club. Strength. Free Issue of Snider Ball. Cost. Approximate Forwarding Charges. Auckland ... Coromandel Whangarei... Woodville ... Greytown ... Ash'burton ... Peninsula ... Clutha West Taieri Portobello :;: Arrow 25 37 60 41 45 45 60 47 33 Bounds. 2,500 3,700 6,000 4,100 4,500 4,500 6,000 4,700 3,300 Did not 6,000 s s. a. 12 10 0 18 10 0 30 0 0 20 10 0 22 10 0 22 10 0 30 0 0 23 10 0 16 10 0 apply for am 30 0 0 £ s. a. 0 3 6 0 3 6 0 7 3 0 5 8 0 9 8 0 9 9 0 10 6 0 11 9 0 7 10 munition. 0 19 9 East Coast ... Wairarapa ... 3outh Canterbury Dunedin Lake Queenstown 60

A: imunitii >n issued. Corps. Nature o£ Guns. o I o o w CD I 0 © 3 o o S3 O Cost of Ammunition issued. Thames Navals Wanganui... Napier Nelson Greymouth Westport ... 1 12-pr. E.B.L. 1 6-pr. „ 1 24-pr. S.B. No guns. 1 12-pr. E.B.L. No guns. 1 64-pr. 71cwt. 2 24-pr. S.B. 1 64-pr. 7Icwt. 1 24-pr. S.B. 3 howitzers (24 i prs.j . No. No. No. No. 30 No. 30 No. 60 £ s. a. 20 2 2 Nil Nil 30 30 60 20 2 2 Timaru Oamaru I 10 Nil 10 Nil 30 5 15 12 3 10 5 15 12 3 10 30 60 49'"l 3 Bluff