DEFENCE FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING THE FORCES.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1928 Session I, H-19

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1928. NEW ZEALAND.

DEFENCE FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING THE FORCES.

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

REPORT. The Hon. the Minister of Defence, General Headquarters, N.Z. Military Forces, Sir — Wellington, 31st May, 1928. I have the honour to submit the following report on the New Zealand Defence Forces for the period Ist June, 1927, to 31st May, 1928. 1. Commands and Staff. During the year the following changes have taken place : — Colonel (temp. Col.-Commandant) C. G. Powles, C.M.G., D.5.0., A.D.C. to the King, Commanding Central Command, relinquished command on retirement in December, 1927. Lieut.-Colonel J. H. Whyte, D.5.0., D.C.M., N.Z.S.C., was promoted Colonel (temp. Col.-Com-mandant) and appointed to command the Central Command, vice Colonel Powles. Lieut.-Colonel I. T. Standish, C.M.G., D.5.0., R.N.Z.A., succeeded Lieut.-Colonel Whyte as G.S.O. (1), Central Command. Lieut.-Colonel C: E. Andrews, 0.8. E., N.Z.S.C., succeeded Lieut.-Colonel Standish as A.A. & Q.M.G., Northern Command. Captain L. G. Goss, N.Z.S.C., succeeded Lieut.-Colonel Andrews as Staff Officer in charge No. 2 District, Paeroa. Captain A. de T. Nevill, R.N.Z.A., succeeded Captain Goss as A.A.G., General Headquarters. Captain A. E. Conway, N.Z.S.C., was promoted Major and appointed Staff Officer in charge No. 8 Regimental District, New Plymouth. Major S. C. P. Nicholls, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., succeeded Captain Conway as General Staff Officer (Training) at General Headquarters. Major R. A. Row, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., succeeded Major Nicholls as A.A. & Q.M.G., Southern Command Headquarters, Christchurch. Major D. E. Bremner, M.C., N.Z.S.C., succeeded Major Row as Staff Officer in charge No. 10 Regimental District, Christchurch. Captain K. L. Stewart, M.8.E., N.Z.S.C., vacated the appointment of Staff Officer in charge No. 6 Regimental District, Palmerston North, and proceeded to England to attend the Staff College. Major L. Potter, N.Z.S.C., returned from India and succeeded Captain Stewart. Major P. H. Bell, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., vacated the appointment of Staff Officer in charge No. 11 Regimental District, Dunedin, and proceeded to Samoa in command of the Samoa Military Police. Captain F. L. Hunt, N.Z.S.C., has temporarily taken over the duties of Staff Officer in charge No. 11 Regimental District during the absence of Major Bell. 2. N.Z. Permanent Forces. officers. (a) Imperial Defence College. Major W. I. K. Jennings, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., who was the New Zealand representative at the first course of the College, completed his course, and has now returned to New Zealand and taken up duty at General Headquarters as General Staff Officer (Operations). Major W. G. Stevens, R.N.Z.A., succeeded Major Jennings at the course which began in January, 1928.

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(b) Staff College, Camberley. Major W. G. Stevens, R.N.Z.A., graduated at the end of 1927, and Captain K. L. Stewart, M.8.E., N.Z.S.C., joined the College in January of this year. For some years two officers per annum were sent to the Staff College, but the number has now been reduced to one per annum, which is the minimum necessary to maintain the supply of trained Staff officers. (c) Courses. Captain S. F. Allen, N.Z.S.C., proceeded to England to undergo a course with the "Royal Corps of Signals. (d) Officers on Exchange. Six New Zealand officers are now doing duty with British regiments in India, in exchange for six officers of the British Army in India now serving in New Zealand. These officers areMajor A. S. Hooper .. .. .. .. . . Wiltshire Regiment. Now Area Officer at Timaru. Captain A. Le G. Campbell .. .. .. .. Highland Light Infantry. Now Area Officer at Wellington. Captain G. Mcl. S. Bruce .. .. .. .. Lincolnshire Regiment. Now Assistant Area Officer at Wellington. Lieutenant (local Captain) S. Gibbons .. .. .. Durham Light Infantry. Area Officer at Palmerston North and Adjutant Manawatu Mounted Rifles. Lieutenant (local Captain) G. H. Dykes .. .. Lancashire Fusiliers. Area Officer at New Plymouth and Adjutant Taranaki Regiment. Lieutenant (local Captain) E. L. Heywood .. .. Middlesex Regiment (D.C.0.) Area Officer at Blenheim and Adjutant Nelson and Marlborough Mounted Rifles. New Zealand officers in India are — Captain j. A. M. Clachan, N.Z.S.C., now with the Wiltshire Regiment. Captain G. M. McCaskill, N.Z.S.C., now with the Lincolnshire Regiment. Captain D. T. Maxwell, N.Z.S.C., now with the Durham Light Infnatry. Captain L. W. Andrews, Y.C., N.Z.S.C., now with the Highland Light Infantry. Captain A. W. Greville, N.Z.S.C., now with the Lancashire Fusiliers. Captain A. H. L. Sugden, N.Z.S.C., now with the Middlesex Regiment. (e) Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. It is the practice to send to this College cadets between eighteen and nineteen years of age to fill normal vacancies in the Royal N.Z. Artillery. At the end of 1927 Cadet Weir graduated at this College, and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, R.N.Z.A., and attached to an Artillery unit in England for further training. This officer will return to New Zealand before Christmas, and it has not been necessary to send a Cadet to join the College this year. (f) Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Replacements of normal casualties in the N.Z. Staff Corps are made from New Zealand Cadets who have graduated from the above College. In December, 1927, Cadets Shuttleworth and Heal graduated and were commissioned 2nd Lieutenants, N.Z.S.C., and attached to British Infantry regiments for a year's further training, They will return to New Zealand this year. Cadets Page and Wooller joined the College in January, 1927, and the reports received show that both are fully up to the standard of the boys of their own age from all parts of the British Isles. Cadet Page headed his class during the first term, and was third in the second term. Two other Cadets—Queree and Davis—joined the College in January of this year. (g) Retirements, &c. Colonel (temp. Col.-Commandant) C. G. Powles, C.M.G., D.5.0., A.D.C. to the King, N.Z.S.C. ; Captain E. H. Sawle, N.Z.A.O.C. ; and Captain J. F. Rockst.row, R. of 0., attached to the General Staff, were retired on superannuation. Captain S. V. Trask, N.Z.A.P.C., died. Major P. H. Bell, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., Lieutenant J. W. Barry, N.Z.S.C., and Lieutenant A. J. Moore, N.Z.S.C. were seconded to the Samoa Military Police. Captain Villar, South Wales Borderers, and Lieutenant (local Captain) Dillon. R.A., both on exchange in New Zealand, returned to India. (h) First Commissions. The following have been commissioned :— Lieutenant F. Mcintosh, M.C., N.Z.S.C., from warrant officer, N.Z.P.S. Lieutenant J. P. Joyce, D.C.M., R.N.Z.A., from warrant officer, R.N.Z.A. Lieutenant R. J. Eyre, N.Z.S.C., from sergeant, R.N.Z.A. 2nd Lieutenant C. E. Weir, R.N.Z.A., from the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. 2nd Lieutenant C. Shuttleworth, N.Z.S.C., from Royal Military College, Sandhurst. 2nd Lieutenant C. H. Heal, N.Z.S.C., from the Royal Military College. 2nd Lieutenant H. C. Wilson, M.M., N.Z.A.P.C., from warrant officer, N.Z.A.P.C.

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(i) Returned from Abroad. The following have returned from abroad : — Major W. I. K. Jennings, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., from the Imperial Defence College, England. Major L. Potter, N.Z.S.C., from exchange in India. Captain L. M. Isitt, N.Z.P.A.F., from Air Force course in England. Captain G. B. Parkinson, R.N.Z.A., from Artillery courses in England. Captain R. S. Park, R.N.Z.A., from Artillery courses in England. Captain J. G. C. Wales, M.C., N.Z.S.C., from exchange in India. Captain J. I. Brooke, N.Z.S.C., from exchange in India. Captain R. J. D. Davis, N.Z.S.C., from small-arms courses in England. N.Z. Permanent Forces. OTHER RANKS. Enlistments. To make good wastage due to retirements the following numbers have been enlisted into the various units during the year : N.Z. Permanent Staff, 15 ; Royal N.Z. Artillery, nil; N.Z. Permanent Air Force, 2 ; N.Z. Permanent Army Service Corps, 2 ; N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps, 6 ; N.Z. Army Pay Corps, 1 ; General Duty Section, 4. Enlistments have been confined to young men, and lam very pleased with the fine type that has been available to choose from. The type of man and his standard of efficiency are very high in the Permanent Forces, and our non-commissioned officers in the instructional branches particularly will, 1 think, compare favourably with non-commissioned officers from any part of the Empire. Samoa Military Police. A new unit of the Permanent Forces, the Samoa Military Police, was raised during the year, and consists of three officers and seventy-one other ranks. The three officers and five warrant and non commissioned officers were seconded to this Force from the N.Z. Staff Corps, N.Z. Permanent Staff, and N.Z. Permanent Army Service Corps. The remainder were newly enlisted. Though hastily raised and despatched, the men selected for this Force were a very good type. 3. Air Services. (a) N.Z. Permanent Air Force. The strength of the N.Z. Permanent Air Force is five officers and sixteen other ranks, an increase of two other ranks over that of last year. Air co-operation has been carried out with the Territorial Land Forces of the Southern Command, the total flying-time involved being twenty-three hours. In addition to normal co-operation duties troops were practised in concealment from air observation, and a number of photographs taken by the Air Force to assist in the detection and elimination of faults in the use of cover and camouflage. Air survey work has again, been carried out, chiefly in the neighbourhood of Christchurch, the authorities of which city are making extensive use of the mosaics for town-planning purposes. Landing-grounds and a base of operations have been inspected and selected for the conduct of an extensive air survey of portions of the Sounds district in the vicinity of Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau on behalf of the Hydro-electric Branch of the Public Works Department. Owing to the late arrival of special photographic equipment it has been decided to postpone this work until midsummer, when the sun will be at its greatest altitude, and ensure the best results over such mountainous country. The small staff at Wigrain Aerodrome was heavily taxed by the large amount of instructional work necessitated by the ab initio training of Cadet pilots in addition to the normal maintenance duties. The experience gained emphasizes the necessity for additional staff, both for flying duties and for ground instruction by specialists. To meet the former need arrangements have been made to temporarily enlist the services of a flying instructor, drawn from the N.Z. Air Force (Territorial), for the duration of the next training-period, whilst the use of Territorial Air Force mechanics on maintenance and other duties will, in some measure, free the permanent staff for instructional work. Captain L. M. Isitt, who has been under instruction with the Royal Air Force, specializing in seaplane work and instructional duties, returned to the Dominion at the end of February, and after a short period of attachment at Wigram Aerodrome has been posted to Hobsonville Aerodrome as Officer Commanding that station. (b) N.Z. Air Force (Territorial). The strength of this unit now stands at ninety-five officers, nine Cadet pilots under instruction, and twenty other ranks. As forecast in my previous report, the ab initio training of pilots has been undertaken during the past year. Applications were called for by advertisement in the newspapers throughout the Dominion, and there were some three hundred applications for the ten vacancies. The training course commenced on the 26th November, 1927, and concluded on the 3rd March, 1928, with a break from the 17th December to the 9th January. After undergoing a certain amount of training one Cadet was found to be temperamentally unfit for flying, and was withdrawn from the class. The remainder showed marked keenness and ability, and if they maintain their present promise should make efficient pilots on completion of the next course.

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The total number of hours flown amounts to 210. The average dual-control flying per Cadet was 7 hours 40 minutes, and the average solo flying 15 hours. Several Cadets showed exceptional promise, and should make excellent service pilots. Ground instruction was given in engines, rigging, airmanship, air pilotage, wireless, Vickers gun, and photography, practical tests and written examinations being held periodically. The results of these examinations were highly satisfactory, and showed that a most intelligent interest had been taken by the Cadets in all branches of instruction. During the course one accident occurred involving slight injury to personnel. In addition there were several forced landings which were successfully negotiated by the Cadet pilot. Two camps, each of ten days, were held from the 17th March to the sth April, at which twenty-one officers attended for their annual refresher course. The high standard of flying displayed last year was well maintained, and a great feature of both classes was the excellent formation flying and air drill of the Bristol Fighter flight. The total flying-time was 212 hours 20 minutes, giving an average per pilot of 10 hours 7 minutes. Valuable meteorological data was obtained during the courses by means of the barothermograph and psychrometer mounted in a Bristol Fighter. The readings thus obtained were forwarded to the Director of the Meteorological Office. Ground training included instruction and practical work in wireless and gunnery, and a series of lectures on air duties. The twenty other ranks enlisted into the N.Z. Air Force (Territorial) were selected from applicants who in civil life are employed in various trades closely allied to those of the Air Service. The training of these mechanics has commenced, and is identical as regards obligations to those of the other units of the Military Forces. (c) Aircraft and Equipment. The total number of aircraft on charge at Wigram Aerodrome is seventeen. The Monosoupape engine in use in the Avro 504 K training aircraft has given increased trouble during the past year, and steps have been taken for the gradual replacement of these machines by D.H. 60 (Moth) aeroplane for instructional purposes. The Avro aeroplanes will be used only by pilots experienced in use of the rotary engines until such time as the aircraft becomes unserviceable, when they will be written off. A Gloster " Grebe " Single-seater Fighter fitted with a 385 h.p. Armstrong-Siddeley " Jaguar " engine arrived during the year, Sir Henry Wigram's generous gift of £2,500 having been utilized as the basis of the purchase price. Two additional " Grebes " have been ordered, and are due to arrive shortly. Eight D.H. 60 (Moth) aeroplanes, four of which are earmarked for issue on loan to lightaeroplanes clubs and four for use at Wigram Aerodrome, are duo in October next. Orders have also been placed for one Fairey 111 F. landplane for Wigram Aerodrome, and for one Fairey 111 F seaplane and one D.H. 60 G (Moth) seaplane for the Air Force Base at Hobsonville. The Fairey 111 F is a general-service type of aircraft, and may be rigged either as a float seaplane or as a landplane, the sea and land undercarriages being readily interchangeable. As a seaplane it is employed for fleet spotting and reconnaissance duties, whilst as a landplane it is used for bombing and reconnaissance. A proportion of alternative float and wheel undercarriages will be held, to enable aircraft to be utilized either as seaplanes or landplanes in case of necessity. By this policy of using general service aircraft it will be possible to effect economy in the stocks of spare parts to be carried in the Dominion. (d) Air Force Base, Hobsonville. The engineering survey of the Hobsonville combined landplane and seaplane station has been completed, and the layout plan and design of the various buildings and works are being prepared. It has been ascertained that no difficulties are to be expected on account of foundations in construction of the slipway, sea-wall, and other foreshore work. The work required to develop the base comprises the following main items : — (i) For seaplanes : Slipway, apron (a levelled area between the slipway and hangars), three hangars, petrol-storage system, and access road. (ii) For landplanes : Hangars, levelling and clearing area. (iii) For general purposes : Workshops, stores building, offices, dining-hall, and cookhouses, conveniences, water-supply, power and light, single men's quarters, and married quarters. The work immediately necessary for the housing and use of both seaplanes and landplanes is being put in hand as soon as the plans and specifications are completed. The two seaplanes of the float type which have been ordered are expected to arrive in the Dominion towards the end of the present year, when the station should be ready for their reception and use. Negotiations are also in train for the purchase of a suitable training type of flying-boat, which will be used to train personnel for duty in larger boats to be employed on coastal reconnaissance and naval co-operation duties. (e) British Airship Mission. On the 29th August the members of the British Airship Mission arrived in New Zealand for the purpose of making a tour of inspection and selecting a suitable site for an airship mooring-tower base. The party consisted of Group Captain P. F. M. Fellowes, D.5.0., A.D.C., R.A.F., Director of Airship Development; Mr. M. A. Giblett, Superintendent of Airship Meteorological Work; and Flight Lieutenant S. Nixon, 0.8. E., R.A.F., of the Royal Airship Works. In order to permit suitable sites being located in the minimum of time, an aeroplane, piloted by Captain J. L. Findlay, M.C., was placed at the disposal of the mission. In it Group Captain Fellowes reconnoitred the country from the air and selected localities for more detailed ground surveys. Possible

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sites were inspected in various localities from North Auckland to Canterbury, and a suitable site has been selected. No development work has, however, been undertaken as yet, for until the Australian Government establishes a inooring-tower base in one of the eastern States it would not be a commercial proposition for an airship service to be extended from that country to New Zealand. At present the Commonwealth Government has only made provision for the acquisition of a site in Western Australia. (f) Civil Aviation. In April the Government announced its intention of encouraging flying by offering assistance to approved flying clubs. This announcement has aroused keen interest throughout the Dominion, and steps have been taken in several cities and towns to form clubs. Altogether four clubs have actually been formed, and several others are being organized. During the current financial year it is proposed to assist two clubs. The number is being so limited in order that the available funds may be concentrated and the clubs given every opportunity of becoming firmly established before an attempt is made to assist others. Four D.H. 60 G Moth aeroplanes are now on order for issue on loan to the approved clubs. Standard conditions governing the conditions under which assistance may be afforded to clubs by the Department have been drawn up and issued for general information. Under these conditions " approved " clubs are issued with two aeroplanes and offered a bonus of £25 for each pilot qualifying for his ticket (Pilot's License A) up to a maximum of twenty pilots per club in one financial year. The club is required to provide for and guarantee the proper care and maintenance of aircraft, and for the observance of Aviation Regulations. In the event of clubs finding that the original issue of aircraft is not sufficient for their requirements the Department undertakes to issue machines, with the proviso that the club also furnishes a similar quota at its own expense. The Air Staff of the Department will supervise the activities of the club, and give its services free of charge for the purposes of making periodical inspections of plant to ensure its being airworthy. The Blenheim Borough Council has set aside a portion of the Omaka Domain for use as a municipal aerodrome. This excellent example of foresight is one that could, with much benefit to aviation, be followed by other Councils and public bodies. In the selection of landing-grounds great assistance can be given to the departmental officers by local bodies and citizens reporting possible sites, stating dimensions, quality of surface, general location with regard to physical features, and freedom from obstacles. By this means it would be possible to avoid unnecessary expense and waste of time visiting localities to inspect areas which are obviously unsuitable. 4. The Territorial Force. (a) Commands. During the year officers have been transferred to the reserve after completing their term in command of units as follows :— Lieut.-Colonel G. R. Mitchell, D.5.0., the Otago Mounted Rifles. Lieut.-Colonel E. J. Hulbert, D.5.0., the Manawatu Mounted Rifles. Lieut.-Colonel E. G. Fraser, Y.D., the Auckland Regiment. Also the command of the 3rd Mounted Rifles Brigade has been rendered vacant by the death of Colonel P. M. Acton-Adams, D.5.0., V.D. The following have been appointed to command units : — Major F. Waite, D.5.0., the Otago Mounted Rifles. Lieut.-Colonel R. C. Wickins, D.5.0., the Southern Command Artillery Group. Lieut.-Colonel T. H. Dawson, C.M.G., C.8.E., the Auckland Regiment. Lieut.-Colonel A. S. Wilder, D.5.0., M.G., the Manawatu Mounted Rifles. Lieut.-Colonel J. Armstrong, the Wellington East Coast Mounted Rifles. Lieut.-Colonel C. J. W. Lockie, the North Auckland Regiment. (b) General: Training and Progress. With the steady increase in the population of this Dominion it is inevitable that the strength of the Territorial Force has been correspondingly increasing. The present strength of the Territorial Force is shown in Appendix I, and it will be seen that notwithstanding the higher physical standard required at the last annual posting, and which has to some extent retarded the normal rate of increase, the total strength of the Territorial Field Force is at present considerably above its prescribed peace establishment. As stated in my last report, the only sound way of providing for the additional numbers coming forward each year for Territorial service is the formation of new units. The question of finance renders it impossible to form these, and therefore the only way to keep existing units within their peace establishment is by raising the physical standard of the Territorial Force. It is most undesirable that units should exceed their normal establishment, as, quite apart from the limited drill-hall accommodation available and consequent congestion during training, the excessive number present on parade and in the annual training-camps interfers very seriously with efficient control and instruction, and furthermore the heavy additional administrative work throughout the year and in camp overtakes the staff available. Many of the larger units, particularly the Infantry battalions in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, are becoming unwieldy, and therefore if their efficiency is to be maintained it is essential that their excessive numbers should be reduced. To ensure that the Territorial Force shall be brought down to its peace establishment during the coming training-year it has been decided to adopt the following procedure at the next annual posting.

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When the quota now due for transfer to the Reserve has been eliminated, the remainder of the Territorial Force, together with all Cadets becoming eligible for Territorial training, will be classified in certain graded categories of physical development, and only those of the highest physical standard and who are actually required to complete units to their respective peace establishment will be posted to the Territorial Force, any surplus to these requirements will be posted to the Non-effective List. During the period which has elapsed since the war many important developments have taken place in military armament and equipment. After exhaustive experiments and trial by the War Office some of this new equipment has now been standardized and incorporated as part of the war equipment of the Military Forces. In order that the training of the Territorial Force of this Dominion should be brought up to date, the time has now arrived when certain nucleus units should be formed and equipment provided, so that our Military Forces shall become familiar with the new armament, armoured and mechanized weapons and vehicles with which they will be equipped and have to handle in war. To provide for our initial requirements in this direction it will be necessary to divert portion of the Defence vote for this purpose, and correspondingly to reduce part of our training expenditure. With this object, and for the reasons previously stated, the Territorial Force will be reduced to peace establishment during the current year, and, in addition, to effect a further saving, camp training will not be required from the first-year recruits of Territorial units. The standard of recruits for the Territorial Force being higher should result in more progressive training being carried out during the first year. The result will be a higher-trained soldier going with his unit to camp. More advanced training will be possible, and a higher standard reached. Therefore, after very careful consideration, I feel confident that the existing interest, esprit de corps, and efficiency of our Territorial units will not suffer, and that the fighting-value of the N.Z. Field Force as a whole will be increased by these measures. The foregoing reduction and changes will in no way affect the present establishment and higher training required from the officers, warrant and non-commissioned officers of the Territorial Force, or of those seconded for service with their affiliated Cadet units. As at present, all officers and noncommissioned officers will be required to attend the camps and special course of instruction of their unit held during their Territorial service. A very complete series of special courses of instruction for selected officers and non-commissioned officers has been included in the obligatory training laid down for the coming year. These special courses are designed to provide more advanced and progressive tactical instruction to fit them for their responsible duties as leaders and instructors of the men they command in peace and may be called upon to lead in war. It is unnecessary for me to again stress the great importance I attach to the more advanced training of the officers and non-commissioned officers of the Territorial Force, and also those serving with our Cadet units. Every encouragement should be given them to qualify for their responsible duties. It is hoped that during the coming camp training we shall be able to offer to the senior noncommissioned officers certain financial recognition and encouragement to continue their service beyond the age of twenty-one, when normally they would transfer to the Reserve. The greatest care has been exercised in arranging for this special training of the officers and non-commissioned officers, both in selecting the actual period of courses and the numbers attending, so as to interfere as little as possible with the civil vocation of those required to attend and the requirements of employers. Speaking generally, employers have been most helpful in granting leave to their employees who are called upon to serve in the Territorial Force, and I feel sure that they will continue to assist by granting leave without prejudice to those in their service who are required to give extra time in preparation for their higher and more responsible duties as officers and noncommissioned officers in the N.Z. Territorial Force. (c) Regimental Colours and Battle Honours. The N.Z. Infantry Regiments have for some years had the honour of carrying colours ; the Mounted Rifle Regiments have not enjoyed this privilege. In the British Army the Household Cavalry and the Dragon Guards carry standards, and the Dragoons carry guidons. Hussar and Lancer regiments do not carry either. His Majesty the King has recently been graciously pleased to approve the carrying of guidons by N.Z. Mounted Rifle Regiments, and the emblazoning thereon of ten of the battle honours earned in the Great War. This honour is greatly appreciated. (d) Medical Corps. (i) Organization. —A new unit has been formed during the year at the Medical School of the Otago University, known as the Otago University Company, N.Z.M.C. This company is somewhat similar to the Otago University Officers' Training Corps which existed from 1916 to 1922, and was then disbanded owing to financial stringency. It is formed to give special training to medical and dental students from whom the future supply of Medical and Dental Officers will come. The new company has the support of the medical profession, and is commanded by Lieut.-Colonel C. E. Hercus, D.5.0., 0.8. E., M.8., N.Z.M.C., Professor of Hygiene at the University. Its present strength is three officers and sixty-three other ranks. (ii) Training.—Two innovations have been made this year in connection with the training of the N.Z. Medical Corps. By arrangement with the Public Hospital Boards and Superintendents of Hospitals at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, twenty selected men from each of the Medical Depots have attended the public hospitals for six days' continuous training as nursing orderlies in lieu of camp training. This arrangement has worked very well, and the men who were so trained showed great interest and keenness. It is under consideration to extend the scope of the scheme. The other innovation was the sending of selected men to technical schools for courses of invalid cookery. The evenings thus spent at technical schools were counted in lieu of evening drills.

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5. The Cadets. The training of the Cadets, as a whole, is progressing satisfactorily, and is giving good results. The situation as regards the officers serving with Cadet units is not yet satisfactory, although it has improved during the year. There are at present 525 officers serving with the Cadets, but many units and companies are still short of their full establishment of officers, and some companies have none. In consequence of this there are still a large number of drill centres where the whole of the Cadettraining devolves entirely upon the Permanent Staff. As a result of this shortage of officers and qualified Cadet non-commissioned officers, also the constant transfers and influx of untrained Cadets in many of the training-centres, there is great difficulty in avoiding a certain amount of repetition of elementary drill and exercises. Every effort is being made to reduce this, and with the increasing number of officers and the greater proficiency of the Territorial and Cadet non-commissioned officers serving with the Cadet units this difficulty should be gradually eliminated. The officers of the Cadet units, and certain non-commissioned officers, are seconded for this duty from the Territorial regiments, and since the Commanding Officers of the Territorial battalions have been given the responsibility of selecting and supplying officers and non-commissioned officers from their own units for this special duty with their affiliated Cadet battalions a considerable improvement is already noticeable. The growing recognition of the important fact that the initial training of the Cadet is the foundation upon which the later Territorial soldier's training and efficiency is based has had a marked effect on the general interest and progress of our Cadet training. The Secondary-school Cadets are in a much more advantageous position, and in the majority of cases attain to a high standard of efficiency in their Cadet training. It is obvious that this should obtain, as the organization, control, and general facilities of the schools and colleges permit of more regular and complete attendance at drills and parades, thus ensuring consistent and progressive training. It is very encouraging to note that many very efficient officers and non-commissioned officers now serving in the Territorial Force, and also with Cadet companies, have graduated through the Secondary-school Cadet units. As in the cft.se of the Territorial Force, provision has been made for special courses of instruction for the officers and non-commissioned officers doing duty with the Cadets, and also for holding short periods of instruction, or " barracks," at the schools and colleges themselves. Many requests have been received for these " barracks " during the coming training season. The cost of this special form of instruction is largely borne by the schools themselves, and therefore entails only a small expenditure from the training vote. The discipline, efficiency, and general results obtained from these " barracks " are of a very high standard, and their value cannot be overestimated. The Posting Instructions, recently issued, which will govern the postage to the Cadets and Territorial Forces on the Ist June, 1928, contain certain new features which have been introduced with the object of simplifying the general administration of the Cadets and more especially of eliminating the unsatisfactory condition which at present exists during the first year of non-secondary-school Cadet training. In the past Cadets have been provisionally posted to units as they become eligible, and have commenced their training from such date. This has resulted in boys dribbling into the Cadets all through the year, to the detriment of organized and progressive training. Under the new instructions the obligation to register on attaining the age of fourteen remains unchanged, but, with the exception of those attending secondary schools, Cadets will not be called up to commence their training until the Ist June of their fifteenth year. This will ensure that the great majority of the Cadets will commence their training simultaneously, and consequently will permit of more systematic and progressive instruction. In addition, the reduced numbers during the coming training season will, to some extent, lessen the present congestion in drill-hall and other training facilities in the larger centres. As in the past, the first two years of training will be very largely devoted to graduated exercises and physical development, only the minimum of elementary drill and musketry being taught. The more advanced instruction given in the final year of Cadet training will constitute the commencement of the Cadets' recruit training for Territorial Service, and will be designed as the preliminary part of similar but higher and more specialized instruction which will be given on joining the Territorial Force. The Syllabus of Cadet Training is being revised on these lines. Though for financial and other reasons it has now become necessary to restrict the Territorial Force to its peace establishment, it will be noted that in the above instructions the principle of universal service still applies to the Cadets of this Dominion, and notwithstanding the many isolated districts and consequent curtailment of training-centres we are still training nearly 78 per cent, of those registered and liable for service under the Defence Act. From my inspection of the Territorial and Cadet units during the past year I feel confident in stating that the encouraging standard which has been attained in many of the Territorial units is due in no small measure to the individual instruction which nearly all ranks have received during their earlier training with the Cadets. 6. The N.Z. Akmy Kifle Association. The sixth Army rifle meeting was held at Trentham from the 13th to the 16tli March, 1928, in perfect weather. That the popularity o.f the meeting had not declined was apparent in that the entries constituted a record ; and when it is remembered that all the competitors must qualify for entry by good shooting prior to the meeting, its value in raising the standard of weapon training throughout the N.Z. Forces will be realized. The outstanding feature of the 1928 meeting was the improved shooting in the Vickers, Lewis, and Hotchkiss Gun matches, which disclosed a remarkably high standard of training in the leading teams. These automatic weapons now form a most important part of the armament of our Forces, and their use is likely to increase under modern war conditions. It is therefore intended to provide

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still more varied and advanced competitions for them at the Army meeting. At the sixth meeting an anti-aircraft match was introduced for Lewis and Hotchkiss guns ; at the 1929 meeting additional matches will be included in the programme. His Majesty the King's Medal was won by Lance-Corporal S. T. Bernet, Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment. The conditions under which this match is fired are identical in England and in the other dominions, and Lance-Corporal Bernet's performance was all the more meritorious as he was the first member of the Territorial Force to win the medal, and competed against no fewer than four previous winners, all of whom were members of the Permanent Forces. The Army Championship was won by Corporal H. Symon, Ist Battalion, Otago Regiment; and the Cadet Championship by Sergeant R. R. Hudson, Ist (Cadet) Battalion, Otago Regiment. 7. Rifle Clubs and the National Rifle Association. The number and strength of Rifle Clubs in the Dominion is shown in Appendix I. There has again been a falling-off in membership ; this is accounted for by the disbandment of further Rifle Clubs in outlying centres. The support accorded by the Defence Department to Rifle Clubs in the way of free grant to ammunition and free railway passes has been continued. The annual prize-firing meeting of the National Rifle Association was held at Trentham from the 23rd to 29th February, 1928, and was a distinct success. The same privileges in the way of a cash grant of £1,000, free ammunition, free railway passes for competitors, and the use of the Trentham rifle-range, were again accorded to the association, and in addition several officers and non-commissioned officers of the N.Z. Permanent Forces were detailed to assist in the conduct of the meeting. Two teams from Australia—one from Victoria and the other from New South Wales —visited New Zealand to compete at the meeting, and although they were not successful in carrying off any of the principal prizes, two members of the Victorian and three members of the New South Wales team qualified for the King's Fifty. The Gordon Highlanders trophy—a competition for teams of eight men —was competed for during the meeting, and was won by the New Zealand team, which scored practically the same number of points as the combined Australian teams. 8. Defence Works, Mobilization Depots, and Training-camps. (a) Mobilization Depots and Training-camps. The development of Waikato Camp, Ngaruawahia, is now in its final stages. During the year the large Ordnance Store building has been completed, and the stores from the Ordnance Depot, Mount Eden, are now being transferred to it. Two additional short railway-sidings—one off the main siding, and one off the Ordnance Depot siding —to facilitate sorting of trucks and disposal of empties, have been completed. The Ordnance Office, a small oil-store, loading-bank, vehicle-shed, A.S.C. forage and grocery-store, and small additions to the men's messing establishments, are now in use, while the Ordnance workshop and small-arms-ammunition magazine are approaching completion. The temporary latrines for units' annual camps have been replaced by permanent flush-system latrines. Three married quarters for Ordnance personnel were erected and a fourth completed during the year. Septic-tank drainage has been completed for all quarters. Necessary drainage, roading, and general maintenance have received attention. Electric power and lighting have been provided. Two high-explosive magazines were completed. The erection of shower-baths, drying-room, small hutment for hospital, coal-store, three high-explosive magazines and laboratory, and the provision of mains and equipment for fire-prevention, will complete this camp. These works are in hand. At Trentham Camp minor improvements have been effected, and the electrical change-over enabling the independent-power plant to be dispensed with has been completed. Roads in the camp are receiving attention, while the numerous wooden buildings have been painted and otherwise maintained in good order. Burham Camp has been maintained, and the water-supply system completed. The railway-siding at Featherston Camp has been removed. (b) Drill-halls. The new drill-halls at Ponsonby and Hamilton have been completed. At Petone a most suitable site has been purchased at a very satisfactory price, and the drill-hall which will serve both Hutt and Petone should be completed this year. Elsewhere, drill-halls and various departmental buildings have been maintained, and various improvements effected. (c) Rifle Ranges. Important permanent improvements to Trentham rifle range have been completed. Rifle ranges generally have been maintained in good order. 9. Finance. The net expenditure out of Consolidated Fund for Defence purposes, including aviation and assistance to Rifle Clubs, for the year ended 31st March, 1928, was £481,759, and that from Public Fund, vote " Contingent Defenc ," for construction of training-bases, new drill-halls, &c., was £39,986, making a total from the two funds of £521,745, which was £5,542 less than the previous year. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant. R. Younu, Major-General, Commanding N.Z. Military Forces.

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APPENDICES. APPENDIX I.—TABLE SHOWING STRENGTH OF NEW ZEALAND MILITARY FORCES AS ON 31st MARCH, 1928. (a) N.Z. Permanent Forces.

(b) N.Z. Territorial Force.

(c) Cadets.

(d) Defence Rifle Clubs.

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Officers. Other Ranks. Unit. | Permanent. Temporary. Permanent. Temporary. N.Z. Staff Corps .. ' .. .. .. 73* N.Z. Permanent Staff .. .. .. .. .. .. 138 Royal N.Z. Artillery .. . . .. .. 16 .. 96 N.Z. Permanent Air Force .. .. . . 5 .. 14 N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps .. . . . . 7 .. 103 7 N.Z. Army Pay Corps .. .. .. .. 5 .. 11 N.Z. Permanent Army Service .. .. .. .. . . 9 7 N.Z. Army Medical Corps.. .. .. .. 1 .. 1 Genera] Duty Section .. .. . . .. .. . . 27 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 107 .. 399 14 i * Includes 4 Cadets.

Arm of the Service. Officers. Other Ranks. | Total. Mounted Rifles .. .. .. .. .. 180 3,440 3,620 Artillery .. .. .. .. .. 137 3,271 3,408 Engineers .. .. .. .. .. 31 798 829 Signals .. .. .. .. .. .. 29 440 469 Infantry .. .. .. .. .. 378 10,884 11,262 Air Force .. .. .. .. .. 97 . . 97 Army Service Corps .. .. .. .. 21 722 743 Medical Corps .. .. .. .. .. 177 585 762 Veterinary Corps .. .. . . . . .. 19 . . 19 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 1,069 20,140 21,209

.1 Command. | Officers. Other Ranks. Total. Northern .. .. .. .. .. 116 9,935 10,051 Central .. .. .. .. .. 170 11,631 11,801 Southern .. .. .. .. .. 239 12,373 12,612 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 525* 33,939 34,464 * These are Territorial officers seconded for service with the Cadets.

Command. Number of Clubs. Membership. Northern .. .. ■. .. .. 21 615 Central . . .. .. .. .. 57 1,627 Southern . . .. .. •. ■. 66 1,996 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 144 4,238

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APPENDIX II.—SUMMARY OF WEAPON TRAINING. Territorial Force and Cadets. Rifle Course.

APPENDIX III.—NUMBERS PRESENT AT ANNUAL TRAINING-CAMPS HELD DURING TRAINING-YEAR ENDED 31st MAY, 1928.

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Territorial Force. Cadets. , T , Percentage to v , Percentage to Number. Strength. Number. Strength. Strength on 31st May, 1928, of units 14,242 . . 32,260 required to fire Number who fired full course .. 11,582 82 29,758 92 Number who fired part course .. 1,171 8 . 630 2 Number who did not fire .. 1,489 10 1,872 6 Number who qualified .. .. 11,597 82 29,045 90 Number who did not qualify .. 2,645 18 3,715 10 Territorial Force. Viekers Gun Course. Light Automatic Course. Number fully exercised .. .. 827 1,446 Number partly exercised .. .. ■ • • • I 265 2,258

- - ' " ~ - Strength of Units. Attended Camp. g Name of Unit. I j j ; j g ° la ! Officers. | Total. Officers. Tbtal. | | N.Z. Mounted Rifles. Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry . . .. 23 493 1 516 19 344 363 70 Queen Alexandra's (Wellington West Coast) 23 4-84 507 18 332 350 69 Mounted Rifles Auckland Mounted Rifles .. .. 15 336 351 11 327 338 96 Waikato Mounted Rifles .. .. 21 417 438 14 354 368 84 Otago Mounted Rifles .. , 24 274 298 18 212 230 77 Manawatu Mounted Rifles .. . . 19 371 390 17 265 282 72 Wellington Bast Coast Mounted Rifles .. 18 371 389 16 292 308 79 Nelson-Marlborough Mounted Rifles .. 22 390 412 15 311 326 79 North Auckland Mounted Rifles .. 15 274 289 13 • 234 247 85 Totals .. .. .. . 180 3,410 3,590 141 2,671 2,812 78 N A.RTILLERY 1st Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 6 171 177 5 I 165 170 96 2nd Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 8 120 128 7 | 116 123 96 3rd Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 7 193 200 6 186 192 96 4th Field Battery, N.Z.A. (How.).. .. 9 171 180 7 162 169- 93 5th Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 8 164 172 7 141 148 86 6th Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 6 141 147 4 136 140 95 7th Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 7 130 137 1 124 125 91 8th Field Battery, N.Z.A. (How.).. .. 4 142 146 3 133 136 93 9th Field Batterv, N.Z.A. .. .. 5 131 136 4 130 134 98 10th Field Battery, N.Z.A. . . .. 5 121 126 5 116 121 96 11th Field Batterv, N.Z.A. .. .. 5 113 118 5 107 112 94 12th Field Battery, N.Z.A. (How.) .. 4 170 174 4 159 163 93 13th Field Battery, N.Z.A. . . .. 8 192 200 5 183 188 94 14th Medium Batterv, N.Z.A. (How.) .. 3 147 150 1 130 131 87 15th Coast Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 9 206 215 7 170 177 82 16th Pack Battery, N.Z.A. (How.) .. 6 124 130 4 119 123 94 17th Medium Battery, N.Z.A. (How.) .. 7 204 211 6 169 175 82 18th Medium Battery, N.Z.A. (How.) ■ .. 4 153 157 2 147 149 94 19th Medium Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 8 174 182 6 141 147 80 20th Pack Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 4 122 126 3 117 120 95 21st Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 5 151 , 156 5 139 144 92 Totals .. .. .. 128 3,240 j 3,368 97 2,990 3,087 91

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APPENDIX III—continued.

APPENDIX IV.—TABLE SHOWING PROSECUTIONS DURING THE YEAR ENDED 31st MAY, 1928.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (000 copies), £14 10s.

By Authority: W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l92B.

Price 6d.]

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Strength of Units. Attended Camp. g) g Name of Unit. — : — § *o 0fficers " | Ranks, j Tota! ' 0fficers ' j Ranks. Tota1 ' | | I N.Z. Engineers. Northern Depot .. .. .. 8 297 305 8 287 295 96 Central Depot .. .. .. 8 255 263 6 235 241 91 Southern Depot .. .. .. 12 253 265 6 227 233 87 Totals .. .. .. 28 805 833 20 749 769 92 N.Z. Infantry. 1st Battalion, Auckland Regiment .. 41 1,118 1,159 27 1,022 1,049 90 1st Battalion, Hauraki Regiment .. 30 793 823 26 765 791 96 1st Battalion, North Auckland Regiment .. 29 439 468 22 419 441 94 1st Battalion, Waikato Regiment . . 31 821 852 25 696 721 84 1st Battalion, Wellington Regiment .. 37 1,298 1,335 37 1,123 1,160 87 1st Battalion, Wellington West Coast Regi- 28 1,009 1,037 19 852 871 84 ment 1st Battalion, Hawke's Bay Regiment .. 31 882 913 15 768 783 85 1st Battalion, Taranaki Regiment . . 19 865 884 17 650 667 75 1st Battalion, Canterbury Regiment .. 44 964 1,008 36 882 918 91 1st Battalion, Nelson-Marlborough and West 28 811 839 24 728 752 89 Coast Regiment 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment .. .. 39 961 1,000 31 935 966 96 1st Battalion, Southland Regiment . . 30 616 646 19 567 586 90 Totals .. .. .. 387 10,577 10,964 298 9,407 -9,705 88 N.Z. Army Service Corps. Northern Depot . . . . .. 6 218 224 4 215 219 97 Central Depot .. .. .. • • 8 279 287 6 240 246 85 Southern Depot .. .. .. 5 215 220 5 183 188 85 Totals .. .. .. 19 712 731 15 638 653 89 N.Z. Medical Corps. Northern Depot . . .. .. 17 203 220 7 194 201 91 Central Depot .. .. .. .. 8 156 164 2 143 145 93 Southern Depot .. .. .. 6 161 167 4 150 154 92 Totals .. .. .. 31 520 551 13 487 500 90 Grand totals .. .. 773 19,264 20,037 584 '16,942 17,526 87 Average attendance throughout the Forces as a whole = 87 per cent.

f x> , • Strength of I se ® u Strength of Prosecu- j Total I Total j i T „2. k aa | •»*. *ar Failing to register .. .. 20,986 75 34,464 72 55,450 j 147 Failing to notify change of address .. 75 .. 49 124 Failing to attend parades .. .. 513 .. 183 .. 696 Failing to attend camp .. .. .. 90 .. .. .. 90 Offences in connection with clothing .. 69 .. 8 .. 77 and equipment Miscellaneous .. . . . • •. 26 .. 9 .. 35 Totals .. .. 20,986 848 34,464 321 55,450 j 1,169