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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1929 Session I, H-19

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1929. NEW ZE A L AND.

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. Minister of Defence. Sir, — Ist June, 1929. I have the honour to submit the following report on the New Zealand Defence Forces under my command, for the period Ist June, 1928, to the 31st May, 1929. 1. N.Z. PERMANENT FORCES. During the year the following changes have taken place : — (a) Commands and Staff. Brigadier W. L. H. Sinclair-Burgess, C.8., C.M.G., D.5.0., Chief of the General Staff, was appointed A.D.C. to the King on the 12th October, 1928. Major T. Farr, D.5.0., M.C., R.N.Z.A., was appointed A.A.G. at General Headquarters. Major H. C. Glendining, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., was appointed A.A. & Q.M.G., Auckland. Major W. G. Stevens, R.N.Z.A., having arrived from the Staff College, Camberley, was appointed O.C. R.N.Z.A., Central Command, Palmerston North. Major P. H. Bell, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., on return from Samoa was appointed Staff Officer in Charge No. 4 Regimental District, Hamilton. (b) N.Z. Permanent Air Force. Major L. M. Isitt, N.Z.P.A.F., was appointed O.C. N.Z. Air Base, Hobsonville, Auckland. Captain H. B. Burrell, from the N.Z. Air Force (Territorial), was commissioned in the rank of Captain in the N.Z.P.A.F., and appointed Pilot at Wigram Aerodrome. (c) Retirements and Resignations. Majors D. B. Blair. D.5.0., M.C., N.Z.S.C., and F. A. Wood, M.C., N.Z.S.C., having reached the retiring-age, were placed on superannuation. Captain H. H. Whyte, M.C., N.Z.A.0.C., resigned. (id) Death. I regret having to record the death of Lieut.-Colonel C. E. Andrews, 0.8. E., N.Z.S.C., A.A. & Q.M.G., Northern Command, who died suddenly on the 26th November, 1928. (e) Military Education. Brigadier W. L. H. Sinclair-Burgess, C.8., C.M.G., D.5.0., A.D.C., N.Z.S.C., visited England during the year for six months, and attended Army, Command, and Divisional manoeuvres, with particular attention to the training and operations of the Experimental Armoured Force and the progress of mechanization in the British Army. He also visited many training establishments and brought back much useful information. It is only by personal touch and experience of this kind by senior officers that the New Zealand Forces can keep abreast of modern thought and development in military matters.

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Imperial Defence College. Major W. 6. Stevens, R.N.Z.A., completed his course and returned to New Zealand. No New Zealand officer is at present at the College. Staff College, Camberley. Major 0. H. Mead, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., completed his College course, and has now been attached to the War Office and various British regiments up till June. Captain K. L. Stewart, M.8.E., N.Z.S.C., will complete the College course in December next. Captain L. G. Goss, N.Z.S.C., joined the College in January, 1929. Other Courses. Captain S. F. Allen, N.Z.S.C., has completed his course at the Signal School, and is now attached to the Ist Divisional Signals at Aldershot, and School of Electrical Engineering. Captain J. L. Findlay, M.C., N.Z.P.A.F., left New Zealand on the 25th May for various courses and attachments with the Royal Air Force for a period of twelve months. Exchanges. Three New Zealand officers are doing duty with British regiments in India in exchange for three officers of the British Army in India who are now serving in New Zealand. India Officers. —These officers, and their appointments, are : — Captain A. le G. Campbell, Highland Light Infantry, whose previous period was extended to August next, is doing duty as Adjutant, Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment, Wellington. Captain G. H. Dykes, Lancashire Fusiliers, is doing duty as Area Officer, Area Ba, and Adjutant, Ist Battalion, Taranaki Regiment, at New Plymouth. Captain E. L. Heywood, Middlesex Regiment (D.C.0.), is doing duty as Area Officer, Area 9c, and Adjutant, Nelson Marlborough Mounted Rifles, at Blenheim. Major A. S. Hooper and Captain G. Mcl. Bruce completed their period of attachment in New Zealand and returned to India. New Zealand Officers. —These officers, and their attachments with the Army in India, are : — Captain L. W. Andrew, V.C., N.Z.S.C., with the 2nd Highland Light Infantry. Captain A. W. Greville, N.Z.S.C., with the 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. Lieutenant A. H. L. Sugden, N.Z.S.C., with the Middlesex Regiment (D.C.0.). Captains D. T. Maxwell, G. M. McCaskill, and J. A. Clachan completed their period of attachment in India and returned to New Zealand in October, 1928. With the return of these officers all our young officers will have had experience and service overseas either during the war or by attachments subsequently, and it is not therefore intended to send any officers to India on exchange next year. Cadets. No New Zealand Cadets attended the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, during the year. In August, 1928, Cadets J. R. Page and H. G. Wooller graduated at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and were commissioned 2nd Lieutenants, N.Z.S.C., and were attached to British Infantry Regiments for further training. Cadets F. L. Davis and R. C. Queree joined the Royal Military College in January, 1928, and the reports to hand indicate that they are making satisfactory progress. Cadet B. Wicksteed went to England to join the College in the September term. 2. AIR SERVICES. (a) N.Z. Permanent Air Force. The strength of the N.Z. Permanent Air Force is six officers and seventeen other ranks, an increase of one officer and one other rank over that of last year. In addition, arrangements have been made for the enrolment of an additional officer —Flight-Lieutenant S. Wallingford—who has just completed the terms of service with the Royal Air Force on a short-service commission, and is shortly sailing for New Zealand. One officer —Captain J. L. Findlay, M.C.-—has proceeded to England to undergo a series of courses and attachments to units of the Royal Air Force covering a period of twelve months. Normal air co-operation has been carried out with units of the Territorial land forces of the Southern Command, but owing to increased activity in flying training duties undertaken by the staff at Wigram Aerodrome it has not been found possible to fulfil all the requests for co-operation which have been made by units. Training courses were conducted by the permanent staff at Wigram Aerodrome for the training of Cadet pilots for service in the N.Z. Air Force (Territorial), annual refresher courses of N.Z. Air Force officers, and the special course for Instructors of Aero Clubs. These courses involved a total flying-time of over eight hundred hours, and testify to the efficiency of the instructional and maintenance staff. (6) N.Z. Air Force (Territorial). The strength of this unit now stands at ninety-nine officers and eighteen other ranks. During the period under review nine Cadet pilots completed their ab initio training, and have been granted commissions as 2nd Lieutenants (on probation).

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Flying training of Cadets was carried out on Avro 504k and Bristol Fighter aeroplanes. The trainees displayed great keenness in all branches of their work, and their conduct on and off parade was exemplary. The standard of flying was exceptionally high, and the average flying-time per cadet for the course was forty-four hours, making a total of approximately seventy hours of flying training per Cadet. There was no injury to personnel, and only one mishap causing damage to a machine. Two refresher courses, each of ten days, were held from the Bth to the 28th March for officers of the N.Z. Air Force. Flying training was carried out on Moths, Avros, Bristol Fighters, D.H. 4's, D.H. 9's, and Grebes, and the average flying-time per pilot was eight hours. During these courses a certain amount of trouble was experienced with Mono and Falcon engines, and the small staff had difficulty in maintaining sufficient aircraft in an airworthy condition. One machine, a Bristol Fighter, was badly damaged, due to an error of judgment on the part of the trainee, who, however, was unhurt. Owing to the heavy calls made on the maintenance staff, officer trainees were called upon to undertake certain ground duties, which curtailed somewhat the time normally allotted to lectures and theoretical instruction. For the first time the mechanics enlisted into the Territorial Air Force were called into camp, and proved of great assistance. During the year they have attended compulsory and voluntary parades at Wigram Aerodrome and displayed much keenness in their work. Their camps were held whilst the Cadet Pilots were under training, and the trainees were employed in the various technical sections with permanent personnel, and valuable experience was thus gained. (c) Aircraft and Equipment. The total number of aircraft on charge at Wigram Aerodrome is twenty machines. Avro type 504k, fitted with monosoupape engines, have continued to be used as a matter of expediency, but only with trainees experienced in that type of machine and engine. During the year four Gipsy Moths fitted with the Handley-Page auto-slot safety-device have been purchased for replacement of the Avros as an ab initio training-machine at Wigram Aerodrome. The two Gloster Grebe single-seater fighters mentioned in my previous report have come to hand and have been allotted to Wigram Aerodrome. Advice has been received from the High Commissioner that the D.H. 60 (Moto) Seaplane, which, together with two Fairey lIIf aircraft, was shown in last year's report as being on order, has now been shipped, and is due to arrive early in July. The Fairey lllf's are expected to be shipped in June, and it has now been decided to fit them both with float undercarriages and employ them as seaplanes for the N.Z.A.F. Base, Hobsonville. The necessity for a Suspense Account for the purposes of purchase of aircraft is again emphasized by the long delay between the time of ordering and delivery of these machines. Provision was made for them on last year's estimates, and an amount sufficient for payment of their cost must again be placed on estimates for the current year. (d) N.Z. Air Force Base, Auckland. Very considerable progress has been made in the development of this important base. The area selected for the landing-ground for land-planes has been cleared of trees and hedges, and has been levelled and sown in grass, a work of considerable magnitude. A land-plane hangar in reinforced concrete with electrically operated doors, workshops, and appointments has been erected. A residence for the Officer Commanding and five cottages for married airmen have been completed, while a.sixth is in course of erection. A transport shed (for motor-vehicles), switch-hut (for power lines), small boat-house, control tower, and meteorological hut and base office have been erected. A sufficient water-supply was found by boring, and a water-tower with pump-house and pumping plant has been completed. The seaplane apron, involving considerable excavation, filling, and a stone sea-wall, is complete except for surfacing. The reinforced-concrete slipway —40 ft. in width and 290 ft. long—from the apron seawards, is under construction, while the jetty, approximately 300 ft. in length, for handling stores and launches, is nearing completion. Extensive accommodation, consisting of marine store, two large hangars, aircraft-repair shop, engine-repair shop, plumber's and blacksmith's shops, and dope-shop, is required on the apron, and this will be provided in one large reinforced-concrete building. Work on the foundations of this building has commenced. An access road to land-plane hangar, office, and seaplane area has been completed. Two old houses on the landing-ground have been sold for removal, another removed to a n ;w site for use as a Public Works office, and three others thoroughly renovated for retention. Extensive surface drainage, sewer drains, water reticulation, and underground power and telephone lines are proceeding as the base develops. (e) Visit op Air-Marshal Sir John M. Salmond, K.C.8., C.M.G., C.V.0., D.5.0., A.D.C., Royal Air Force. By arrangement with the Air Council, Air-Marshal Sir John M. Salmond, accompanied by two staff officers, visited New Zealand on the 24th September with the object of investigating and making recommendations for the development of the Air Forces in the Dominion.

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Visits were paid to the existing Air Force establishments, and various places in the North and South Islands which were of strategic importance in connection with the defence of the Dominion, and on the 17th October a report was submitted to His Excellency the Governor-General. The Air-Marshal departed from Auckland on the 24th October, on his return to the United Kingdom. (/) Civil Aviation. During the past year there has been a very encouraging display of public interest and practical support in the direction of developing Aero Clubs. Four clubs have commenced active flying operations—i.e., Auckland Aero Club, Hawke's Bay Aero Club, Marlborough Aero Club, and Canterbury Aero Club. With the exception of the Hawke's Bay Club, all have received Government assistance by way of loan of two Moth aeroplanes, the four Moths referred to in my previous report going to the Auckland and Canterbury Clubs, whilst the Marlborough Club obtained its machines under an arrangement with the Department whereby it agreed to pay the cost of two machines for delivery in the financial year 1928-29 on an understanding that it was to be reimbursed during the succeeding year. This procedure, however, was found unnecessary owing to the non-arrival of other aircraft on order, so that funds were available from the 1928-29 vote to meet the cost. The Hawke's Bay Club has purchased its own Moth from club funds. Pilot instructors nominated by the Aero Clubs were taken into Wigram Aerodrome and given a special instructors' course in flying training for a period of one month. The course was carried out on aircraft of the type to be used by the clubs, so that in addition to becoming acquainted with the latest methods of flying training the instructors were made thoroughly familiar with the type of machine on which they were to give instruction. These officers, who already had considerable previous flying experience, duly qualified, and were approved by the Department as flying instructors. Up till the 31st May three aero-club trainees have been successful in passing the standard tests for the issue of a private pilot's license. All clubs, however, have pupils carrying out solo flying who should shortly be ready to take the qualifying tests. During the period under review three clubs have held air displays, each of which was highly successful and aroused great public interest and support. In June last Sir Charles Wakefield, Bart., offered a light plane to the Government to be used as an aid to the development of civil aviation in the Dominion. This offer was accepted with warm appreciation of the generosity and public-spirited action of the donor. The aeroplane, a D.H. 60x Moth, fitted with the auto-slot safety-device, on arrival was erected and tested at Wigram Aerodrome, and subsequently handed over to the Marlborough Aero Club on the 9th March, 1929. Two other clubs have received generous support by way of donation of aircraft—i.e., the New Zealand Herald, Auckland, has presented a D.H. 60x Moth (auto slots) to the Auckland Aero Club, and the Evening Post, Wellington, has also offered a plane to the Wellington Aero Club when it is ready to commence operations. By the generosity of Sir Henry Wigram, the Canterbury Aero Club has secured a block of land adjoining Wigram Aerodrome so located as to enable the club to take full advantage of that excellent training-ground. In many other centres local bodies are taking steps to provide suitable public aerodromes to meet the requirements of future air development, and in several cases valuable assistance has been given by public-spirited citizens, amongst whom may be mentioned Mr. Charles R. Todd, Dunedin ; Messrs. Fairhall Bros., Blenheim ; Mr. J. S. Connett, New Plymouth ; Mr. Eriata Nopera, Dannevirke ; and Mr. McC. Peacock, Auckland. The undermentioned civil companies have commenced operations with aircraft as shown : Air Survfey and Transport Co., Ltd., Auckland—one D.H. 60x Moth ; Southern Cross Airways, Ltd., Auckland —one Blackburn Bluebird Genet; Hamilton Airways, Ltd., Hamilton—one D.H. 60x Moth. The two latter companies undertake short passenger flights only, whilst the former carried out photographic surveys in addition to air-taxi work. 3. TERRITORIAL FORCE. (a) Commands. During the year officers have been transferred to the Reserve after completing their term in command of units as follows :— Mounted Rifles :— Lieut.-Colonel L. C. Chaytor, M.C., V.D. (Nelson-Marlborough Mounted Rifles). Lieut.-Colonel R. Wyman, D.S.O. (Waikato Mounted Rifles). Artillery : — Lieut.-Colonel N. S. Falla, C.M.G., D.5.0., V.D., A.D.C. (Central Coast Artillery Group). Lieut.-Colonel R. C. Wickens, D.5.0., V.D. (Southern Artillery Group). Engineers:— Lieut.-Colonel D. J. Gibbs, D.5.0., V.D. (Commanding Corps of Engineers). Infantry :— Colonel R. St. J. Beere, D.5.0., V.D. (2nd Infantry Brigade). Lieut.-Colonel H. E. Barrowclough, D.5.0., M.C. (Ist Battalion, Otago Regiment). Lieut.-Colonel R. L. Evatt, V.D. (Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment). Colonel S. S. Allen, C.M.G., D.5.0., V.D. (Ist Battalion, Hauraki Regiment).

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The following have been appointed to command units : — Mounted Rifles: — Lieut.-Colonel C. R. Spragg, V.D. (Waikato Mounted Rifles). Artillery:— Major V. P. Haughton (Central Coast Artillery Group). Lieut.-Colonel J. G. Jeffrey, M.C. (Southern Artillery Group). Engineers : — Lieut.-Colonel N. Annabell, M.C., Y.D. (Commanding Corps of Engineers). Infantry :■ — Colonel W. H. Cunningham, D.5.0., Y.D. (2nd Infantry Brigade). Major A. S. Falconer, D.5.0., M.C. (S.C.), (Ist Battalion, Otago Regiment). Lieut.-Colonel J. L. Saunders, D.5.0., V.D. (Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment). Major F. Prideaux (Ist Battalion, Hauraki Regiment). Major G. G. Hancox (3rd Cadet Battalion, Wellington West Coast Regiment). Lieut.-Colonel R. F. Gambrill (Ist Battalion, Hawke's Bay Regiment). . Army Service Corps : — Major J. McC. Power (Commanding N.Z. Army Service Corps). The period of command of the following has been extended for one year :— Infantry — Lieut.-Colonel L. H. Jardine, D.5.0., M.C. (Ist Battalion, Taranaki Regiment). During the training-year just concluded there have been many changes in the personnel of the Commanding Officers of the various units of the Territorial Force. The regulation period of four years' service in command brings about the inevitable loss by removal of certain individual officers who might well be retained, but it is important not to cause stagnation in the promotion of junior officers, and therefore the policy of transferring officers to the Reserve or Retired List after completion of four years in command is strictly adhered to. It is obvious that the removal of distinguished and efficient officers, many of whom have had active-service experience, will mean a great loss to the Territorial Force, but many of them are still young enough to return to the Active List should the need arise. I wish to thank all those Commanding Officers who have completed their period of command during the year for the support they have given me, and for the energy and enthusiasm they have put into their work ; and J also wish to welcome those who will fill the vacancies in the coming year, and who thus assume the responsibilities of those who so worthily preceded them. Responsibilities gravitate to those who are able to bear them, so that I feel sure that those officers who now have been selected for and have accepted the responsibilities of command will not fail to creditably carry out the onerous duties entailed. It is an axiom that the personality of the Commanding Officer is reflected in the bearing and general efficiency of all under his command, and from my own experience I know this to be very true, and I therefore give the greatest care to the selection of Commanding Officers, and I am very pleased to report that I am well satisfied with the standard of Commanding Officers in the Forces. (b) Regimental Colours and Guidons. During the year Mounted Rifles Regiments which heretofore were not permitted to carry guidons have, as a result of authority granted by His Majesty the King, been arranging to procure them. Several Infantry Regiments have also secured new colours in substitution for their old ones. No special grant is made for the purchase of colours or guidons, but a limited amount out of regimental funds may be used for the purpose, but up to the present they have almost entirely been provided through the generosity of people of the town or district. The following units were recently presented with new colours (or guidons): Queen Alexandra's Wellington West Coast Mounted Rifles; Ist Battalion, the Auckland Regiment (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) ; Ist Battalion, the Wellington Regiment; Ist Battalion, the Hawke's Bay Regiment. The ceremony of presentation in these cases was witnessed by large gatherings of the public, who showed in no unmistakable manner their interest in the Territorial Force, and appreciation of the precision with which the intricate evolutions in connection with the ceremony were carried out. (c) Recruiting. In last year's report reference was made to the method to be adopted in order to eliminate the surplus recruits of Territorial Force age who could not be absorbed into the Territorial Force on account of the decision to keep the strength of units within the establishment. All Territorials and Cadets who became eligible by age for posting to the Territorial Force in June, 1928, were graded into categories according to their physical development, and selection of the numbers required to bring units up to establishment, but not beyond it, was made from those of the highest physical standard. This necessarily residted in a larger proportion of rejections than usual, and certain newspapers and sections of the public erroneously concluded that the abnormal number of rejections was an indication that the physique of our youths was falling off and that the training in the Cadets was not having the beneficial effect that was claimed for it by the supporters of compulsory military training. It is therefore desired to emphasize the fact that the classification according to age, weight, height, and chest-measurement, and the selection of the best physically developed youths, was an innovation, and was prompted by the necessity of reducing by the most economical and fairest method the number for training in the Territorial Force. It may be suggested that those who were not up to the physical

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standard should, in the interest of the country generally, be given a course of physical training ; but this would mean extra expenditure, and the Defence vote cannot bear the burden. The policy is therefore to select for the Territorial Force the best material available (subject to their living within three miles of a drill centre) in order that the money available for the purpose may be expended on the training of those who, in the event of New Zealand being called upon to defend itself against attack, would be the first line of defence. The following figures show the number of rejections from the Territorial Force for various reasons at the annual postings in June, 1928 : — (a) Cadets available for posting to the Territorial Force .. 11,636 (b) Below physical standard .. .. .. .. 848 (7-29 per cent.) (c) Permanently unfit .. .. .. .. 832 (7-15 per cent.) (d) Temporarily unfit .. .. .. .. 140 (1-2 per cent.) (e) Posted to Non-effective List on account of living beyond the training radius .. .. .. .. 4,410 (37-9 per cent.) (/) Posted to the Non-effective List for other reasons .. 64 (0-55 per cent.) Those enumerated in (6), (e), and (/) were not medically examined. From this it will be seen that the medically unfit and those who failed to reach the physical standard totalled 1,820, or 25-41 per cent, of the total number examined (7,162). The physical standard for our Territorial Force is equal to that required of the British Regular Army, although the medical examination is not such a searching one, and the percentage of rejections for the British Regular Army in 1926 was 34 per cent. For our young men of eighteen years who have still a few years to develop it is not considered that the percentage of rejections, in view of the high standard set, is such as to cause concern. The present strength of the Territorial Force is shown in Appendix I (b). (d) General. As a result of the higher physical standard adopted last year all units of the Territorial Force are now within their peace establishments ; this will reduce some of the difficulties in administration and training which have been so marked, particularly in the case of certain city units. In accordance with the principle that our unit organizations in New Zealand should conform with those of the Regular Army, our Infantry Battalions will this year be reorganized in accordance with recent changes in Imperial establishments. The chief effect of this alteration is the substitution of a Machine-gun Company for one of the four Rifle Companies now in a battalion, and the increase of the machine guns from eight to sixteen. A new organization has been adopted at Plome for the Cavalry. This also increases the number of machine guns in the regiment, and correspondingly reduces the sabre and rifle squadrons from three to two. For various reasons connected with the peace organization and training of our Mounted Rifle Regiments, it is not desirable at present to make any change in their organization. During the last two years much public attention and interest has been attracted by the development of mechanization in the Army in England. Fostered, no doubt, by the numerous press reports of the operations of the Experimental Mechanized Force on Salisbury Plain and in other Commands during recent Army and Divisional manoeuvres, there appears to be a growing impression on the part of the public that the British Army is being transformed into an armoured fighting force, and that the era of Cavalry, Infantry, and Artillery as we know them is passing away, and that the combatant arms are being superseded by the introduction of armoured fighting-vehicles. This impression is quite erroneous. The Regular Army still retains its divisional organization —that is to say, units are still grouped in formations composed of all arms, with adequately proportioned Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, Engineers, Signals, Supply units, &c. It is true that the mobility of these arms and services has been and is being improved by the gradual introduction of cross-country mechanical vehicles, of which the six-wheeled lorry is an example ; but the organization, functions, and principles of employment of units and their interdependence and importance have undergone only minor changes. Tanks and other armoured fighting-vehicles are organized into special units which are allotted to divisions as occasion demands. The Experimental Armoured Force was formed in order to test under as nearly as possible service conditions the various types of armoured vehicles, and to endeavour to ascertain the capabilities and limitations of wholly mechanized units, together with their relation and co-operation with the other arms. The work of the Force has had very valuable results, but the broad questions involved are still far from finality, and further experiments will be necessary before definite conclusions can be reached regarding either the standardization of fighting-vehicles themselves or their tactical employment in co-operation with the other arms. In view of the above reasons, and quite apart from financial restrictions, I do not consider that the time has yet arrived when we should attempt to form even a nucleus armoured fighting-unit in the New Zealand Military Forces. As indicated in my last report, however, lam of opinion that it is now essential to acquire some mechanized vehicles for our Territorial units, commencing with the Field Artillery. This process must of necessity be very gradual, but the provision of these mechanical vehicles will not only be more economical in permitting a great reduction to be made in the number of horses maintained and hired for Artillery training, but will also give much better results in the limited time available for field training and battery manoeuvres. With the increasing introduction of mechanical weapons it is becoming more and more important that the preliminary instruction and individual training of the soldier shall be well grounded and on sound lines. This applies particularly to the training of the Territorial Force, where actual time for

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field training and exercises is so very limited. The recruit must join his battalion or other unit with his preliminary training in drill and discipline so far advanced that he can take up without delay the more advanced and specialized work commencing with his Territorial service. This must obviously be essential in view of the short duration of service in the Territorial Force and the necessity of devoting all the time and opportunities available to proficiency with weapons and the tactical handling of sub-units in the field. For the above reasons I attach the utmost importance to the Cadet training, and more especially to the higher training of those in their final year in the Cadet Force. lam convinced that the general standard of training and satisfactory results which I witnessed at the Territorial camps this year was very largely due to careful preliminary training in the Cadets. With our short period of service in the Territorial Force it is more than ever essential that the latter part of the Cadets' training shall be regarded as recruit training for his Territorial unit and arm. In my opinion the two services are interdependent. It is very pleasing for me again to report the continued public interest in the Military Forces which is apparent throughout the Dominion, and is indicated by the general interest in the annual camps, and the large attendance at the several presentations of colours and other ceremonial parades. I have to acknowledge the willing and valuable assistance given by employers of labour, public bodies, racing clubs, and other organizations in the training of the Forces, and more especially in granting the use of land and other facilities in connection with the annual training-camps. Their assistance in this way has also been very much appreciated by the unit commanders and by the troops themselves. 4. THE CADETS. In my last report I pointed out the difficulties which were being experienced in the training of the Cadets, owing to the large numbers requiring to be handled and also the shortage of officers. The postponement of the commencement of training until the Ist June of the year in which the Cadet attains his fifteenth year has now been in force for one year, and has proved beneficial in reducing the congestion in drill-halls and in enabling more individual instruction to be given. Largely for this reason the progress of the Cadets has been very satisfactory, and the new syllabus of training has had a valuable effect in stimulating interest and in furthering the efficiency of the Cadet Force. I regret that there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of officers serving with Cadet units. The task of such officers is difficult. As compared with their fellow-officers in Territorial units they are deprived of the satisfaction of seeing the result of their efforts in a body of men trained as a fighting unit. In view, however, of the considerations mentioned under the heading " Territorial Force," I wish it to be understood that I regard the work of these officers as exceedingly important; to a large extent the fighting efficiency of the Territorial Force is governed by the preliminary instruction received in the Cadets. The reduction in the total period of Cadet training, together with the new syllabus, should enable officers to provide and maintain interest in their companies. In the Imperial Challenge Shields Competition for 1928 New Zealand entered 4,726 Cadets, a reduction of 302 on those of the previous year. This reduction is regretted, but with the co-operation of the secondary schools it is confidently anticipated that record entries will be made in future. In New Zealand, Earl Jellicoe's Trophy was won by D Company, 4th (Cadet) Battalion, the Auckland Regiment, to whom Earl Jellicoe sent his congratulations. The competition for the Campbell Statuette was won by C Company, 3rd (Cadet) Battalion, the Otago Regiment (Oamaru City Cadets), for the second year in succession. 5. VISIT OF OFFICER FROM THE WAR OFFICE. Major H. G. Eady, M.C., R.E., of the General Staff at the War Office, paid an official visit to the Dominion early in 1929. The action of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff in thus sending a representative to New Zealand was much appreciated, and proved very beneficial in many ways connected with organization and training. These visits to the overseas Dominions do much to promote a closer personal understanding at the War Office of our local military conditions and requirements, and assist in maintaining that uniformity in organization and training throughout the military forces of the Empire which is a great advantage in peace and essential in war. 6. COMBINED OPERATIONS. Early in April, 1929, a Staff exercise without troops was held north of Auckland for all senior officers of the N.Z. Permanent Forces. Six officers of the N.Z. Division of the Royal Navy also attended. This exercise, while working out certain problems connected with the defence of the Dominion, was primarily designed to practice all officers in the staff duties connected with embarkation and disembarkation. Though only of six days' duration, the exercise proved most valuable in emphasizing many important lessons regarding efficient staff work in the field. A very successful exercise was carried out in February, 1929, in combination with the N.Z. Division of the Royal Navy, when a force consisting of the Ist Battalion, the Auckland Regiment, together with detachments of other arms, was embarked in H.M. ships, landed at dawn on an open beach, and, after attack practice, subsequently re-embarked. Operating from the Air Base at Hobsonville, the N.Z. Permanent Air Force took an active part in this combined exercise. In addition to the aerial photographs taken before and during the actual operations, the close reconnaissance work carried out during the attack was most useful to the controlling staff and military units engaged.

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This was the first occasion, in which all three services of the New Zealand Defence Forces had taken part in combined operations. The whole operation was well planned and executed, and lam indebted to the Commodore Commanding for the very able and willing co-operation of the N.Z. Division of the Royal Navy throughout this difficult exercise. The Hon. Minister of Defence was present at these operations, and took the opportunity of witnessing from the air the progress of the attack and re-embarkation of the troops. 7. SAMOA MILITARY POLICE. The Government recently decided that the situation in Samoa warranted the recall of the Samoa Military Police and their replacement by a smaller force of Samoa Civil Police. The strength of the Military Police was three officers and seventy-one other ranks, and the strength of Civil Police it was decided to maintain was forty-five. Opportunity was given to the members of the Military Police to volunteer for one year's service with the Civil Police, and twenty-eight of them accepted the offer. The remaining seventeen were raised by the Police authorities in New Zealand, the Defence Department co-operating to the extent of equipping them. The remaining members of the Military Police arrived in New Zealand on the 3rd May, and after being medically boarded those not requiring medical treatment were sent on leave pending discharge. When all the members have been discharged or transferred to other units the Samoa Military Police as a unit of the N.Z. Permanent Forces will be disbanded. The brief history of this small force has been interesting in several ways. It was raised and despatched at nineteen days' notice from civilian sources, with officers and sergeants only from the Permanent Forces. There was a rush of applications, and only the best men were selected, consequently a very high standard was maintained both physically and educationally. The pay offered was Bs. 6d. per diem, with free messing, quarters, and medical attendance. The force was put into training in New Zealand under instructors of the Permanent Forces, and made quite a presentable showing when they embarked after their eight days' training. They were equipped with rifles, Lewis guns, and machine-guns. The Force was used in strength on only one or two occasions to make arrests from hostile villages, and this was successfully carried out without bloodshed ; but the presence of the force in the islands undoubtedly preserved the peace. The discipline of the force during its twelve months' service was excellent, and the behaviour of all ranks has called for praise from all sides. Their health suffered a good deal from minor troubles, but there was little serious sickness. Major P. H. Bell, D.5.0., N.Z. Staff Corps, commanded the force throughout, and the success of the force in great measure was due to his tact and skilful handling. All expenses in connection with this force have been a charge against the External Affairs Department. 8. THE N.Z. ARMY RIFLE ASSOCIATION. The N.Z. Army Rifle Association held its seventh annual meeting at Trentham from the 12th to the 15th March, 1929. The weather conditions were very favourable, the attendance excellent, and the standard of shooting high. As foreshadowed in my last annual report, special attention was devoted to competitions for the Vickers, Lewis, and Hotchkiss guns in drawing up the programme, with the result that the winning of trophies in these matches now requires not only shooting ability but also a high standard of fire discipline and fire control on the part of the gun teams and leaders. Under these conditions, success at the Army rifle meeting can only be obtained by careful training throughout the year. The standard of rifle shooting was somewhat higher than in 1928. At the present time, when a large proportion of the fire power of Mounted Rifles and Infantry is provided by machine guns and other automatic weapons, there is perhaps a tendency to underrate the value of the rifle. I would emphasize that it is still the most important individual weapon, and that proficiency in its use is essential in developing the confidence of the soldier in his own fighting ability. His Majesty the King's Medal, with Clasp " 1929," was won by Staff Sergeant-Major (W.O. 1) J. H. Kearney, N.Z.P.S. The Army Championship Belt was awarded to Lance-Corporal A. R. Symons, Ist Battalion, the Hawke's Bay Regiment, and the Cadet Belt to Sergeant F. J. Jane, 2nd (Cadet) Battalion, the Hawke's Bay Regiment. 9. RIFLE CLUBS AND THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION. The number and strength of Rifle Clubs in the Dominion are shown in Appendix I (d). There are five fewer Rifle Clubs than last year, due to the disbandment of certain clubs in sparsely populated districts, and in one case through the amalgamation of two clubs. This has resulted in a decrease in membership of 141. Free grants of ammunition and free railway passes have been accorded to Rifle Clubs as in previous years, and full advantage of this support is taken by members. The annual rifle meeting of the National Rifle Association was held at Trentham from the 6th to the 13th February, 1929. A cash grant of £1,000, free ammunition and railway passes for competitors, and free use of the rifle ranges at Trentham, were accorded to the association, together with

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assistance of officers and non-commissioned officers of the N.Z. Permanent Forces in conducting the meeting. The number of competitors showed a decrease from that of past meetings. In March, 1929, a New Zealand rifle team of twelve members competed at the Victorian rifle meeting, a grant of £250 being made by the Department towards their expenses on the association undertaking to provide a similar amount. The team achieved great success at this meeting, both in individual and in teams matches. 10. DEFENCE WORKS, MOBILIZATION DEPOTS, AND TRAINING-CAMPS. (a) Mobilization Depots and Training-camps. Waikato Camp.—During the year the Small-arms Ammunition Magazine, Ordnance Workshops, Vehicle-shed, Forage-store, and other miscellaneous small buildings —all of which were under construction at the date of my last report —have been completed. The undermentioned additional buildings have been erected : Bathhouse, drying-room, magazines Nos. 8, 9, and 10 (for high explosives), coal-store, and hospital. Various facilities of a minor nature have been provided, noxious weeds and scrub removed, and the area generally improved. On the erection of the laboratory, and the clearing and grassing of a scrub-covered area, this important mobilization depot and training-camp will be complete. Trentham Camp.—The Upper Hutt water-supply now serves this camp in lieu of the previous camp system, the fire-fighting facilities being considerably strengthened and some economy in maintenance effected. The buildings and roads have been maintained in good order, and the area —which is leased for grazing purposes to the Prisons Department —kept clear of noxious weeds and scrub by that Department. Burnham Camp. —A concrete strong-room and Ordnance Workshops have been erected, and the buildings and area generally maintained. (6) Drill-halls. No new drill-halls were erected during the year. New offices have been provided in the drill-halls at New Plymouth and Invercargill, and various improvements have been effected elsewhere. (c) Rifle Ranges. These have been maintained in good order, and improvements effected where necessary. (d) Coast Defences. During the year improved searchlight emplacements and accommodation for range-finders have been installed at Fort Dorset. 11. FINANCE. The net expenditure from Consolidated Fund for Defence purposes, including aviation and assist ance to Rifle Clubs, for the year ended 31st March, 1929, was £464,595, being a decrease of £17,164 as compared with the previous year, and representing 6s. 3-Bd. per head of population, as against 6s. 7-sd. for the previous year. The amount expended on general training and administration was £27,769 less than in the previous year, while the expenditure on aviation was £10,605 greater. The net expenditure from Public Works Fund, vote " Contingent Defence," for the year ended 31st March, 1929, was £67,652, being £27,666 greater than for the previous year, but including £43,974 for construction and development work at Hobsonville Aviation Base. The expenditure per head of population for the combined Defence (Administration and Training) and Contingent Defence (Construction and Works) votes was 7s. 2-Bd. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant. R. Young, Major-General, Commanding N.Z. Military Forces.

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APPENDICES. APPENDIX I.—TABLES SHOWING STRENGTH OF N.Z. MILITARY FORCES AS AT 31st MARCH, 1929. (a) N.Z. Permanent Forces.

Note. —To make good the normal wastage due to retirements, discharges, &c., in the N.Z. Permanent Staff the following numbers were enlisted into the various units during the year: — N.Z. Permanent Staff .. .. .. .. .. .. ..11 Royal N.Z. Artillery .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 N.Z. Permanent Air Force .. .. .. .. .. 3 N.Z. Permanent Army Service Corps .. . . . . 1 N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 General Duty Section .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Total .. .. !. .. .. .. ..51

(b) N.Z. Territorial Force.

(c) Cadets.

(d) Defence Rifle Clubs.

Officers. Other Ranks. Unit. I : Permanent. Temporary. Permanent, i Temporary. I I N.Z. Staff Corps .. .. .. .. 71* N.Z. Permanent Staff .. .. . . . . .. . . 136 j Royal N.Z. Artillery .. . . .. . . 18 .. 101 N.Z. Permanent Air Force .. .. . . 6 .. 17 N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps . . .. .. 8 .. 107 7 N.Z. Army Pay Corps .. .. .. .. 5 .. 11 i N.Z. Permanent Army Service Corps .. .. .. .. 10 6 N.Z. Army Medical Corps.. .. .. .. 1 .. i 1 General Duty Section .. .. .. .. .. .. 28 Samoa Military Police (attached) .. .. .. .. .. 8f Totals .. „ „ .. _109_ 419 __ 13 * Includes 3 cadets. t Under medical treatment pending discharge.

Arm of the Service. j Officers. Other Ranks. { Total. ! __[ __J Mounted Rifles .. .. .. .. .. 186 i 2,771 2,957 Artillery .. .. .. .. .. 143 2,927 3,070 Engineers .. .. .. .. .. 30 i 655 685 Signals .. .. .. • • • • • • 29 432 461 Infantry .. .. .. .. .. 383 8,819 9,202 Air Force .. .. .. .. .. 92 .. 92 Army Service Corps .. .. .. . . 20 437 457 Medical Corps .. .. .. .. .. 145 500 645 Veterinary Corps .. .. .. .. . . 23 .. 23 Totals 1,051 16,541 17,592

Command. Officers. Other Banks. Total. Northern 124 9,734 I 9,858 Central .. .. .. .. .. .. 189 10,614 10,803 Southern 236 11,722 11,958 Totals .. .. 549* | 32,070 j 32,619 * These are Territorial officers seconded for service with the Cadets.

Command. j Number of Clubs. Membership. I Northern .. .. .. .. .. 21 532 Central.. .. .. .. .. .. 53 1,587 Southern .. .. .. .. .. 65 1,978 Totals .. .. .. 139 4,097

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

Territorial Force. Machine Gun and Light Automatic Course.

APPENDIX III.—NUMBERS PRESENT AT ANNUAL TRAINING-CAMPS HELD DURING TRAINING-YEAR ENDED 31st MAY, 1929.

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Territorial Force. Cadets. ~~; | »-"»• P *ISS M Strength on 31st May, 1929, of units 10,653 .. 29,525 required to fire rifle course Number who fired full course .. 9,592 90-04 28,005 94-85 Number who fired part course .. 179 1-68 95 0-32 Number who did not fire .. 882 8-27 1,425 4-82 Number who qualified .. ... 8,772 82-34 27,078 91-71 Number who did not qualify .. 1,881 17-65 2,447 8-28

Vickers Machine Gun. j Light Automatic. ——————— Number fully exercised .. .. .. .. 831 1 1,319 Number partly exercised .. .. .. .. 159 { 1,560

Total Strength of Unit. Total el *Q attend i To^al who attended Camp. |p | Name of Unit. ; — r j ; ; $ ®la offlcers -| Ranks. Total - j offl « ere -| Ranks. | Total - | 0mcer8 -| Ranks. | Total. f | N.Z. Mounted Rifles. Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry .. 19 334 353 19 295 314 16 229 245 78 Queen Alexandra's (Wellington West 27 368 395 27 1 351 378 22 339 361 ! 96 Coast) Mounted Rifles Auckland Mounted Rifles .. .. 16 301 | 317 16 i 301 317 13 260 273 86 Waikato Mounted Rifles .. .. 24 321 345 24 278 302 17 236 253 84 Otago Mounted Rifles .. .. 24 244 268 24 1 205 229 22 202 224 98 Manawatu Mounted Rifles .. .. 22 256 j 278 22 j 241 | 263 15 208 223 85 Wellington East Coast Mounted Rifles 22 335 357 22 323 345 16 241 257 74 Nelson-Marlborough Mounted Rifles .. 24 321 i 345 24 ! 255 I 279 19 226 245 88 North Auckland Mounted Rifles .. 18 265 j 283 18 j 253 271 17 230 247 91 Totals .. .. .. 196 2,745 2,941 196 2,502 2,698 157 2,171 2,328 86 , ■ , _ N.Z. Artillery. 1st Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 5 150 155 5 117 122 i 3 105 108 89 2nd Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 8 92 100 8 92 100 I 6 85 91 91 3rd Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 6 164 ; 170 6 148 154 5 137 142 92 4th Field Battery, N.Z.A. (How.) .. 7 155 162 7 129 136 6 108 114 84 5th Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 10 159 169 10 109, 119 8 99 107 90 6th Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 5 101 106 5 '■ 101 106 14 93 97 92 7th Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 6 135 141 6 93 99 5 92 97 98 8th Field Battery, N.Z.A. (How.) .. 6 136 142 6 93 99 3 93 96 97 9th Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 6 133 } 139 6 ; 85 91 3 81 84 94 10th Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 7 129 I 136 7 78 85 j 4 74 78 92 11th Field Battery. N.Z.A. .. .. 7 96 103 7 72 79 5 65 70 89 12th Field Battery, N.Z.A. (How.) .. 6 164 170 6 125 131 5 118 123 94 13th Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 7 148 155 7 102 | 109 6 95 101 93 14th Medium Battery, N.Z.A. (How.).. 4 134 138 4 90 94 4 89 93 99 15th Coast Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 7 137 144 7 95 102 7 87 94 92 16th Pack Battery, N.Z.A. (How.) .. 7 123 130 7 73 80 6 71 77 96 17th Medium Battery, N.Z.A. (How.) .. 6 139 145 6 102 108 5 87 92 85 18th Medium Battery, N.Z.A. (How.) .. 3 118 121 3 100 103 1 93 94 91 19th Medium Battery, N.Z.A. .. 6 134 140 6 98 104 4 95 99 95 20th Back Battery, N.Z.A. (How.) .. 4 110 114 4 92 96 4 87 91 95 21st Field Battery, N.Z.A. .. .. 5 139 144 5 100 105 5 90 95 90 Totals .. .. .. 128 2,796 2,924 128 ! 2,094 2,222 99 1,944 2,043 92 N.Z. Engineers. Northern Depot, N.Z.E. .. .. 9 252 261 9 228 237 8 226 234 99 Central Depot, N.Z.E. .. .. 11 212 223 11 154 165 7 154 161 97 Southern Depot, N.Z.E. .. .. 10 214 224 10 131 141 6 127 133 94 Totals .. .. .. 30 678 708 30 | 513 ; 543 I 21 507 528 j 97

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APPENDIX III—continued.

APPENDIX IV.—TABLE SHOWING PROSECUTIONS DURING THE YEAR ENDED 31st MAY, 1929.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (600 copies), £16 10s.

By Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 929.

Price 6d.]

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Total Strength of Unit. Total eU g™ e p t0 attend Total who attended Camp. J 1 | Name of Unit. — : — § c|j _____ 0fflters - Ranks Total " 0fflcer8 '| Banks. T ° ta1 ' ° fflcers - Cks. T ° tal - | 2 N.Z. Infantry. 1st Battalion, Auckland Regiment .. 39 826 865 39 607 646 35 589 624 97 1st Battalion, Hauraki Regiment .. 34 708 742 34 465 499 32 454 486 97 1st Battalion, North Auckland Regiment 25 678 703 25 348 373 18 344 362 97 1st Battalion, Waikato Regiment .. 26 705 731 26 454 480 24 415 439 91 1st Battalion, Wellington Regiment .. 37 792 829 37 616 653 24 514 538 82 1st Battalion, Wellington West Coast 27 732 759 27 517 544 17 397 414 76 Regiment 1st Battalion, Hawke's Bay Regiment 35 758 793 35 586 621 24 4-94 518 83 1st Battalion, Taranaki Regiment .. 22 649 671 22 432 454 14 348 362 80 1st Battalion, Canterbury Regiment .. 40 725 765 ! 40 495 535 30 477 507 95 1st Battalion, Nelson-Marlborough and 30 694 724 | 30 438 468 20 397 417 89 West Coast Regiment 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment .. 35 810 845 35 640 675 30 603 633 94 1st Battalion, Southland Regiment .. 28 635 663 28 385 413 21 341 362 88 Totals .. .. .. 378 8,712 9,090 j 378 5,983 6,361 289 5,373 5,662 89 N.Z. Army Service Corps. Northern Depot, N.Z.A.S.C. .. .. 5 142 147 5 135 140 5 128 133 95 Central Depot, N.Z.A.S.C. .. .. 8 155 163 8 105 113 8 79 87 77 Southern Depot, N.Z.A.S.C. .. .. 7 140 147 7 94 101 5 83 88 87 Totals .. .. .. 20 437 457 20 334 354 18 290 308 84 N.Z. Medical Corps. Northern Depot, N.Z.M.C. .. .. 23 151 174 23 145 168 9 131 140 83 Central Depot, N.Z.M.C. .. .. 10 90 100 10 66 76 3 66 69 91 Southern Depot, N.Z.M.C. .. .. 7 124 131 7 90 97 7 87 94 97 Otago University Medical Company .. 4 124 128 4 124 128 4 j 104 108 84 Totals .. .. .. 44 489 533 I 44 425 469 23 i 388 411 88 I Grand totals .. .. 796 15,857 16,653 796 11,851 12,647 607 10,673 11,280 89 Average attendance throughout the Forces as a whole 89 per cent.

' cj4. 4-u t Prosecu- 0 , * Prosecu- Total Reason for Prosecution. ! rr 1 . ,° tions, , 0 tions, Q , 0 Prosecu- | Territorials. | Territor j als . Cadets. Cadet ;_ . Strength. , tions _ Failing to register .. .. 17,445 20 32,619 10 50,064 30 Failing to notify change of address .. 53 .. 24 .. 77 Failing to attend parades .. .. 328 .. 91 .. 419 Failing to attend camp .. .. .. 76 .. .. .. 76 Offences in connection with clothing .. 187 .. 14 .. 201 and equipment Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. 1 .. 8 .. 9 Totals .. .. 17,445 665 32,619 147 50,064 812