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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1933 Session I, H-19

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1933. NEW ZEALAND

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

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

REPORT.

The Hon. the Minister of Defence. Wellington, 6th September, 1933. Sir,— I have the honour to submit the following report on the New Zealand Military Forces for the period Ist June, 1932, to 31st May, 1933 :— 1. N.Z. PERMANENT FORCES. (a) Commands and Staff. Major W. I. K. Jennings, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., relinquished the appointment of G.S.O. (Training and Operations) at G.H.Q., and was appointed General Staff Officer, Central Command, on the sth September, 1932. Major N. W. McD. Weir, N.Z.S.C., relinquished the appointment of General Staff Officer, Central Command, and was appointed General Staff Officer (Training and Staff Duties) at G.H.Q. on the sth September, 1932. Major W. G. Stevens, R.N.Z.A., relinquished the appointment of General Staff Officer (Intelligence and Staff Duties) and was appointed General Staff Officer (Operations and IntelJigence) on th« sth September, 1932. (This Officer is also O.C. G.H.Q. Training Depot, Trentham Military Camp.) Major W. Ivory, A.M.I.Mech.E., R.N.Z.A., resigned the appointments of Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Ordnance Mechanical Engineer on the 9th January, 1933, and was transferred to the Reserve of Officers on the 20th March, 1933. Captain I. R. Withell, B.Sc., R.N.Z.A., on proceeding to England for training in Ordnance duties, relinquished the appointments of Assistant Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Assistant Ordnance Mechanical Engineer, on the 4th October, 1932. On the return of this officer from England he will take up the appointments of Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Ordnance Mechanical Engineer. Arrangements have also been made for the appointment of an Assistant Ordnance Mechanical Engineer in January, 1934. Flight-Lieu tenant A. de T. Nevill, B.Sc., N.Z.P.A.F., was appointed Staff Officer to the Director of Air Services on the Ist July, 1932. Major D E. Rremner, M.C., N.Z.S.C., resigned the appointment of Staff Officer in Charge No. 10 Regimental District, Christchurch, and Brigade Major, 3rd N.Z.M.R. Brigade, on the 31st August, 1932, and was transferred to the Reserve of Officers on the 3rd November, 1932. Captain G. H. Clifton, M.C., N.Z.S.C., relinquished the appointments of Adjutant, Ist Field Company, N.Z. Engineers, and Northern Depot, N.Z. Corps of Signals, on the 27th November, 1932, and proceeded to England for training on the 29th November, 1932. Captain A. W. Greville, N.Z.8.C., relinquished the appointment of A.A. and Q.M.G. Northern Command, and was appointed Adjutant, Ist Field Company, N.Z. Engineers, and Northern Depot, N.Z. Corps of Signals, on the 28th November, 1932. Captain D. H. W. H. Donaldson, N.Z.S.C., from the G.H.Q. Training Depot, was appointed Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster-General. Northern Command, on the 29th November, 1932.

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Major R. A. Row, D.5.0., N.Z.5.0., relinquished the appointment of G.S.O. Southern Command, and was appointed S.O.R.D. 10 and Brigade Major, 3rd N.Z.M.R. Brigade, on the 24th January, 1933. Major E. Puttick, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., relinquished the appointment of S.O.R.D. 1, Auckland, and Brigade Major, Ist N.Z. Infantry Brigade, and was appointed G. 5.0., Southern Command, on the 24th January, 1933. Major P. H. Bell, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., relinquished the appointment of S.O.R.D. 4, Hamilton, and was appointed S.O.R.D. 1, Auckland, while retaining the appointment of Brigade Major, Ist N.Z. Infantry Brigade, dated Ist June, 1933. Major C. T. Gillespie, M.C., R.N.Z.A., relinquished the appointment of Adjutant, Ist Field Artillery Brigade, and was appointed S.O.R.D. 3, Brigade Major, Ist N.Z.M.R. Brigade, dated 21st March, 1933, and O.C. R.N.Z.A., Northern Command, on the 16th May, 1933. Hon. Colonel F. W. Furkert, C.M.G., relinquished the appointment of Director of Works on the 30th January, 1933, and the appointment was taken up by Hon. Colonel C. J. McKenzie, as from the 31st January, 1933. Colonel J. R. Reed, 0.8. E., v.d., relinquished the appointment of Judge-Advocate-General on the 22nd February, 1933, and was posted to the Retired List. Colonel E. H. Northcroft, D.5.0., v.d., N.Z. Army legal Department was appointed Judge-Advocate-General on the Ist March, 1933. Lieut.-Colonel F. L. G. West, v.d., N.Z. Army Legal Department, .was appointed Deputy Judge-Advocate-General on the Ist March, 1933. Mr. G. H. Mackley, General Manager, N.Z. Railways, has been appointed Director of Railways and granted the honorary rank of Colonel, dated 30th Mav. 1933. (i>) Military Education. Captain I. R. Withell, B.Sc., R.N.Z.A., proceeded to England on the 4th October, 1932, for twelve months' instruction in ordnance duties to qualify him for the appointments of Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Ordnance Mechanical Engineer, rendered vacant by the resignation of Major W. Ivory, A.M.I.Mech.E., R.N.Z.A. Captain G. H. Clifton, M.C., N.Z.S.C., left for England on the 29th November, 1932, to attend a course at the Staff College, Camberley. It has not, so far, been found practicable for New Zealand to resume representation at the Imperial Defence College, which was suspended in 1930, but the advantages of this college have not been lost sight of, and it is hoped that the time is not far distant when a nomination can be made. No cadets are being trained at present at the British Service Colleges. As it is essential to keep up a steady inflow of young officers to meet requirements occasioned by resignations, retirements, and deaths, it is hoped that it will be possible to send four cadets to the Royal Military College of Australia during the ensuing year. These cadets will not graduate for service as officers in the New Zealand Permanent Forces until four years after their entry at the Royal Military College. (c) Officer seconded. Captain (local Major) K. L. Stewart, M.8.E., N.Z.S.C., has been seconded for a further period with the Ceylon Defence Forces—i.e., up to 19th December, 1934. (d) Liaison with Australia. Colonel F. Svmon, C.M.G., D.5.0., A.D.C. to the King, Director of Artillery, and O.C. Central Command, visited Australia as the guest of the Australian Commonwealth Government from 9th June until 20th July, 1933. (e) Casualties. The following Staff Officers resigned during the year : — Major D. E. Bremner, M.C., N.Z.S.C. Major W. Ivory, A.M.I.Mech.E., R.N.Z.A. Captain R. C. C. Steele, N.Z.S.C., was retired as medically unfit. It is with regret that I have to record the deaths of the undermentioned : — Captain E. R. V. Petrie, N.Z.S.C. • W. 0.1. (S.S.M.) W. G. Bauer, N.Z.P.S. Four other ranks of the Permanent Forces resigned during the year, and eight others were discharged for other reasons. (/) Vacancies in the Permanent Forces (other Ranks). Recruits have been appointed to fill vacancies which have occurred since, the 31st March, 1931, and are now undergoing instruction at the Training Depot, Trentham. (g) Training. A refresher course of fourteen days' duration was held in each Command for the personnel of the Permanent Forces, excepting the personnel of the Royal New Zealand Artillery, who were concentrated at Trentham for instruction under the Director of Artillery. Courses of a minor nature have been held throughout the year at such centres where sufficient personnel can be concentrated without expense.

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2. AIR SERVICES. (a) N.Z. Permanent Air Force. The strength of the New Zealand Permanent Air Force remains at nine officers and forty-four other ranks. This establishment is barely sufficient for the maintenance of the two N.Z. Air Force aerodromes and equipment, and for the administrative and inspectional demands of civil aviation. Neither the establishment of personnel nor the equipment is sufficient, however, to permit the formation of the smallest Air Force unit, and it must be emphasized that this branch of the service is quite incapable of providing sustained co-operation with the Army or Navy or of acting as a deterrent to sea-borne raids. The expenditure for the year ending March, 1933 (£24,700) is considerably less than it has been for the last seven years, and is definitely below the amount necessary to maintain the minimum organization and equipment capable of carrying out Air Force duties under service conditions. The highly technical nature of Air Force training under modern conditions renders it essential that officers of the Permanent Air Force should be sent abroad for stall and specialist training. It is hoped that provision can be made in the near future for further overseas training of officers. As regards the " other ranks " the steadily increasing maintenance work can only be carried out at the expense of other Air Force duties. Both military training and technical efficiency are seriously impaired by the lack of time and facilities for instruction. The present lack of incentive to promotion militates against technical proficiency and may involve the loss of skilled aircraftmen when the general economic condition returns to normal. Air observation of artillery fire has been provided by D.H. Moth aircraft from the two Air Force stations for most of the Territorial batteries at their annual camps at Rotorua, Waipukurau, and Matarae. In addition, a limited amount of co-operation with other Territorial units has also been carried out. The total flying-time on these duties has been 158 hours. As regards co-operation with H.M. Division of the Royal Navy, the Fairey lIIf seaplane, supplemented by Moth aircraft, have been engaged throughout the year on this duty with excellent results. The exercises have included torpedo observation, sleeve target practices, observation of fall of shot, search and interception exercises, and low-flying attack practices. The total flying-time on this class of work has been sixty-seven hours. During the period under review there has been one accident involving injury to personnel. (b) N.Z. Air Force (Territorial). As explained in my last report, the training of this unit has now reached a stage at which no further progress can be expected without a marked increase in the permanent personnel and equipment. The Territorial branch of the Air Force is still restricted to officers and the absence of " other ranks " in the squadrons, seriously affects efficiency and training. Although there is no dearth of junior civilian pilots eminently suitable for Air Force training, it has not been possible to permit any additional appointments this year. The annual Squadron Refresher Courses were held at Wigram Aerodrome, Christchurch, between January and April, 1933. These courses were attended by sixty-seven officers who carried out an aggregate of 954 hours' flying on the training-machines and Bristol Fighters. The increased flyinghours, which were chiefly devoted to various phases of applied flying training, such as front-gun practices, bombing, and artillery co-operation, led to an appreciable increase in general efficiency in these duties. It is most desirable, however, that the training-period should be very much further extended, partly by increasing the duration of the annual courses, and partly by providing facilities for training during the year, in order to bring the amount of training into fine with that carried out by similar units abroad. The keenness displayed by officers at these courses has been exemplary. (c) Aircraft and Equipment. An additional Fairey lIIf seaplane ordered in November arrived in the Dominion on 23rd May. The number of Service aircraft on charge at the two Air Force stations comprise— Hobsonville : Two Fairey lIIf seaplanes. Wigram : Five Bristol Fighters, two Grebe S.S. Fighters. Both the Bristol Fighters and the Grebes are obsolete. The former have given remarkable, service as training aircraft during the past six years, but they cannot be maintained in a serviceable condition much longer, and their replacement by modern trainer-type aircraft is receiving attention. The other machines comprise a Cutty Sark flying-boat and three D.H. Moths at Hobsonville, and four Hawker Tomtits and three D.H. Moths at Wigram Aerodrome for elementary training and communication purposes. The two Fairey lIIf aircraft represent the nucleus of a coastal reconnaissance and bombing flight. For the last two years a large proportion of the moneys voted for the purchase of aircraft and equipment has not been expended. This has been due to the absence of any means of making progress payments to manufacturers in England.

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(d) N.Z. A,ir Force Ak^odpomes. The two New Zealand Air Force aerodromes at Hobsonville (Auckland) and at Christchurch have been maintained in good order. The Air Force base at Hobsonville is still lacking in workshop equipment essential for maintenance purposes, and at Wigram Aerodrome proyisipn of a dppe shop and an extension to the engine repair shop is necessary. Provision was made on last year's estimates to meet these requirements, but owing, to the general need for economy the matter was held over for a further period. The area of 81 acres adjoining the Wigram Aerodrome, presented in 1931 by Sir Henry Wigram, has now been levelled by unemployed labour and all obstacles removed. The whole area constitutes a magnificent aerodrome for training and service purposes. In order to combat the serious firq risk at Wigram Aerodrome a scheme fyr providing water reservoir pumps and piping at a fraction of the normal cost by making use of unemployed labour and second-hand Public Works Department equipment has been under consideration. Any development in the Air Fprce is contingent upon the provision of additional ground, facilities at both aerodromes, and particularly upon the erection of quarters for personnel. At Wigram Aerodrome no provision hjis been made in this respect, and until such is effected it is npt possible to develop this station along recognized Air Force lines. (e) Civil Aviation. (1) Commercial Aviation. There has been no development in commercial aviation during the past year, although there has been a increase in the commercial activities of Aero Clubs, which have been forced by general economic conditions to seek this means of support This tendency is detrimental to the natural development of commercial air services. Civil: aviation statistics as at 31st May were as follows : — Pilot's "A " license (private) .. .. .. .. 165 Pilot's " B>" license (commercial) .. .. 33 Aerodromes (licensed) .. .. .. .. 25 Aircraft .. .. .. .. .. 65 Ground engineers .. .. .. .. 28 The Air Navigation Regulations, 1933, which provide for the control of aviation in conformity with the provisions of the Air, Navigation were gazetted on the Ist June. (2) Aero Club Movement. During the year under review ninty-seven polots were trained ab initio by the aero clubs. Although this, represents a drop of> approximately 25 .per cent, on the previous year's figures, the results are highly satisfactory when the effect ot the existing conditions is taken into consideration. The markjed falling-off in the numbers of pilots who renew their licenses is, however, serious, and a proposal for the modification of the form of.Government,assistance with a view, to encouraging pilots to continue their training is under consideration. During the financial year ending 31st March three D.H. Moth aircraft were loaned to aero clubs, and the sum of £2,070 w.as spent in subsidies on account of pilots trained by the cluha. 3. TERRITORIAL FORCE. (a) Commands. Since my last report several changes have been made in the command of brigades, and lower formations. This has necessitated the transfer to the Reserve of many officers who had activ,e-ssrvice experience and who have rendered long and faithful service in the Territorial Force. I also wish to place on record my sincere appreciation of the expenditure of time, money, and effort in their loyal endeavours to further the interests of the defence of the Dominion by those officers who have vacated their commands during ttie past year. With the, passage, of. time, the proportion of officers with war experience who are available for service in the Territorial Force, becomes less and less. It has been my endeavour to conserve the valuable experience they have obtained in the past, and in some measure to compensate the,m for the relatively small commands they held in the interval between the cessation of compulsory training and the inception of voluntary enlistment by granting an extension of their periods of command wherever possible. (b) Strength. The strength of the Territorial Force is shown in Appendix I. Other ranks have increased during the year by. approximately 1,000. In October, 1932, the establishment of Mounted Rifles Regiments and of Infantry. Battalions on the lower scale was raised in order to absorb the surplus recruits offering in outlying centres. The Mounted Rifles Regiments are now practically up to Peace Establishment. Thie Field Ambulances are finding it particularly difficult to secure recruits. The matter is receiving attention, and it is hoped to strengthen this branch of the service during the coming year.

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(c) Officers. The surplus officers carried on the Regimental Supernumerary List, as a result of establishments being reduced, in 1931, are being gradually absorbed into the active list, or, where this is impracticable, are being placed on the Reserve. Those who attended camp in the 1932-33 training-year: will be permitted; to remain on the Regimental Supernumerary List until the 31st May, 1934, if they, cannot sooner be absorbed into the active list. (d) Training. Training during the past year has ■suffered, in common with most other activities, from the adverse financial conditions which have prevailed. Training grants have been subjected to the most drastic curtailment, with the resultant restriction on courses of instruction. Such courses provide the best practicable means of raising the efficiency of officers and non-commissioned officers to that standard which is essential to the proper organization, training, and leading of our Territorial Forpe. I look forward to the time when funds will permit the reintroduction of regular courses of instruction. Attendance at night parades leaves much to be desired, despite the efforts of Territorial Associations to popularize these parades by the provision of after-parade amenities, such as club-rooms, sports, and games. This is partly due to the effect of counter-attractions, such as educational classes and entertainments, and in some measure to the fact that the cost of tram fares is an item which must necessarily be considered by the individual soldier in these days. There is no doubt that, if civic authorities were to grant a concession to soldiers in uniform travelling on municipal transport, it would be of considerable benefit to the Territorial Force not only in securing increased attendance at parades, but also in indicating that the fine public spirit actuating the citizen-soldier, in willingly shouldering his responsibilities as a citizen, is appreciated by the community. Weed-end training is far more popular than training at night parades, but the provision of rations makes the former more costly. It is hoped to make greater provision for this type of training in future. It must not be forgotten, however, that a minimum number of night parades is esseajwl' if a unit is to develop as a corporate body. Training in camp has been conducted with the greatest keenness. Attendance has varied, from 80 per cent, in some units to 40 per cent, in others. The establishment of units may be regarded a? the minimum strength necessary for efficient training. It is therefore essential that units should attend camp with their maximum enlisted strength if they are to practice in the field, with a ft}' degree of realism, their correct tactical employment. In those units where attendance at camp was unsatisfactory, the reason was no doubt largely due to the present conditions prevailing in the industrial life of the Dominion. In some cases employers cannot afford to release their employees to attend camp, and in others the employee cannot risk his further employment by asking for leave. I regret to say that the difficulty in obtaining leave for employees to attend camp has hot been confined entirely to private employers. As in past years, training in camp has been greatly facilitated by the generosity of private landowners and by racing clubs, and I wish to take this opportunity of publicly thanking all who have made their property available for training purposes. Notwithstanding all the difficulties with which we have had to contend during the year, I consider that very valuable training has been carried out by all units, and good progress has been made towards the attainment of an efficient standard. (e) Territorial Force Associations. During the past year the Territorial Force Associations have continued to render invaluable service in providing recreational and club-room facilities for the Territorial Force. I desire to take this opportunity of thanking all those public-spirited citizens who have gratuitously performed such excellent work for the welfare of the Forces. 4. CADETS. In the Imperial Challenge Shield Competition held throughout the Empire in 1932 the trophy presented by Admiral of the Fleet Earl Jellicoe, when Governor-General of New Zealand, was won by the St. Patrick's College Cadets, Silverstream, while the Medal of Honour (Bronze) issued by the National Rifle Association was awarded to Sergeant H. K. Waters of the Wellington College Cadets. I am very pleased to be able to report the very satisfactory standard of efficiency that has been attained by the Cadet Units throughout the Dominion, and it is very encouraging to note the enthusiasm of our youth and the support afforded by their officers who, in all cases, are on the staffs of the respective colleges or schools. Wherever sections have been established for the training of specialists—e.g., artillery, field engineering, signalling, &c., most commendable keenness has been shown and a very satisfactory degree of efficiency attained. More equipment, however, is required to maintain and extend this efficiency. An interesting feature of cadet training is the almost complete unanimity of opinion of Principals of colleges that such training is a great aid to the proper development of the boys and to the organization and control of the school. The strength of the Cadet Force is shown in Appendix I.

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5. N.Z. ARMY RIFLE ASSOCIATION. It is regretted that it was again financially impossible to hold the annual meeting of the N.Z. Army Rifle Association. This annual competition is not only of benefit to the Forces in so far as it promotes efficiency, but also of material service in so far as it is a reward for good service to those selected to attend. Its reintroduction is much to be desired. 6. RIFLE CLUBS. The membership of rifle clubs has increased by 119 during the year, and there are five additional clubs. The free issue of ammunition to rifle clubs has been continued on the same scale as last year. The National Rifle Association held its annual meeting at Trentham in March last. 7. DEFENCE WORKS, MOBILIZATION DEPOTS, RIFLE RANGES, AND OFFICE PREMISES. Generally, these have been maintained in fair condition. The accumulation of normal maintenance has caused an increased expenditure for urgent woik necessary to preserve the buildings. Rifle ranges have been maintained in good order. 8. FINANCE. The annual appropriation for land and air defence was fixed at £230,310, being £15,310 in excess of the previous year. By the restriction of expenditure to the more immediate and pressing requirements, and as a result of credits-in-aid being in excess of the estimated figure, and on account of certain items of expenditure in connection with overseas commitments not coming to charge until after the close of the financial year, the net expenditure was £22,483 less than the amount allocated. In Appendix II will be found in tabular form the expenditure on land and air defence over the last six years. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, W. L. H. Sinclair-Burgess, Major-General, Commanding N.Z. Military Forces.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX I.—TABLES SHOWING STRENGTH OF THE N.Z. MILITARY FORCES. (a) N.Z. Permanent Forces as at 31st May, 1933.

(b) N.Z. Territorial Force as at 31st May, 1933.

Note. —In addition to the above, there are 221 officers on the Regimental Supernumerary Lists, 783 bandsmen, and 64 prospective recruits for the Territorial Force in regimental cadet detachments.

(c) Cadets as at 31st May, 1933.

(d) Defence Rifle Clubs as at 31st May, 1933.

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Unit Officers. Other Ranks. Total. N.Z. Staff Corps .. .. .. .. . • ■ • 57 .. 57 N.Z. Permanent Staff .. .. .. .• •• •• 117 117 Royal N.Z. Artillery .. .. .. .. • • 14 67 81 N.Z. Permanent Air Force .. .. .. .. .. 9 44 53 N.Z. Permanent Army Service Corps .. .. .. .... 7 7 N.Z. Army Medical Corps .. .. .. . ■ • • • • 1 1 N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps .. .. .. - ■ • • 2 18 20 General Duty Section .. .. .. .. .. . • 4 4 Totals 82 258 340

Warrant Officers Arm or Service. ■ Officers. and Non-com- Men. Total. missioned Offioers. Mounted Rifles .. .. .. .. 157 310 1,569 2,036 Artillery .. .. .. .. •• 93 338 1,003 1,434 Engineers .. .. .. • • 15 49 133 197 Signals .. .. .. .. • • 18 40 123 181 Infantry .. .. .. •• •• 279 529 2,643 3,451 Army Service Corps .. .. .. 18 66 186 270 Medical Corps .. .. .. . • 105 64 144 313 Veterinary Corps .. .. .. .. 21 .. .. 21 Totals .. .. .. .. 706 1,396 5,801 7,903

Command. Officers. Other Ranks. Total. Northern .. .. .. •• •• 108 4,279 4,387 Central .. .. .. .. •• •• 109 4,225 4,334 Southern .. .. .. . • •• 126 6,661 6,787 Totals .. .. .. .. •• 343 15,165 15,508

Command. Number of Clubs Membership Northern .. . • • • • • • • 22 857 Central .. .. • • • • • • 5(5 1,906 Southern .. .. .. •• •• 69 2,316 Totals 147 | 5,079

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APPENDIX II.—NET EXPENDITURE DURING LAST SIX YEARS.

Approximate Cost oi Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (585 copies), £8.

By Authority: G. H. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington.

Price 6d.]

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Year. ] Military Forces. Aviation. Total. Defence Vote. £ £ £ 1927-28 ... . .. .. .. 453,580 28,179 481,759 1928-29 .. .. .. .. .. 425,813 38,782 464,595 1929-30 .. .. .. .. .. 401,645 53,183 454,828 1930-31 .. .. .. .. .. 229,050 48,749 277,799 193l4a»T ;t .. .. .. .. 156,311 26,663 182,974 1932-33 .. .. .. .. ..I 180,112 27,715 207,827 Public Works Fund. —Vote, Contingent Defence. 1927-28 .. .. .. .. .. 39,706 280 j 39,986 1928-29 .. .. .. .. .. 23,029 44,623 67,652 1929-30 « .. .. .. .. 7,896 38,870 46,766 1930-31 .. .. .. .. .. 363 13,449 13,812 1931-32 .. .. .. .. .. Nil Nil Nil 1932-33 .. .. .. .. .. Nil Nil Nil