MILITARY FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, H-19

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1939. NEW ZEALAND.

MILITARY FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF.

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

REPORT.

Wellington, 15th June, 1939. The Hon. the Minister of Defence. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report on the New Zealand Military Forces for the period Ist June, 1938, to 31st May, 1939. 1. GENERAL REMARKS. The past training year has now been completed under the improved conditions of service for the Territorial Force and utilizing the additional modern equipment provided. I consider the results satisfactory both as regards the increased efficiency of the Territorial Force and the greater interest which is being taken in the Army by the people. A system of voluntary enlistment is dependent not only upon the spirit of service of those who enrol, but also upon the support of all sections of the community. The recent appeal made by the Right Hon. the Prime Minister has had an excellent effect. His public appreciation of their efforts has encouraged Territorials to work with increased zest and has had a beneficial efEect on recruiting. On the 31st May, 1938, the Territorial Force had a strength of 7,112 all ranks ; a year later this figure had increased to 10,364, and would have been even higher except for the limitations of peace establishments, which were not increased until the training year had nearly terminated. A total of 4,808 recruits were enrolled, but all units have taken the opportunity to discharge men who could not carry out their obligations. In the past the number of men who have completed three years' service in the Territorial Force has not been satisfactory, but improved conditions such as pay and allowances, together with the full co-operation of employers throughout the Dominion, should go a long way towards ensuring that the Territorial soldier carries out his contract to serve for the full period for which he enlisted. It is the number who complete their engagement, rather than the number who are serving at any one time, which is the criterion of efficiency. As an innovation I have added to this year's report a series of photographs illustrating various activities of the Army during the past year. 2. REGULAR FORCES. (a) Commands. On reaching the retiring age on 31st December, 1938, Colonel I. T. Standish, C.M.G., D.5.0., A.D.C. to the King, relinquished the command of the Central Military District, and, after completing his retiring leave, was transferred to the Reserve of Officers. He was succeeded by Colonel E. Puttick, D.5.0., A.D.C., who took over command on Ist January, 1939. On Ist January, 1939, on the appointment of Colonel 0. H. Mead, D.S.O. as Second Military Member of the Army Board, vice Colonel E. Puttick, D.5.0., A.D.C., Lieut.-Colonel N. W. McD. Weir assumed command of the Northern Military District, and was granted the temporary rank of Colonel. Colonel R. Miles, D.5.0., M.C., on his return to the Dominion on I Ith May, 1939, was appointed to the General Staff at Army Headquarters,

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(b) Military Education Abroad. With the rapid development of new weapons and changes in tactics resulting from their adoption, it has become increasingly important that officers and non-commissioned officers of the Regular Forces should gain experience with the British Army and at training establishments abroad. During the year five officers received instruction in England or India and four officers and thirteen non-commissioned officers attended short courses of a technical nature in Australia. The training of Regular personnel in Australia has been of great benefit to those concerned. The Chief of the General Staff in Australia has been most helpful in arranging for the attendance of personnel from New Zealand at various courses of instruction held throughout the year. Quite apart from the great value of the training received, the liaison established by our Regular personnel with the personnel of the Australian Military Forces is most desirable. I wish to express my appreciation of the co-operation of the Chief of the General Staff in Australia in making the services of a warrant officer (Sergeant-Major Bromley, of the Australian Instructional Corps) available for the training of instructors of the New Zealand Regular Forces in the Bren armoured carrier. (c) Training in New Zealand. In addition to courses of instruction at the Army School which are mentioned elsewhere and the normal day-to-day training of the Regular soldier, the following annual courses of instruction were carried out: — (a) A course of instruction of two weeks' duration for all officers of the New Zealand Staff Corps and N.C.O.'s of the New Zealand Permanent Staff was held in each district. (b) Courses of collective training for Field and Coast Artillery Cadres of the R.N.Z.A., each of two weeks' duration, were carried out at Waiouru and Auckland respectively. (d) Casualties. During the year under review two officers reached the retiring age and left the Service, and one officer resigned. During the same period there were forty discharges of W.O's, N.C.O.'s, and men ; of this number, twenty-three were discharged at their own request (nineteen by purchase), five reached the retiring age, three were medically unfit, two died, and three were discharged. In addition to the above, four were victims of a fatal accident. The strength of the Regular Forces is shown in Appendix I (a). 3. TERRITORIAL FORCE. (a) General. A most satisfactory aspect of the year's activity is the very marked improvement in attendance at annual camps and courses of instruction by members of the Territorial Force. The following comparative statement amply illustrates this improvement:—-

The camp attendance is by far the best achieved since the inception of the system of voluntary enlistment and has raised the efficiency of the Territorial Force considerably. I would ascribe the improved results obtained during the last year to the following causes :— Increased public support of the Territorial Force due to the international situation, and to a better appreciation by the public of the service which our volunteers are rendering the community. In this respect the whole-hearted co-operation of the returned soldiers has been most valuable, particularly in outlying centres. The assistance given by civilian employers and Government Departments in releasing Territorials for training, often at inconvenience to other members of the staffs concerned. The valuable and practical help given by the Territorial Force Association and by Regimental and Platoon Associations, both as regards recruiting and in fostering the social activities of units. I regard this work as a most important factor not only in obtaining men, but also in maintaining their interest during the full period of their service. Improved conditions of service, including increased pay allowances. The vigorous recruiting and publicity campaign, which has been carried on largely by the units themselves under the direction of Territorial publicity officers. More interesting training, including that given at the Army and District Schools of Instruction. The provision of modern arms and equipment for training and for use in war. The provision of more attractive uniforms for social and ceremonial occasions.

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1937-38. | 1938-39. I Total attended camp .. .. .. 3,125 7,296 Total attended six days' course only .. .. 1,156 • 568 Total attended camp and course .. .. 948 2,448 Camp attendance as percentage of— Peace establishment .. .. .. 33 73-6 Strength on 28th February .. .. 41 77-3

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Coast Defence Artillery in Action.

Mounted Rifles on Parade.

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Motor-cyclist Platoon moving into Action.

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(b) Expansion. Following the Pacific Defence Conference, the Government authorized an increase in the peace establishment of the Territorial Force to 16,000 all ranks. This expansion will take the following form: — (i) Nine Mounted Rifles regiments and nine Infantry battalions, organized for training purposes, on account of low strengths in 1937, into three composite units of each arm and three motorized squadrons, will be restored to full establishment, three of the Mounted Rifles regiments being motorized. (ii) Territorial Artillery batteries of the field force will be increased from a two-gun to a four-gun organization. (iii) Other units will expand to a strength approximating more closely to their war establishments. This expansion will bring the Territorial Force within reasonable reach of war strength, enabling it to act much more promptly should an emergency arise. Moreover, it will give more scope for officers and non-commissioned officers to exercise and improve their powers of leadership and thus improve the efficiency of their units. (c) Formation' of New Units. The New Zealand Scottish Regiment was raised early in 1939. This unit consists of four companies, one in each of the main centres. The enthusiastic support of the Scottish societies enabled all companies to be recruited to their full strength in a very short time. This regiment has the honour of being allied to the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), and will wear the Black Watch tartan. The 22nd Anti-aircraft Battery and the 2nd Searchlight Company were raised in Wellington during the year; they reached a satisfactory standard of efficiency at the conclusion of their camp training. The 7th and Bth Field Batteries at Palmerston North were amalgamated, and the 6th Field Battery was re-formed at Napier early in the training year. This unit reached its establishment in a few days with men of excellent physique. A section of the 2nd Field Ambulance was raised at Napier during the year and is making good progress. (d) Training. (i) Individual Training.—The policy of giving recruits on joining the Territorial Force a week's course of instruction at a District School has been amply justified by results. The staffs of units, especially at small training centres, are relieved of the difficulty of having to deal with individuals or small numbers. The progressive training given at the schools produces a soldier who is, in most cases, capable of taking his place in the ranks of the unit and of joining in more advanced training. (ii) Collective Training.—Collective training in the Territorial Force was based on a directive issued at the beginning of the training year giving as the subject for study — " Offensive action against an enemy force operating at some distance from the fortress area." In all districts valuable experience has been obtained as the result of holding exercises with and without troops dealing with situations of this nature. Mounted Rifles and Motorized squadrons carried out training in camp which necessitated considerable movement. Practice in mobility, which is the most important characteristic of these units, is very desirable, and the exercises were of the greatest value in this respect. Fort-manning exercises, including a twenty-four hours' continuous exercise in co-operation with the' New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy and the Royal New Zealand Air Force, were carried out at Auckland and Wellington during the period in camp of the 13th and 15th Coast Batteries respectively. The tactical handling of the new armaments installed at these places was studied, and considerable improvement in the training of the personnel was noticeable. The training of Anti-aircraft batteries was made much more realistic by the introduction of practice ammunition which bursts short and thus allows of firing at faster targets on more varied courses than is possible with a towed target. Improved training-facilities, made possible by the use of the Waiouru area for batteries from the Northern District and the reinstitution of ranging practices with air observation in the Southern District, have resulted in a considerable advance in the training of Field Artillery units. Most of the units in the Northern and Central Military Districts carried out their annual camps at Waiouru, which I consider an ideal training-ground for all arms of the Service. The annual camps of units were made interesting, and all ranks showed good discipline, cheerfulness, and a readiness to undertake all tasks required of them. 4. SPECIAL RESERVE. The system instituted last year of training Special Reservists with the object of building up heavy batteries (Coast Artillery) and the three fortress battalions has been continued. In order to give more time to their military instruction and still afford the men an opportunity of receiving vocational training, the period of training was increased from three to five months. The presence of Special Reservists with units in camp has been an important factor in improving the efficiency of those units to which they have been posted. Besides supplying some of the specialists required, the reservists have been of considerable value in giving demonstrations within their own units. The attendance of Special Reservists at camps was in some cases disappointing. Of 374 posted to Territorial Force units, only 199 attended camp.

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The special role envisaged for these reservists —that of bringing units in fortress areas to war establishments on mobilization—demands that they should be immediately available and fully trained. The necessity for holding these reservists to the terms of their engagement is therefore of even greater importance than in the case of the Territorial Force. The strength of the Special Reserve is shown in Appendix 11. 5. CADET FORCE. A successful year's training has again been carried out by the Cadet units at secondary schools. Courses were held in all districts dnring the summer vacation for officers and selected noncommissioned officers of cadet units. These courses at the commencement of the school year form a good basis for the training of Cadet units during the year. The opportunity was taken during these courses to instruct selected officers and non-commissioned officers in the newly instituted system of physical training, which has been adopted by many schools. 6. SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION. (a) General. The Army and District Schools of Instruction had been established over twelve months before the commencement of the camping season, and I am more than ever convinced that the instruction being given at these schools is having a most beneficial effect on the efficiency of the Regular and the Territorial Forces. In spite of protracted epidemics of measles at Trentham and Narrow Neck necessitating the cancellation of some courses of instruction, very satisfactory results were obtained, both as regards numbers attending and the standard of efficiency attained. (b) Army School. During the year this school carried out a comprehensive programme of courses. (i) Thirty-two officers and 97 N.C.O.'s and men of the Regular Force received instruction at courses varying in length from one month to seven and one half months. (ii) One hundred and eight recruits for the Royal New Zealand Artillery and 172 for the Royal New Zealand Air Force were trained during the year. (iii) Thirty-seven recruits for the New Zealand Regular Force, other than Royal New Zealand Artillery, are now undergoing instruction. (iv) Twenty-one officers of the Territorial Force attended courses of two weeks' duration for instruction as Adjutants, Intelligence Officers, and junior Staff officers. (v) Seventy-five officers and 149 other ranks of technical arms of the service—viz., Engineers, Signals, Medical, and Dental units—carried out short courses. (vi) Fifty Special Reservists were given three months' training. (c) District Schools. The District Schools established at Narrow Neck, Trentham, and Burnham last year have carried out full programmes. These schools have provided instruction for officers, non-commissioned officers, and men in the various subjects required in all arms. The courses conducted range from tactics for senior officers to recruit courses. The number, including Regular personnel, R.N.Z.A.F. personnel, Special Reservists, and Cadet officers and N.C.O.'s, who have attended courses during the year is 966 officers and 4,305 other ranks. This is an increase of 3,217 all ranks over the number who attended last year. The training of Special Reservists at District Schools was continued. A draft of i2O recruits for the Royal New Zealand Air Force was trained at the District School, Burnham. The training received at District Schools is now having a marked effect on the Territorial Force, the increased efficiency of which was most noticeable during the training in annual camps. 7. FORMATION OF A NATIONAL MILITARY RESERVE. Late in the year the Government authorized the formation of a National Military Reserve, the purpose of which is to provide a readily available reserve to the Territorial Force in a national emergency. This reserve embraces all men between the ages of twenty and fifty-five years who offer their services. With the whole-hearted co-operation of the Post and Telegraph Department registration is proceeding. This Reserve will be organized into three classes : — Class I. —Men twenty to thirty-five years of age who have served in the Territorial Force for at least two years. They are required to bring the Territorial Force up to war establishment on mobilization and to provide it with reinforcements after mobilization. Class II. —Ex-regular and returned soldiers between the ages of thirty-five and fifty-five years of age. This class in an emergency would be used — (а) To augment fortress troops at main ports. (б) To provide garrisons at secondary ports. (c) To protect other vital points. (d) To fill certain appointments on mobilization. Class 111. —Men between the ages of thirty-three and fifty-five years other than Classes I and 11. This class in an emergency would be used— (а) To form a reserve to Classes I and 11. (б) To provide a general reserve from which various units such as defence-works-construction companies, &c., would be formed. (c) For any other purpose for which they may be required.

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8. PUBLICITY. Following the appointment of Territorial officers who have special qualifications as part-time publicity officers, a vigorous campaign was launched to stimulate public interest and help recruiting. By means of the press, radio, posters, pamphlets, screen advertising, and, most important of all, public demonstrations by Territorial units, excellent results have been obtained for a very small financial expenditure. In this respect may I express appreciation of the great assistance given by the press throughout New Zealand not only in giving the Army free space, but also in going to a great deal of trouble to give publicity to the activities of the Territorial Force. The Broadcasting Services have been equally generous in helping us. Advantage was taken of the simultaneous delivery of the first consignments of Bren armoured carriers and of Bren light machine-guns to give a public demonstration of army mechanization and fire power at Trentham. Ten thousand people from the Wellington District witnessed a comprehensive programme, which included the following : — (i) Battle practices by Vickers Gun (Motorized) and Motor-cycle (Lewis Gun) Platoons of the Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment (City of Wellington's Own). (ii) Demonstration of new Bren gun in action firing from the armoured carriers, and dismounted for action, carrying out battle practices with the gun on its various mountings. During the latter phase the crews were subjected to gas attack. (iii) Cross-country demonstrations in hill-climbing and crossing shell-torn areas by mechanized Field Artillery manned by personnel of the sth Field Battery, N.Z.A.; Bren armoured carriers manned by Regular Troops ; motor-cyclists of the Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment (C.W.0.) carrying full Lewis gun equipment. (iv) " Light tank " attack on mechanized Field Battery in action on anti-tank platforms. Surprise tank attack covered by smoke-screen and met by counter Artillery fire. 9. MODERN EQUIPMENT. (a) General. Difficulty is still being experienced in obtaining delivery within a reasonable time of large orders placed abroad, mainly because of more urgent needs in the United Kingdom and other areas more directly threatened. Some orders placed in 1934—35 are still outstanding. The rate of production is, however, rapidly increasing, and I anticipate that our orders will come to hand more readily in future. Modern equipment supplied during the past few months includes the initial consignment of Bren armoured carriers, and also of Bren light machine-guns. Although these modern weapons arrived too late for employment at the majority of the Infantry annual camps, they have been used extensively during the last two months for training Territorials and for demonstrations. Both the armoured carriers and the new guns have created great interest, and also had a reassuring influence on the people. They also enable the troops to see what modern light tanks can do, and thus appreciate the necessity for proper anti-tank defensive measures. Moreover, and most important of all, the fighting efficiency of the Army is increased. (b) Coast Defences. Delivery has been made of portions of the technical equipment required to complete the new coast defences at Auckland and Wellington. At the former port the necessary communications have also been completed. A similar system is in course of installation at Wellington. The full fighting equipment for Lyttelton has been ordered, and construction is proceeding satisfactorily. It is hoped that the modern armament will be installed without undue delay. (c) Field Force Artillery. Extra six-wheeled Field Artillery tractors were obtained during the year, enabling a reasonable distribution for training on a mechanized basis. The necessary steps were also taken to provide the remaining 18 pr. field guns with pneumatictired wheels. The conversion of 4-5 in. howitzers to pneumatic tires is proceeding. Local experiments have evolved a satisfactory method of converting Artillery-ammunition vehicles to pneumatic-tired wheels. Provision of our requirements in this direction is in hand. Six-inch howitzers have been fitted with rubber-padded wheels, which will increase their mobility and their value considerably. The conversion of the remaining mobile Artillery (3-7 in. howitzers and 60 pr. guns) is not being attempted at present. (d) Engineers. Folding boat-bridge equipment, modern water-supply stores, and power tools have all come to hand and have been utilized for training by the Territorial field companies. Further stocks are on order. (e) Signals. A proportion of the wireless equipment on order was received during the year, and is being used for the training of the New Zealand Corps of Signals and also of Artillery and Mounted Rifles Signal personnel. As more of this equipment comes to hand the latter units will be issued with their proper quota of wireless sets.

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10. MOBILIZATION PREPARATIONS. Plans for the mobilization of the land Forces—that is, for their transition from a peace to a war footing —are proceeding steadily and our plans are well advanced. The measures taken are being co-ordinated with the action of other Government Departments through the Organization for National Security. The expansion of the Territorial Force which is at present being carried out will help a great deal to ensure prompt and effective mobilization ; but the expansion must also include more Regular Staff, more trained leaders, and more warlike stores as well as more men. 11. CONSTRUCTIONAL WORK AND ACCOMMODATION. (a) Drill-halls. Although drill-halls exist in most towns of any size and are possibly adequate as regards actual space for the requirements of the expanded Territorial Force, the majority are comfortless places with few or no amenities for social activities. Modern accommodation at all drill centres, including both adequate training-facilities and the provision of social and recreational facilities, is a most important factor in raising and maintaining the general tone of a voluntary Force. Men arc joining up now ; but the problem of retaining them for three years and making them efficient is largely dependent on the provision of attractive accommodation at training centres. An extensive programme for repairs and reconstruction has been prepared; it should be implemented as soon as possible. (b) Coast Defences. The second phase of the development of the coast defences is well advanced, contracts having been let for the major works at Lyttelton, while the smaller works in that vicinity are approaching completion. Arrangements are in hand for the provision of the necessary accommodation for the garrisons at the Wellington and Lyttelton defences. (c) Ordnance Store Buildings and Workshops. The new carpenters' workshop at Trentham, Main Ordnance Depot, is under construction. The first section of the large Ordnance store building at Trentham is nearing completion, and a contract has been let for the second section. The completion of this store will alleviate the serious shortage of storage space at Trentham, and will at the same time make available additional barrack-rooms for the accommodation of troops attending the Schools of Instruction. A contract has also been let for the first section of a similar Ordnance store at Burnham. (d) Other Works and Buildings. This year has seen the transfer of Army Headquarters, Central and Southern Military District Headquarters, to more commodious premises. The work of improvements to accommodation at Narrow Neck, Trentham, and Burnham has been continued, and considerable modernization and enlargement of messing and storage facilities are contemplated. Further requirements include garages for anti-aircraft equipment now on order, and for mechanical vehicles, medical-inspection blocks, messes, barrack-rooms, and stores. 12. ADMINISTRATION SERVICES : ORDNANCE. (a) Duties. There has been a considerable increase in Ordnance work during the last eight months. Equipment tables for all Territorial units except Artillery have been prepared, and the issue of equipment is proceeding. Camp-equipment stocks have been completely revised in the light of the altered establishments, and considerable purchases have been effected. (b) Personnel. Consequent upon the increase in the establishment of the Territorial Force and the continuous work that will have to be done in the future in connection with preparations for mobilization, a considerable increase in staff is necessary. (c) Credits. The sum of £41,705 19s. lOd. has been received for sale of rifles, ammunition, cordite, cloth, trimmings, waste products, &c. (d) Arms. A supply of short M.L.E. Mark 111 heavy Lithgow barrels and of M.L.E. converted Lithgow barrels has been received from the Australian Government for sale to members of Defence rifle clubs. The first consignment of Bren guns having been received from England, an armourers' course on this particular type of gun was held in February last.

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The General Training-camp at Waiouru.

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Special Reservists at Trentham.

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(e) Clothing and Equipment. Very great difficulty has been, experienced in purchasing certain items necessary for mobilization, and if Ordnance is to be in a position to function efficiently immediately mobilization is ordered heavier stocks will have to be procured and held in peace. This has been recognized in principle, and the clothing and equipment situation for mobilization has improved, but much remains to be done. Considerable progress has been made with the manufacture of blue uniforms, and to date over 3,400 have been issued. The uniform has received the most favourable reception. 13. FINANCE. The sum voted for Army expenditure for the financial year 1939-40 was £703,904, representing an increase of £153,904 on the vote for 1938-39. The larger vote was made necessary by the extended period of training (twenty days), for which pay is now allowed members of the Territorial Force, and also by a substantial increase in the Territorial rates of pay brought into operation early in the year. Increased expenditure had also to be provided for the mechanization of the Forces, the training of Special Reservists, and the District School system of training officers and other ranks of the Territorial Force. Substantial improvements to the permanent camps at Narrow Neck, Trentham, and Burnham, and a programme of repairs to drill-halls and other military buildings, were also allowed for, as well as a larger expenditure on mobilization stores and equipment. The actual charges against the Army vote to the 31st March, 1939, amounted to £744,760, which was reduced by credits-in-aid to £706,735, representing an excess expenditure of £2,849 for the year. Commitments at the beginning of the year amounted to £227,061, while as at the 31st March, 1939, the unfulfilled orders totalled £540,000. Difficulty is still being experienced in obtaining delivery within a reasonable time of many of the orders placed abroad, owing to the magnitude of the rearmament programme being undertaken in the United Kingdom and other parts of the Empire which have been called upon for supplies, but now that production is reaching its maximum peak in those countries these delays should be considerably shortened. The annual expenditure from the Army vote during the last six years is set forth in Appendix 111 of this report. CONCLUSION. The considerable progress which has been made during the past year is due to many factors, but especially to the hard work of the Staff, both military and civil, the loyal co-operation and keenness of all ranks of the Territorial Force, and the assistance of Territorial and Regimental Associations. To these I tender my thanks and appreciation of their efforts. I also desire to thank those employers who have assisted by granting facilities to their employees to attend camp and other training. I have, &c., J. E. Duigan, Major-General, Chief of the General Staff.

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APPENDICES.

APPENDIX I.—TABLES SHOWING STRENGTH OF THE N.Z. MILITARY FORCES AS AT 31st MAY, 1939. (a) New Zealand Regular Forces.

(b) Territorial Force (Active List only).

(c) Cadets.

(d) Rifle Clubs.

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Unit. | Officers. Owlets Other Ranks. Total, N.Z. Staff Corps .. .. . . .. 76 .. 76 N.Z. Permanent Staff .. .. ,. .. .. ,. 134 134 Royal N.Z. Artillery .. .. .. .. 17 .. 257 274 N.Z. Permanent Army Service Corps . . .. .. .. 19 19 N.Z. Army Medical Corps .. .. .. .. .. 3 3 N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps .. .. .. 6 .. 29 35 General Duty Section .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 3 Attached from British Army .. . . .. .. .. 1 1 Attached from Australian Staff Corps .. .. 1 .. .. 1 Officer Cadets (in Australia) .. . . . . .. 1-5 .. 15 Recruits, N.Z. Regular Force .. . . .. . . .. 32 32 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 100 15 478 593

Arm or Service. I Officers. Other Ranks. Total. __ I Mounted Rifles .. .. .. .. 156 2,005 2,161 Artillery .. .. .. .. .. 121 1,863 1,984 Engineers .. .. .. .. 16 342 358 Signals .. .. .. .. .. 21 268 289 Infantry .. .. .. .. .. 305 4,426 4,731 Army Service Corps .. .. .. 20 308 328 Medical Corps .. .. .. .. 107 374 481 Veterinary Corps .. .. .. .. 15 .. 15 Dental Corps . . . . . . .. 12 . . 12 Army Legal Department .. .. .. 5 .. 5 N.Z. Army Nursing Service .. .. (35) .. (35) Totals .. .. .. •• 778 9,586 10,364 Note. —-In addition to the above there are 647 bandsmen.

Military District. | Officers. Other Ranks. Total Northern .. .. .. .. .. 105 5,345 5,450 Central 113 5,412 5,525 Southern .. .. .. •• •• 143 6,602 6,745 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 361 17,359 17,720

Military District. Number of Clubs. Membership Northern .. .. .. •• •• 25 1,062 Central .. .. .. ■ ■ • • • • 59 2,149 Southern .. •• •• 70 2,378 Totals .. .. .. .. ■■ 154 5,589

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Anti-aircraft Gunners in Action.

1st Battalion, the Canterbury Regiment, in Review Order at Annual Camp.

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Motorized Mounted Rifles on Trek.

New Bren Gun in Action on Tripod.

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APPENDIX II.—SPECIAL RESERVE, TERRITORIAL FORCE. Training.

Distribution. Enlisted into Regular units . . . . .. . . .. 161 Discharged as unfit, &c. .. .. .. .. 33 Posted to Territorial Force units .. .. .. ..374 Still training .. .. ~ .. .. .. .. 124 692

APPENDIX III.—NET EXPENDITURE DURING LAST SIX YEARS. Defence Vote.

Approximate Cost of Paper,—Preparation, not given ; printing (645 copies), £27 10s.

Authority: E. "V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 939.

Price 9d.~\

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T "tLt Thr " «* s » "SiSSST 346 222 124 692

Year. Military Forces. Aviation. Tota). £ £ £. 1933-34 .. .. .. .. .. 215,950 48,773 264,723 1934-35 .. .. .. .. .. 321,686 143,546 465,232 1935-36 .. .. .. .. .. 378,181 173,944 552,125 1936-37 .. .. .. .. .. 427,635 132,382 560,017 1937-38 .. .. .. .. .. 529,632 .. 529,632 1938-39 .. .. .. .. .. 706,753 .. 706,753