ACTIVITIES OF DEFENCE FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND IN RELATION TO THE WAR. STATEMENT BY THE HON. F. JONES, MINISTER OF DEFENCE.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1940 Session I, H-19a

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1940. NEW ZEALAND.

ACTIVITIES OF DEFENCE FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND IN RELATION TO THE WAR. STATEMENT BY THE HON. F. JONES, MINISTER OF DEFENCE.

Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Leave.

INTRODUCTION. The statement which follows gives an outline of the activities of the Service Departments in relation to the war, and is subdivided into three parts —-Part I dealing with the Navy, and Parts II and 111 with the Army and Air Force respectively. In the statement an endeavour has been made to give the fullest possible information, having regard to the necessity for not making public particulars which are of a secret nature.

PART I.—NAVY. 1. WARSHIPS. In August last there were on the New Zealand station (a) the two New Zealand cruisers (H.M. ships " Leander " and " Achilles "), and (b) two escort vessels (H.M. ships " Leith " and " Wellington ") and a surveying ship (H.M.S.' " Endeavour ") belonging to the Imperial Navy. During the latter days of August, H.M.S. " Achilles," at the request of H.M. Government in the United Kingdom, was despatched for service under Admiralty orders, firstly in the Eastern Pacific, and later in the South Atlantic, with the result that she took part in the first cruiser engagement of the war, with the German armoured ship " Admiral Graf Spee." The Imperial ships " Leith" and " Wellington" and " Endeavour " were sent by the Admiralty to serve on other stations, leaving H.M.S. " Leander," the flagship of the New Zealand Squadron, to operate in the waters surrounding New Zealand. H.M.S. " Hector," an armed merchant cruiser, was later sent by the Admiralty to the New Zealand Station. Shortly before the outbreak of war, H.M.S. " Leander " left Auckland to convey the first reinforcements to the garrison maintained in the Pacific for the defence of certain British interests, and since her return from that duty she has been employed patrolling and searching for raiders or their bases around the coasts of the Dominion. In addition to the ships mentioned, New Zealand possessed one trawler, H.M.S. " Wakakura," which is normally used principally for the duty of training the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. She is fitted also as a minesweeper, but as in war one minesweeper alone is quite inadequate, the Government took up three of the trawlers which normally fish from Auckland, the " James Cosgrove," " Humphrey," and " Thomas Currell." They were reconditioned and fitted as minesweepers, and, after a period of training, took up their duty of searching the approaches to our ports for mines which may have been laid, or may be laid, by the enemy. Other trawlers have also been fitted to act as minesweepers should the need arise for this branch of Naval activity to be reinforced, but in the meantime they continue to pursue their normal avocation. Another contribution which New Zealand is making to the seagoing side of Naval defence is the provision of an armed merchant cruiser, and the " Monowai," belonging to the Union Steam Ship Company, is now at the Naval dockyard being armed and fitted out. A further and most valuable reinforcement to New Zealand's Naval forces is under way in the shape of three small training-vessels, not unlike trawlers, which are being specially built at Leith in Scotland and will be armed with a 4 in. gun and smaller weapons and equipped for minesweeping and anti-submarine work. These three ships, which will be called H.M.S. " Moa," H.M.S. " Kiwi," and H.M.S. " Tui," will, it is hoped, be ready for service in about fifteen months' time.

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11. OTHER NAVAL WAR SERVICES. As soon as war seemed to be imminent, and actually before the outbreak of hostilities, the Naval Board established signal stations, an Examination Service, and a Naval Control Service at the three defended ports, which are Wellington, Auckland, and Lyttelton. The signal stations are manned by men of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and these men have done and are doing good work which, at the beginning, was under conditions of considerable hardship, because the signal stations are in very exposed positions, and in some cases the men were accommodated only in tents. Now, however, buildings have been erected in which they can live in comfortable conditions. It is the duty of the Examination Service, in co-operation with the military defences, to ensure that no enemy vessel can enter harbour undetected. This Service, which continues day and night, is maintained partly by men of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and partly by Harbour Board pilots, and the ships engaged in the work are manned by the mercantile marine. At Auckland the Service is augmented by naval patrol launches. The principal functions of the Naval Control Service are to ensure that merchant ships shall, so far as possible, proceed upon their lawful occasions in safety, for which purpose ships are specially routed, and to deal generally with all matters affecting merchant shipping, including the organization of convoy. Most of this work is being performed by personnel of the New Zealand Naval Reserves. Although not a Naval service, it is not inappropriate here to pay tribute to the work of the men who man the coast-watching stations, over sixty (now reduced to under forty) of which were established at the beginning of the war around the coasts. These men are keeping their lonely vigil day and night in isolated and wind-swept spots ; some are returned soldiers, others are men of the lighthouse service and Harbour Board employees. Mention should be made of the vital part which wireless and other communications play in Naval defence. In this connection the Post and Telegraph Department has co-operated most successfully with the Naval authorities. 111. DEFENSIVE EQUIPMENT OF MERCHANT SHIPS. Another very important item in the Naval defence of the Empire and the protection of merchant shipping is the arming of merchant ships so that they can act in their own defence when attacked by the enemy on the high seas. The Naval dockyard at Auckland has, up to date, equipped twenty-five ships with guns of 4 in. or higher calibre, and each of these ships has sailed from Auckland with a gun's crew the nucleus of which is formed by three of the young seamen of the New Zealand Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. In addition, twenty-one overseas merchant ships have been equipped with depth charges. This work of arming merchant ships and manning their guns is continuing steadily. A number of merchant ships are also being " de-gaussed " (i.e., rendered immune to the type of magnetic mine now being laid by the enemy in home waters) in New Zealand ports under the supervision of the naval authorities. IV. MERCHANT NAVY DEFENCE COURSES AND INSTRUCTION OF PERSONNEL OF THE MERCANTILE MARINE. Prior to the war it was approved in principle to institute merchant navy defence courses in New Zealand, but for various reasons it was not practicable to provide the additional staff required. Shortly before the outbreak of war the Naval staff at Wellington was increased and arrangements were made in conjunction, with the shipping companies operating in New Zealand, to start a course as soon as practicable. The object of the course is to inform officers of the merchant navy of, and to instruct them in, the measures employed to protect British and Allied merchant ships from enemy action in time of war. The course embraces lectures on the general principles of trade protection, defence against enemy submarines and raiders, and convoy organization, and includes practical instruction in gunnery, depth charges, and signalling. The course in New Zealand is primarily intended for officers of the mercantile marine who are actively employed in the New Zealand coastal and inter-colonial trades. The attendances to date include approximately 150 of these officers, and, in addition, a number of master mariners who have retired from the sea but are ready to resume their profession if required. Officers in overseas ships visiting Wellington are also invited to attend. At Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Dunedin facilities exist for the practical instruction of officers and men of defensively equipped merchant ships in gunnery, depth charges, and signalling. The response has been excellent and is much appreciated by the masters of overseas ships visiting New Zealand. At Auckland, in addition, special instructions in W/T matters are given to deck officers and radio operators. This work is carried out by the Naval Control Service staffs. V. PERSONNEL. Ships of the New Zealand Squadron are manned by about 60 per cent, of New Zealand ratings and 40 per cent, of ratings lent from the Royal Navy. In this early stage of the development of our Naval Forces, there are, of course, few New-Zealand-born officers serving in our ships, but as time goes on the proportion of New Zealand to Imperial officers and men will steadily increase. In the meantime, on account of the war, the complements of the sea-going ships have been brought up to war strength by the mobilization of officers and men of the New Zealand Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and officers and men of these reserve Forces are also serving in the minesweepers alongside personnel who have volunteered from the mercantile marine.

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Very shortly after the outbreak of war His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom informed the New Zealand Government that they would be glad if New Zealand could provide personnel of the following classes for the Royal Navy : (i) trained Naval reserves ; (ii) yachtsmen and ex-mercantile marine officers for commissions in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve ; (iii) certain technicians and others suitable for entry as artificers, artisans, signalmen, and telegraphists. By " trained Naval reserves " was meant the members of the Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and (after satisfying the mobilization requirements of the New Zealand Naval Forces, including provision of a margin in reserve) 25 of the officers and 219 of the ratings have recently proceeded overseas after final training. The remainder, approximately 100, will be ready to follow them in a few months' time. With regard to yachtsmen for the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, the Admiralty stated after some delay that their present requirements were limited to 10. The 10 most suitable from the many hundreds of applications which have been received from time to time in Navy Office have been selected and have also left New Zealand. A gratifying number of candidates applied for entry in the technical ratings, and 56 have been selected, entered, and trained in H.M.S. " Philomel." They have also left for England. Since the outbreak of war a total of 9 officers and 118 men on loan from the Royal Navy have been relieved by New Zealand reserve personnel and have left for England to resume service in the Imperial Navy. The New Zealand Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve has provided 65 ratings as guns' crews in 25 defensively armed merchant ships. It will be remembered that the " Doric Star " was sunk by the " Admiral Graf Spee " } this was one of the ships provided with a gun and crew in New Zealand, and these three Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve ratings were amongst the " Altmark " prisoners ; they have now returned to New Zealand. So far as the New Zealand, Naval Forces are concerned the ships and services maintained are all at war strength, and unless there is any major development in the Naval defence of New Zealand the requirements of personnel are fully met by the existing active service and mobilized reserve personnel. At the same time the permanent recruiting, training, and manning policy is being continued to provide a career in the Navy for New-Zealanders. VI. FUTURE POLICY. A forward policy of Naval development has always been pursued by the Government, and is in no way being retarded by the existence of a state of war. As mentioned in Section lof this statement as an instance of this may be quoted the new training vessels, and the recruiting and manning policy referred to in Section IV is another. The naval dockyard at Devonport has been greatly expanded and re-equipped, so that major refits of cruisers are now regularly undertaken. Additional oil-tankage for Naval purposes has been built, and further developments in this direction have been approved. Approval has also recently been given for the construction of modern buildings at Devonport to replace H.M.S. " Philomel," and land has been purchased to improve the recreational facilities. The Government are ready if and when requested by H.M. Government in the United Kingdom to call for further volunteers for service in the Royal Navy, but the large draft recently despatched meets the Admiralty's requirements for the time being. It will be appreciated that the future policy of the Government as regards the Naval defence of New Zealand must depend upon the development of the situation, and that the strategic and tactical factors involved could not in the public interest be discussed on the floor of the House. In this connection, however, the Government is in close and constant touch with the authorities in London, and the position is constantly under review by the Government's Naval advisers.

PART 11.-ARMY. IMMEDIATE MEASURES ON THE OUTBREAK OP WAR. Manning Coast Defences. Immediately on the outbreak of war, measures were taken to man coast artillery and anti-aircraft defences at the three defended ports of Auckland, Wellington, and Lyttelton. The units concerned were brought up to war strength by embodiment of those already serving, and the enlistment and training of the number required for this purpose. This manning was carried out with the most satisfactory despatch. The establishment has been maintained in spite of a continual turnover of men released to join the Expeditionary Force. In this respect the Special Reservists who were trained over the twelve months prior to the outbreak of war proved most valuable and fully justified the money expended on their training in peace. Coast-watching Stations. All coast-watching stations previously decided upon were established within a few days of the outbreak of war. The personnel for these stations are found by the Navy, the Army, and the Marine Department, and in some cases by Harbour Boards. Over some portions of the coastline aerial reconnaissance is provided at regular intervals. The position is under frequent review by the appropriate committee of the Organization for National Security.

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Guards on Vital Points. In accordance with plana made before the outbreak of war, all guards on vital points were provided by Army personnel. These points included Army, Navy, and Air Force establishments, civilian explosives magazines, bulk oil installations, and important cable and wireless stations and vital points connected with the railway system. The actual points guarded, as well as the scale on which guards should be maintained, are under constant review by the appropriate committee of the Organization for National Security. The personnel required from the Army for coast-watching stations, and guards for vital points, are found from the National Military Reserve, Glass IT, and, if for no other reason, the formation of this reserve prior to the outbreak of war was fully justified. These men have carried out a monotonous and, in many cases, a lonely task with commendable application, Pacific Garrison. In view of the uncertain international situation which existed during the last four months prior to the outbreak of war it was decided'to maintain a garrison for the defence of certain British interests in the Pacific. This garrison was despatched towards the end of August. This detachment was relieved by a similar detachment during March, 1940. The returning draft has been given special instruction, and are now available as instructors. RAISING AND TRAINING SECOND NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. General. Within a few days of the outbreak of war the Government decided to raise a special force for service within or outside New Zealand, as circumstances might dictate. The first Echelon of this force entered camp at the beginning of November, after one month's prior training of the officers and N.C.O.'s concerned. It consisted of approximately one-third of a division at British war establishments, with the addition of certain non-divisional troops, notably a machine-gun battalion and the bulk of a Reserve M.T. Company. When this echelon entered camp it was not definitely known whether it would proceed overseas. It was therefore decided that training should be pushed on as rapidly as possible in order that the force might be in the best shape in the shortest possible time for employment as circumstances might dictate. As soon as it was definitely known that the; force was to proceed overseas the syllabus of training was reconsidered, and on assurance being given that all troops on arrival overseas would be granted an opportunity of carrying out further training before being, employed in active operations, it was decided that the training in New Zealand should aim at the following objects : — (a) To produce soldiers confident in their individual weapons and capable of taking part in further individual and collective training : (b) To afford specialists a grounding in their specialist- subjects so that they would be capable of taking advantage of more advanced training. The training of subsequent drafts was therefore based 011 that carried out by units of the militia in the United Kingdom during their corresponding period of preliminary training, but, taking into account the ability of the young New-Zealander to absorb instruction easily, somewhat faster progress than that anticipated in the United Kingdom was allowed for. All units of the Expeditionary Force are at their war establishments, with a reserve in all units. Plans are in existence for the maintenance of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force at its war establishments by the periodical despatch of reinforcement drafts as required. The total number trained, or under training, for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force is approximately 20,000 all ranks. Recruiting and Enlistment, Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The registrations for service overseas reached 38,400 011 the 25th May. Recent events have had a decided stimulus resulting in a substantial increase in enlistments during-the past fortnight. In addition, 3,235 Maoris have registered for service overseas ; this gives a total of 4 1,635 registrations for the Dominion. Recruiting for the Fourth Reinforcements is now proceeding rapidly, and it is confidently anticipated that the number required will be- enlisted, medically examined, and passed as fit during the next few weeks. 111 addition to the above effort, a total of 4 5 443 all ranks are engaged with the Regular Forces, also in Home Defence units, temporary instructional and administrative staffs, and general military duties in New Zealand. There are also 763 civilians employed 011 various duties in the Army Department. Officers and N.C.O.s Training. Owing to the necessity of the rapid concentration of the First Echelon, its officers and N.C.O.s received only one month's prior training. It was, however, possible with the Second and Third Echelons to grant the officers and N.C.O.s at least two months' prior training. In future N.C.O.s will receive three months', and officers and those selected to be granted commissions five months' preliminary training. This latter course is dictated by the fact that most of the officers of the Territorial Force who are eligible as regards age and medical fitness have already joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, with the result that officers for future drafts will be composed very largely of newly-commissioned officers. These officers will, however, be reinforcements for formed units overseas, and their comparative inexperience will not be a disability.

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Production of Officers. The shortage of officers available owing to the rapidity of the raising of an entirely new force—viz., the New Zealand Expeditionary Force —has necessitated the production of a large number of junior officers to fill the establishment of the various units. For these units, up to and including the Third Echelon, a large number of N.C.O.s have received training at the Advanced Training Company of the Army School, and have been granted commissions. Courses of Instruction. In addition to the preliminary courses at district schools for officers and N.C.O.s and courses at the Army School for the production of the extra officers required, a comprehensive programme of courses at the Army School has been necessitated by the raising and training of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The courses held are — (a) Courses for the training of Temporary Staff: Officers and N.C.O.s to replace regular personnel drafted to the Expeditionary Force and to provide for the inevitable expansion of the skeleton staff maintained in peace. (b) Courses for field and anti-tank artillery officers. (c) Courses for officers and N.C.O.s of the Corps of Signals and for Regimental Signal Officers and N.C.O.s of cavalry and infantry units. (d) A snipers' course. (e) An intelligence course. (/) Three courses for officers and N.C.O.s of the Machine Gu-n Battalion. ((j) Cookery courses at the Cookery Wing. ARMY AND DISTRICT SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION. Quite apart from the activities of these schools prior to the outbreak of war in training officers, N.C.O.s, and other ranks, the effect of which undoubtedly facilitated the early raising and training of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, the establishment of these schools has been fully justified since the outbreak of war. The training of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force has been, to a very large extent, dependent upon the officers and N.C.O.s of the units concerned, and without the prior training of these officers and N.C.O.s at these schools the results obtained could never have been achieved. Although established in the first place for the training of the Territorial Force, the schools stepped into the breach at the outbreak of war, and their activities since that date have been almost entirely devoted to this end. TRAINING OF THE TERRITORIAL FORCE. General. It was inevitable with the raising of the Expeditionary Force that the training of the Territorial Force should suffer to some extent. In the main this has been confined to the unavoidable curtailment of courses for the Territorial Force at the Army and District Schools of Instruction. Otherwise a full year's programme of training has been carried out, and all units will have completed their annual training in camp within the next few weeks. The average attendance at camps to date has been 56 per cent. It will be remembered that the Territorial Force was raised from a " Cadre " basis to a reasonable peace establishment only in the few months preceding the outbreak of war. This, combined with the raising of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, has left the Territorial Force with a very large proportion of young men with insufficient training, and dependent on officers from the reserve, who are in many cases somewhat out of touch with modern training, and N.C.O.s who require more experience. The strength of the Territorial Force, however, has been maintained practically at its Peace Establishment. Intensive Training. Provision has recently been made for an intensive programme of training for the Territorial Force over the next few months, which will allow of all units of the Territorial Force, at their Peace Establishment, receiving three months' continuous training—officers and N.C.O.s receiving a preliminary course of two months' duration. MEASURES FOR HOME DEFENCE. As previously stated, Coast Defence and Anti-aircraft Artillery units are maintained at their War Establishments. In addition, provision is made for the guarding of vital points against sabotage. The Territorial Force will, under the programme now approved, be rapidly built up to and maintained at its full Peace Establishment of trained officers and other ranks, and as required will be brought up to its full War Establishment. With the object of jjroviding assistance to fortress troops and garrisons at secondary ports, the equipping, arming, clothing, and training of ranks of a force from the National Military Reserve is being undertaken immediately. The measures outlined above will ensure that, should the necessity arise, there will be available in New Zealand trained personnel of the Territorial Force and the National Military Reserve sufficient for the following : — (a) The full manning of all Coast Defence Artillery : (b) Garrisons for all defended ports : (c) Garrisons for secondary ports : (d) Guards on vital points : (e) A mobile Field Force in each of the three districts : (/) A centrally-placed Army Headquarters reserve for employment when and where circumstances dictate. Plans for the mobilization and employment of these various forces are in existence and are the subject of constant revision by the Commanders and Staffs responsible.

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STAFF. It will be obvious that the added activities of the Army consequent upon the raising and training of approximately 20,000 men for the Expeditionary Force in addition to the normal activities connected with the Territorial Force could not have been undertaken without a considerable expansion in the lingular Forces. Fifty-five officers and 207 other ranks of the Regular Forces have been posted for duty with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, while 223 officers and 543 other ranks have been taken on the strength on a temporary basis, a net increase of 168 officers and 336 other ranks. Even so, the results achieved have been possible only by hard work and long hours on the part of all concerned. MODERN EQUIPMENT. All steps possible have been taken, and are being taken, to secure the most modern equipment available. BUILDINGS, WORKS, CAMPS, ETC. On the outbreak of war the situation regarding military buildings and works in New Zealand was as follows :— (а) Coast defence stations as selected in consultation with the Imperial authorities were in the course of improvement both in respect to armament and accommodation: (б) Detailed plans had been prepared for the establishment in both islands of camps adequate for the mobilization for home defence of the whole Territorial Force : (c) Accommodation for the established Army School and the three district schools was in the process of being increased and improved : (d) Plans for the field-works in connection, with the, defence of fortress areas had been prepared in detail, and the sources of supply of the necessary materials had been investigated and recorded : (e) Permanent ordnance stores were in the course of erection at Trentham and Burnham. Consideration was being given to the replacement of the existing ordnance workshops by larger and more modern structures : (/) A complete survey of all Army buildings throughout the country—i.e., drill-halls, district and area offices and stores, magazines, &c., had been made and a plan framed for new buildings and the rebuilding, extension, improvement, and repair of existing buildings. The programme was made out on a priority basis and particular provision was made for amenities such as club rooms, &c., for social and recreational purposes. COAST DEFENCE STATIONS, On the manning of these stations it became necessary to make immediate provision for housing the personnel. This was done by providing tented camps and hastily erected huts, together with the usual service buildings. The tents have now been replaced by huts or barrack blocks, and the temporary huts are being improved or replaced as rapidly as possible. At all permanent Coast Defence Stations the pre-war plans for erecting buildings, &c., for the housing, comfort, and training of the troops are being put into effect, although in some cases such works have had to give place in order of priority to works necessary for the actual fighting of the guns. MOBILIZATION CAMPS. As a result of the decision to send overseas a New Zealand Expeditionary Force, preparations were immediately made for the erection of hutted camps at the mobilization centres in each military district--viz., at Papakura, Trentham, and Burnham. Tented camps were established at Ngaruawahia, Waiouru, Trentham, Burnham, and later at Palmerston North (for the Maori Battalion) to accommodate the troops while the hutted camps were being erected. The rapid erection of the hutted camps represents a magnificent effort on the part of the Public Works Department, the contractors, and their workmen, all of whom rose to the emergency with a most commendable spirit of keenness and an obvious desire to produce their best and fastest work. The result was that at Burnham and Papakura there were built in what must have been record time camps that are probably second to none in the Empire in their provision for the comfort and health of the troops and in their layout and completeness. At Trentham the situation was complicated by the fact that it was necessary to adapt the existing hutted camp to modern requirements and to provide additional huts in a limited space. Also, owing to lack of space, ordnance stores and equipment had been stored in living huts and these had to be transferred as the accommodation in the new ordnance stores became available. However, these difficulties have been gradually overcome and the building programme at this camp also is practically completed. To sum up, there was built within seven months of the commencement of the war three mobilization camps providing a total accommodation for approximately 7,000 men, and each having in addition to the normal camp services— Picture-theatre : Post-office,: Library : Institutes (Y.M.C.A., Church Army, Salvation Army, &c.) : Wet and dry canteens : Shopping block : Hot and cold showers, drying-rooms, laundry, &c. : Hospital (including contagious-diseases hospital) : Dental Hospital: Tar-sealed roads and adequate drainage.

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ARMY AND DISTRICT SCHOOLS. These are located at Narrow Neck, Trentham, and Burnham, and since the outbreak of war have been used primarily for the training of officers, N.C.O.s, and specialists for the Expeditionary Force. The existing buildings have been amplified and improved, and there is now accommodation and training facilities at the schools for a total of 1,730 all ranks. ORDNANCE WORKSHOPS. Owing to urgent requirements in other directions, it was decided to continue using the present ordnance workshops, but to make provision' for motor transport workshops in the three mobilization camps. The number of Army motor-vehicles is now approaching 700, and not only does the maintenance and repair of these vehicles require up-to-date workshops, but the housing of them—especially in the winter months —is essential to prevent deterioration. Suitable garage accommodation is therefore being erected in each of the mobilization camps. DRILL HALLS, ETC. Owing to the more urgent requirements of the mobilization camps and fortress defences, only the most urgent work in connection with drill-halls, offices, &c., is being carried out. ACCOMMODATION FOR VITAL POINT GUARDS, Owing to the posting of guards at vital points and the establishment of coast watching stations throughout the country, it was necessary to make immediate, and in some cases, temporary arrangements for their accommodation. Many of these posts are in isolated positions, and adequate accommodation and rationing presented some difficult problems. These problems have been gradually overcome, and steps have been taken to improve or replace all summer quarters. The position now is that these guards have quarters that will be reasonably comfortable in all seasons. CANVAS TRAINING CAMPS. For temporary accommodation and for field training canvas camps were established at Waiouru, Ngaruawahia, and Cave. At Waiouru, cookhouses, ablution houses, latrines, storerooms, &c., were erected and certain main camp roads were laid down and tar-sealed. This camp area provides the only artillery and field firing-range in the North Island, and if the training of the Territorial Force is to be increased more key buildings will be required. The camp is at present vacant, but will be brought into use again in the spring. The use of Ngaruawahia as a training camp was discontinued on the completion of the mobilization camp at Papakura. It still remains the Ordnance Depot for the Northern Military District. Cave Camp was used for the field training of South Island units of the First Echelon and certain Territorial units. This camp can be re-established at short notice and can be used for summer field training for Expeditionary Force or Territorial units as may be required. MOVEMENT OF TROOPS. The movement of personnel within the Dominion from the time of mobilizing an echelon, daily and home leave, and the final entraining to embarkation ports has involved elaborate arrangements covering railways, shipping, road, and air travel. In ordinary times any one of these movements would be considered a major and probably a much publicized event. A rough approximation of journeys already arranged would be about 60,000. About 13,000 personnel have been despatched on long sea journeys, which create considerable problems. For obvious reasons these problems cannot be mentioned in detail, but, in addition to victualling, arrangements were necessary for the equipping of the troops for overseas climates and for the despatch of military stores for those already gone overseas. Overseas movements have been carried out in co-ordination with the British and Australian Governments not only in respect to supplying and escorting the convoys, but also for loading the ships with produce and for equipping them for the conveyance of troops. The arrangements made for each ship are such that each is a complete military community in itself, highly organized in all essentials. As an example of this not only is provision made for military training on the voyage, but all ships are equipped with hospitals, dental services, postal and pay services, canteens, and/or gift distribution and social amenities. That the movements have so far been carried out so smoothly in New Zealand is attributable to the willing co-operation given by all concerned., and in this respect some special tribute must be paid to the services given by the New Zealand Railways, Harbour Boards, and police and traffic personnel.

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SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION. Since the outbreak of war, the output of the Colonial Ammunition Co, has been considerably increased, and this will make it possible to augment the war reserve. Components for the manufacture of ammunition are available in Australia, and the necessary supplies come to hand as required. GUN AMMUNITION. Last year steps were taken to increase the quantity of gun ammunition held in New ZealandLarge orders were placed overseas, and the majority of these have now been filled. NEW TYPES OF EQUIPMENT. Orders have been placed for a considerable amount of modern equipment of new types, which have recently been adopted by the British Army. MODIFICATION OF FIELD ARTILLERY CARRIAGES. The whole of the field artillery has been mechanized. CLOTHING. In the provision of clothing for men proceeding overseas with the Expeditionary Force and for embodied troops in New Zealand the Ministry of Supply has been of the greatest possible assistance, and this applies also to other forms of equipment and materials required for the armed Forces. The close contact that my colleague has kept with manufacturers has enabled orders to be placed and requirements to be fulfilled with the maximum speed and efficiency. Our demands have necessitated an expansion of the production of the woollen-mills, clothing-manufacturers, and boot-manufacturers, and only by the closest co-operation of the manufacturers concerned and a system of planned production has it been possible for our requirements with regard to materials and garments manufactured in this country to have been met. The change-over from service dress to battle-dress slowed down production for a time owing to difficulties met with in the initial stages of manufacture. As these difficulties were overcome and the operatives became more used to the work, the output of the factories increased, until it has now been possible to plan battle-dress production on a weekly output of 2,250 suits. Some difficulty has been experienced in obtaining adequate supplies of cotton materials from overseas, but this difficulty has now been overcome, and supplies for the next six months have been arranged. It is of interest to note that 111,134 yards of cotton trimmings and 254,315 yards of cotton drill have been purchased locally or imported, and that 590,000 yards of cotton drill are on order. In addition to cotton drill already received and on order, it will be necessary to obtain a further 1,000,000 yards to meet our requirements up to December, 1941. Provision of 54,800 towels, by purchase either in New Zealand or from Australia, has also been made. Up to the middle of May, 1940, the following deliveries by manufacturers of materials and garments had been made in New Zealand : — Cloth, worsted, medium (for battle-dress) .. .. .. 173,106 yards. Cloth, overcoating .. .. ■■ ■■ 101, 932 yards. Tweed, medium .. .. •• •• •• •• 7,767 yards. Tweed, heavy .. .. •• ■■ ■■ 6,106 yards. Shirting .. .. .. • ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ • 442,176 yards. Blankets .. .. ■ • ■ • 92,632 Socks .. .. . . • ■ • • • ■ • 268,266 pairs. Vests, wollen, under .. .. ■■ ■■ 97,986 Shorts, woollen, under • ■ ■ ■ • 97,575 Jersevs .. .. •• 36,132 Shirts .. .. ■ ■ • 120,470 Braces . . . . ■ ■ ■ • • ■ . . 33, 220 Boots, ankle .. •• •• •• 110,584 pairs. ♦Kit-bags .. . . . . ■ • • • • • • • 24,200 ♦Bags, sea-kit .. • . ■ ■ ■ ■ • • .. 27, 980 Jackets, service dress .. •• •• •• •• 6,954 Trousers, service dress .. .. •• •• 15,000 * Jackets, khaki drill . . . . • • • • • ■ ■ • 30,501 ♦Trousers, khaki drill .. . . • • • ■ ■ ■ 29, 360 * Jackets, denim . . . . ■ • • ■ • • .. 24,603 ♦Trousers, denim .. .. • • • • • • .. 23, 458 Battle-dress blouses .. .. .. ■ ■ • ■ • ■ 14,893 Battle-dress trousers .. .. ■■ •• 18,311 Greatcoats .. . . ■ • • • • • • • . . 22,640 ♦Hats, felt .. . . .. ■ • ■ ■ • ■ ■ • 8,051 Caps, field service .. .. .. •• •• •• 17,000 *Shoes, canvas .. .. •• •• •• •• 23,000 ♦Badges .. .. • • • • • • • • .. 81, 338

* Manufactured from materials imported into New Zealand.

All troops already despatched from New Zealand have been supplied with clothing from the quantities shown above.

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Under an arrangement with the British Government, New Zealand has undertaken to maintain the Expeditionary Force in certain articles of clothing which can be manufactured in the Dominion. In accordance with this agreement the following have already been despatched overseas to make up wastage: — Socks .. .. .. .. .. .. 64,251 pairs. Vests, woollen, under .. .. .. .. .. 18,128 Shorts, woollen, under .. .. .. .. .. 18,128 Jerseys .. .. .. .. .. .. •• 2,016 Shirts 18,127 Braces .. .. .. .. ■ ■ • • • • 1,100 Boots .. .. .. .. .. .. 24,168 pairs. Jackets, service dress .. .. .. .. .. 3,348 Trousers, service dress .. .. .. .. .. 3,348 Greatcoats .. .. .. .. ■ ■ ■ • 2,000 Blankets .. .. .. .. .. ■ • • • 2,000 A further consignment of these articles will be made at an early date, and it is also intended to send at the same time 20,000 suits of battle-dress for the reclothing of troops who have already proceeded overseas. Arrangements have been made with the clothing-manufacturers for the rapid production of this clothing. CAMP EQUIPMENT. It has been necessary to make provision for a wide range of articles in very large quantities for the equipping of the mobilization camps. This equipment has been obtained, firstly, from local sources —i.e., either by manufacture or purchase from stocks held—and, secondly, from overseas sources those articles which could not be secured or produced in this country. Included in the list of articles made in New Zealand are:— Cookers, 500-man. Aluminium jugs. Cookers, 200-man. Forks. Cookers, portable. Spoons. Boilers, 20-gallon. Plates, bakelite. Boilers, 8-gallon. Plates, tin. Meat-dishes. Cooks' knives. Steamers. Bed cots. In the early days of mobilization a considerable number of men were, owing to the shortage of hutments, accommodated under canvas. The tentage provided had been in use at the Territorial Force camps for many years, and as a result of its continued use considerable wastage occurred. In order to make up this wastage and to meet any future emergency, arrangements have been made for the manufacture in New Zealand of 2,000 bell tents from materials held by the Army Department. An order has also been placed on the United Kingdom for 150 marquees, for which material was unobtainable in New Zealand. MEDICAL SERVICES: GENERAL. The Medical Service of the Army has functioned well during the period it has been in active operation, and the health of the troops in camp and overseas is excellent. In order that such a satisfactory state of affairs may be maintained constant vigilance is necessary, for where large numbers of men are congregated under conditions to which the majority of them are unused, disease is more liable to occur than in the case of the civil population residing in their own homes and in a familiar environment. To provide adequate safeguards many factors must be taken into consideration, the principal ones being:— (a) The men selected for military service must be thoroughly examined to ensure beyond all reasonable doubt that no organic disability is present and that their physical condition is such that they will be able to face the conditions to which they will be subjected. Although this is particularly important it is mentioned merely in passing, as the examination of recruits is not the function of the Army Medical Scrvice but is carried out by civilian doctors under the control of the Medical Committee of the Organization for National Security, the Chairman of which is the Director-General of Health. This procedure also applies in regard to soldiers who become unfit in camp and whose discharge becomes necessary. Upon receipt of the recommendations from the military authorities such soldiers are dealt with by civilian Medical Boards established in the manner outlined in the previous paragraph. These points are mentioned because the public is under a misapprehension. Many people imagine that the procedure is the same as that which applied in the last war when such functions were carried out by the Army. (b) The next point of importance is that raw recruits entering camp are particularly susceptible to disease because of the new conditions under which they are living. Therefore the Medical Adviser to the Army Board has been insistent that the following points should be strictly observed :— (1) Adequate air space and ventilation in sleeping-quarters. (2) All damp or wet clothing to be changed at the earliest possible moment, and the provision of adequate drying facilities. No wet or damp clothing to be permitted in sleeping-quarters.

2—P. 19 A.

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(3) Adequate changes of clothing to be provided. (4) Avoidance of undue fatigue in the early stages of training —i.e., training to be graduated. (5) Provision of sufficient hot and cold showers. (6) Diet not only wholesome and well cooked, but containing those foods which have a protective value against disease. Food to be varied and served in a palatable manner. (7) Sanitary arrangements to be above suspicion. In regard to (1) it is essential that each soldier shall have 600 cubic feet and a space of 6 ft. between the centre of each bed. In the early stages of the last war proper attention was not given to adequate ventilation and air space, with the result that a serious outbreak of cerebro spinal fever occurred with the loss of many valuable lives and a complete disorganization of training. Points (2), (3), and (4) are the direct responsibility of the unit commander. In the matter of diet, point (6), there has been a great improvement following a conference which was attended by Quartermasters from all units together with Supply Officers and Assistant Directors of Medical Services from the three military districts. Full and frank discussion took place, and much valuable data was secured and action taken accordingly. HEALTH OF TROOPS. The fact that deaths of soldiers in camp since the outbreak of war numbered only 18 (and of these at least 12 were the result of accident) is in itself the best indication of the satisfactory position. INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC. An extensive streptoccal respiratory infection broke out in all four camps and amongst the fortress troops in October and November. Owing to the measures of segregation and discharge to base hospitals the severity did not increase, and there were only four cases of true pneumonia and no deaths. It is estimated that the percentage evacuated from units varied from about 40 per cent, to 60 per cent. As part of the scheme for sending only Grade 1 men overseas and so that wastage from illness on active service may be reduced to a minimum, the following measures have been taken X-ray of the chest of every candidate. This has resulted in the discovery of between I*s per cent, of latent and active T.B. cases which would have broken down after a few months overseas and would have been pensionable disabilities. The incidence of T.B. discovered in this way was especially marked among the Maoris. In the late war one of the most dreaded complications of gunshot wounds was tetanus. As a result of recent research a vaccine called " tetanus toxoid " is now injected into each soldier, and it is claimed that this will give immunity against tetanus for life. The inoculation against the enteric group of diseases has been carried out with improved vaccines, and should reduce still further the incidence of enteric fever amongst the troops. Vaccination against smallpox was performed in the First Echelon after embarkation, and in the Second Echelon during training. As practically no soldier had been vaccinated even in infancy the reaction was very severe, and this is an indication of their susceptibility to smallpox had they not been vaccinated. BLOOD-GROUPING. The most modern measure for the protection of the soldier is the blood-grouping or the blood typing of each soldier, the international symbol of which is recorded in the soldier's pay-book and on his identity disk. The value of this to a soldier wounded and on point of death through exsanguination is incalculable. Even in advanced areas it will be possible to perform blood transfusions at once either from one of the man's comrades in the same group or from supplies of citrated blood which will be sent up to the front line. PAY AND ALLOWANCES. The rates of pay and allowances for troops called out for home defence and for the Special Force mobilized for training were considered and approved by the Government on 2nd September, 1939, and published in Army Orders No. 10 of 2nd October, 1939. (N.Z. Army Order No. 236.) The rates of pay and allowances for members of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force during service overseas were approved by the Government on 22nd December, 1939. OFFICE ACCOMMODATION : CIVILIAN STAFF. A lease was secured of the ground floor of the Progress Motors Building in Victoria Street, Wellington, and a Pay, Accounts, and Base Records Office established. To house the augmented military and civilian staffs, further office accommodation was secured for Army Headquarters in Wellington and for district headquarters in Auckland and Christchurch. Suitable public servants were transferred by the Public Service Commissioner to positions as Camp Paymasters and Camp Records Officers in the mobilization camps at Trentham, Burnham, and Ngaruawahia, in the case of the latter camp being transferred later to the Papakura Camp. WAR EXPENSE ACCOUNTS. In the Army Department a system of War Expense Accounts was brought into operation, and the items of the annual Army vote were merged therein.

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TAX EXEMPTION. By section 3 of the Land and Income Tax Amendment Act, 1939, exemption from income-tax of the pay and allowances of soldiers earned by them while serving overseas, and the pay and allowances of soldiers serving in New Zealand not in receipt of annual or permanent salaries as members of His Majesty's Forces, was granted. By the Social Security Contribution Regulations 1939 the Government exempted from payment of social security tax all soldiers in receipt of the Expeditionary or Special Force rates of pay while serving in New Zealand or overseas. VISITING FORCES ACT. By the Visiting Forces Act, 1939, provision was made with respect to forces from other parts of the British Commonwealth or from a colony visiting New Zealand, and with respect to the exercise of command and discipline when forces from different parts of the Commonwealth are serving together, and with respscfc to the attachment of members of one such force to another such force and with respect to deserters from such forces.

PART 111.- AIR PRE-WAR EXPANSION. In order to appreciate fully the war effort of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, it is desirable to give a brief outline of the pre-war expansion programme. A. In 1936 two Air Force Stations existed, one at Hobsonville and one at Wigram ; neither Station was adequately equipped. Only a few aircraft were in use and there was no ammunition or bombs in the country. This Government arranged with the United Kingdom Government for the services of Group Captain the Honourable R. A. Cochrane to be made available to report on military aviation. His report was received early in 1937 and was approved. It recommended: — (i) The creation of a separate department to deal with civil and military aviation : (ii) The establishment of Operational Stations at Whenuapai and Ohakea : (iii) The conversion of Hobsonville to a Stores and Repair Base : (iv) The conversion of Wigram to a Flying Training School: (v) The purchase of thirty " Wellington " aircraft and the provision of adequate supplies of ammunition and bombs. B. During 1937 considerable additions were made to this programme : — (i) Orders were placed for additional aircraft and further supplies of ammunition and bombs : (ii) The establishment of a school for training Flight Riggers and Flight Mechanics at the Railway Workshops : (iii) Provision of Territorial Squadrons in the four main centres : (iv) Purchase of reserve of obsolescent aircraft and further expansion of the Flying Training School at Wigram and the Stores and Repair Base at Hobsonville. C. Early in 1938 a third expansion programme was approved, providing— (i) Additional buildings at Hobsonville : (ii) Additional ammunition and bombs, and aircraft spares and equipment: (iii) Additional Territorial Flights at New Plymouth, Hastings, and Invercargill : (iv) Establishment of a Regular Squadron at Blenheim. D. In April, 1939, a fourth expansion programme was recommended by the Air Department and approved in principle by the British Air Mission and the Pacific Defence Conference. This further expansion provided for — (i) The conversion of the Blenheim Air Force Station to a Flying Training School with an output of one hundred and forty pilots per annum : (ii) An increase in the Flying Training School at Wigram from an output of eighty pilots per annum to one hundred and forty pilots per annum : (iii) Purchase of additional aircraft and equipment necessary to maintain fully the training operations at these two Schools. POSITION ON THE OUTBREAK OF WAR. On the 4th September, 1939, the position of the Royal New Zealand Air Force was as follows : — (a) Territorial Squadrons had been established at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. (b) An Aero Club organization with approximately sixty Elementary Training Aircraft of the " Tiger Moth " type existed. (c) The peace building programme for No. 1 Flying Training School, Wigram, was nearing completion. (d) The peace building programme for No. 2 Flying Training School, Blenheim, was approximately half completed. (e) The peace building programme for the Operational Station at Ohakea was approximately three-quarters completed.

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(/) The landing-ground at Whenuapai had been prepared and a commencement had been made on the peace building programme. (g) Expansion up to the scale laid down in peace for the Royal New Zealand Air Force Depot, Hobsonville, was approximately half completed. (li) The peace building programme for the Territorial Flight at Dunedin had just commenced. (i) Work on the establishment of Territorial Flights at Hastings, Invercargill, and New Plymouth had not commenced. (j) An adequate stock of bombs for twelve months' operations at maximum scale was available in the Dominion. (k) The Railway Workshops scheme for training Flight Mechanics and Flight Riggers was just beginning to operate. Buildings had been completed at the Railway Workshops at the Hutt, and the first course was running. The buildings at the Railway Workshops at Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin were nearing completion. (I) The " Wellington " aircraft were being collected in the United Kingdom preparatory to being flown out to the Dominion, but in view of the greater needs of the United Kingdom, these aircraft were handed back. TRANSFER FROM PEACE TO WAR FOOTING. Immediately war was declared the Royal New Zealand Air Force was mobilized, the Territorial and Air Force Reserves were called up, and, in addition, a number of personnel on the Civil Reserve, who by virtue of their civil trade were suitable for immediate employment in the Air Force, were called up and posted to Service Units. The personnel strength on the 4th September, 1939, was — (a) Officers .. .. .. .. .. .. 58 Other ranks .. .. .. .. .. .. 493 (b) Under training— Officers .. .. .. .. .. 43 Other ranks .. .. .. .. .. .. 172 The Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch Territorial Squadrons were mobilized and brought up to their full war strength within seven days. Plans had been prepared for providing reconnaissance in the focal areas and the approaches to the more important centres. Units were located at their war stations and, pending their employment on operations, were fully employed on training. The operational plans are kept under review and are brought up to date in the light of changing circumstances. WAR TRAINING ORGANIZATION. As a result of consultation carried out before the war with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, this Government had agreed in the event of war to train for the Royal Air Force approximately 650 pilots and a total of 650 air gunners and observers a year. To meet this commitment a War Training Organization, comprising the following units, was designed : — (i) One Recruit Depot: (ii) One Initial Training School: (iii) One Flying Instructors' School: (iv) Three Elementary Flying Training Schools : (v) Three Service Flying Training Schools : (vi) One Observers' School. On the outbreak of war immediate steps were taken to implement the organization outlined above. A Central Recruiting Organization was set up at Air Headquarters, the Flying Training Organization was expanded to the maximum consistent with the aircraft available in the country, and the necessary Technical Training Schools were established at Hobsonville, Wigram, and the four Railway Workshop centres. EMPIRE AIR TRAINING SCHEME. On 26th September, 1939, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom put forward proposals for an Empire Air Training Scheme in which Canada, Australia, and New Zealand would co-operative to train personnel for Air Crew Duties in the Royal Air Force. A conference was held in Ottawa to discuss details, and as a result the original War Training Organization required considerable modification. NEW ZEALAND CONTRIBUTION TO THE EMPIRE AIR TRAINING SCHEME. Under the Empire Air Training Scheme the New Zealand Government has agreed to set up an organization which, when fully developed, will be capable of training the following personnel each year : — Per Annum. (a) Fully trained pilots .. .. .. .. .. .. 880 (b) Pilots trained to the Elementary Standard (advanced training to ba carried out in Canada) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 520 (c) Observers (initial training only. Further training to be carried out in Canada) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 546 (d) Air Gunners (initial training only. Further training to be carried out in Canada) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 936

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To meet the commitments outlined in paragraph 7, an organization comprising the following units is being provided : — (a) One Initial Training School with a pupil strength of 250 under training ; (b) One Recruit Training Depot with a pupil strength of 200 under training ; (c) One Flying Instructors' School with a pupil strength of ten under training ; (d) Four Elementary Flying Training Schools with a total pupil strength of 324 under training ; (e) Three Service Flying Training Schools with a total pupil strength of 324 under training ; and (/) The Technical Training Organization with an annual output of approximately 800 airmen. A considerable increase in our aircraft requirements was also necessary, and these aircraft are being provided as follows : — (a) Elementary Trainers.— All suitable aircraft from the Aero Clubs were taken over on the outbreak of war for the use of the Elementary Flying Training Schools. In addition, orders have been placed in the United Kingdom for ninety " Moth" airframes and 120 engines to be delivered during 1940. Orders have also been placed with the de Havilland Aircraft Company (New Zealand) for a further one hundred " Moths " complete with engines to be delivered at the rate of six per month commencing in June. Once the Initial Equipment and Immediate Reserve Establishments of the Elementary Flying Training Schools have been provided the de Havilland factory will be able to meet wastage requirements. (b) Single-engine Trainers.—There will be sufficient " Gordons " and " Vincents " in New Zealand when all aircraft now on order are delivered to provide a surplus over our Single-engine Trainer requirements under the revised War Training Organization outlined in paragraph 8. These aircraft will meet our full requirements up to April, 1941. Thereafter, the obsolescent types will be replaced by " Harvards," one of the modern types of Single-engine Trainers in use in the Royal Air Force, for which orders for 105 airframes and 140 engines have been placed in the United States of America. Arrangements have been made for " Harvard " airframes and " Wasp " engines to be delivered at the rate of fifteen airframes and twenty engines per month commencing in April, 1941. (c) Twin-engine Trainers. —Arrangements have been made for the delivery of 140 " Oxford " airframes and 372 " Ch.eetah-10 " engines by October, 1940. Thereafter, " Oxfords " and " Cheetali-10 " engines will be delivered at the rate of six airframes and sixteen engines every three months to meet wastage. Thirty of the " Oxfords " have been especially modified for operational use so that they can be used as bombing aircraft in case of emergency. (d) Commercial Aircraft. —Three D.H. 86, five D.H. 89, and two D.H. 84 have been taken over from civil firms for Service purposes. These aircraft are being modified for military purposes, and will be employed for training purposes unless the situation at any time necessitates their employment on operations. PROGRESS TO DATE UNDER EXPANSION SCHEME. The present position regarding the expansion is as follows : — (a) Recruiting Organization.—A Central Organization has been set up to deal with recruiting of personnel for technical training and for the selection of candidates for training as pilots, air gunners, and air observers. The response has been magnificent, and our full requirements for the next year should be met without difficulty. (b) Flying Training Organization — (i) The Initial Training School was formed at Rongotai and later moved to Weraroa. This School provides personnel enlisted for training as pilots, observers, and air gunners, with a thorough grounding in discipline and elementary instruction in ground subjects. (ii) A Flying Instructors' School was formed at Mangere to train pilots for employment as Flying Instructors. This School moved to Hobsonville on the 15th March, 1940. (iii) No. 1 Elementary Flying Training School was formed at Taieri on the 16th October, 1939, and is now operating at full strength. (iv) No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School was formed at New Plymouth on the 14th November, 1939, and is now operating at full strength. (v) No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School will form at Harewood on the 26th August, 1940, and will be operating at full strength by the 23rd September. (vi) No. 4 Elementary Flying Training School will form at Whenuapai in January, 1941, and will be operating at full strength by the end of that month. (vii) No. 1 Flying Training School, Wigram, has been expanded considerably and will be operating at full strength by September, 1940. (viii) No. 2 Flying Training School was formed at Blenheim on the 11th December, 1939, at approximately half war strength and will be operating at full strength by September, 1940.

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(ix) An Observers' School was formed at Ohakea on the 14th November, 1.939, and is now operating at full strength. Under the Empire Air Training Scheme, however, observers and air gunners will complete their training in Canada and, therefore, the Observers' School will become No. 3 Flying Training School in October, 1940, by which date Canada will be able to accept New-Zealanders for training in their Observers' and Air Gunners' Schools. As a Flying Training School it will be operating at full strength by December, 1940. (c) Technical Training.—The following Technical Training Schools were set up on the outbreak of war to provide maintenance and other specialist personnel to meet war requirements : — (i) A Recruit Training Depot was formed at Ohakea on the 20th September, 1939, to provide all recruits enlisted for technical training with a thorough grounding in drill and discipline. This unit moved to Weraroa on the 18th November, 1939, and will move to Harewood on the 15th July, 1940. (ii) No. 1 Technical Training School was formed at Hobsonville to train Fitters II Engines and Fitters II Airframes. Output: Forty-eight every eight weeks. (iii) Technical Training Centres based on the Railway Workshops have formed at the Hutt, Otahuhu, Addington, and Hillside for the training of Flight Mechanics and Flight Riggers. Three centres have an output of twenty-four Flight Mechanics and Flight Riggers every six weeks and the Hillside centre has an output of forty-eight Flight Mechanics and Flight Riggers every six weeks. N ote .—A neW School of Technical Training is to form at Rongotai in the near future making full use of the Exhibition Buildings. This School will undertake the training now carried out at the units mentioned in (ii) and (iii) above, and at the same time the intake of trainees will be materially increased to meet expansion needs and provide technical personnel for the Royal Air Force. (iv) No. 2 Technical Training School was formed at Wigram to train Wireless Operators, Wireless Electrical Mechanics, Instrument Makers and Instrument Repairers, Armourers, and Fitters Armourer. Output: Twenty Wireless Operators every eight weeks, twenty Wireless Electrical Mechanics every twelve weeks, three Instrument Makers every twelve weeks, three Instrument Repairers every six weeks, twenty-four Armourers every twelve weeks, twelve Fitters Armourer every twelve weeks. (v) An Administration Training School was formed at Wigram on the 13th October, 1939, to train Clerks Store Accounting, Clerks Pay Accounting, Clerks General Duties and Equipment Assistants. This School will close down when the requirements in these trades have been fully met. The full expansion programme will be completed by January, 1941, by which date all training schools will be operating at full strength and will provide an annual output of— Per Annum. (a) Fully trained pilots .. .. •• •• •• •• 900 (b) Pilots trained to the Elementary Standard (advanced training to be carried out in Canada .. ■■ ■ ■ ■■ • • •• 520 (c) Observers (initial training only. Further training to be carried out in Canada) .. ■■ • • • ■ ■• • • ; • 546 (d) Air Gunners (initial training only. Further training to be carried out in Canada) .. .. • • • • • • • • •• 936 (e) Technical personnel .. .. • • • • ■ • • • °00 It is of interest to note that the New Zealand War Training Programme, which on a population basis is equal to that of Australia and Canada, will be completed at an earlier date than either of the other schemes. In paragraph 3, the personnel strength on the 4th September, 1939, was shown as — (a) Officers .. .. .. • • • • • • 58 Other ranks .. .. • • • • • • • • 493 (b) Under training — Officers .. .. • • • • • • 43 Other ranks .. .. .. • • • • • • On the 24th May, 1940, just over eight months later, the strength was— Officers .. ■ • • • ■ ■ • • • • • • Airmen .. .. • • • • • • • • .. 3,765 This represents a personnel expansion of nearly six times the strength on the outbreak of war. In the two years prior to the outbreak of war, by arrangement with the United Kingdom Government, New Zealand had sent overseas 258 pilots of whom a large number were trained here. In addition, many New-Zealanders joined the Royal Air Force by direct entry in the United Kingdom. From the outbreak of war to the 24th May, 1940, the numbers sent overseas were Pilots 96 Observers .. . • • • • • ■ • • • .. 36 Air Gunners .. .. • • • • • • • • .. 85 217

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Between the 25th May, 1940, and the 31st December, 1940, the following personnel will leave New Zealand :— United Kingdom. Canada. Total. Pilots .. .. .. .. .. 240 .. 240 Observers .. .. .. .. 160 126 286 Air Gunners .. .. .. .. 96 288 384 496 414 910 so that the total numbers to leave New Zealand for the Royal Air Force by the 31st December, 1940, will be— Pilots .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 674 Observers .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 322 Air Gunners .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 469 1,465 ENLISTMENTS. The problem of obtaining personnel has not been difficult since the outbreak of war, 5,313 men having applied for flying training and 5,097 for non-flying duties, the total number offering for the Royal New Zealand Air Force since the outbreak of war thus being 10,410. At the present time (30th May, 1940) 1,854 have been selected, found medically fit and await training, in addition to 456 whose applications have been temporarily deferred for medical reasons. On the same date 666 applicants were awaiting interview. The number awaiting interview for non-flying duties was 1,200. DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND. In the expansion programme outlined in paragraph 1 provision was made for the purchase of thirty " Wellington " bombers and for the construction of two Operational Stations—one at Ohakea and the other at Whenuapai. Later, authority was given for the formation of Territorial Units in the four main centres and at New Plymouth, Hastings, and Invercargill, and the purchase of a large reserve of aircraft and bombs. On the outbreak of war the " Wellington " bombers that had been delivered to the New Zealand Flight in England were handed over for use by the United Kingdom Government, and steps were taken to organize the Royal New Zealand Air Force to provide for defence requirements in addition to training. Squadrons were located at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch for coastal defence work, and since the outbreak of war have been engaged on operational and training duties. A few months ago it was decided to transfer the Christchurch and Wellington Squadrons to Whenuapai and to combine all three units in one Mobile Squadron which can be immediately redistributed to other centres of New Zealand as circumstances demand. Plans for the immediate redistribution of these units and for Air Force co-operation with the other two Services in the defence of New Zealand have been prepared and are kept up to date in the light of changing circumstances. There is in the country to-day sufficient aircraft and bombs available to deal with any anticipated scale of attack. Additional aircraft will arrive in the Dominion under the Empire Air Training Plan, and a large number of these aircraft will be of considerable use for the defence of the country should necessity arise. Furthermore, the training scheme ensures that there will always be a large number of trained personnel available in the Dominion for operational duties in an emergency. CONCLUSION. Finally, members may accept the assurance that the closest co-operation is maintained between the three Service Departments. It will be evident from this statement that valuable work to ensure the-safety of this Dominion and at the same time to contribute to the security of the Commonwealth has been done by all concerned.

Authority: E. Y. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l94o.

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