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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1941 Session I, H-19

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1941. 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.

The Hon. the Minister op Defence. Wellington, 15th June, 1941. Sir,— I have the honour to submit the following report on the New Zealand Military Forces for the period Ist June, 1940, to 31st May, 1941. GENERAL REMARKS. In view of the paramount claims of security, it has been necessary to withhold from publication herein certain information which normally would appear. The report therefore does not include details of the coast defences, whilst other matters dealing with strengths, reserves of all natures, and the development of local resources have also been omitted. The past year has been one of intense activity for the Army in New Zealand. Not only have a further 23,483 all ranks been enlisted, given their preliminary training and all that it entails in detailed administration, and despatched overseas to join the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, but in addition over 30,000 all ranks have been given three months' continuous training in camp, and manoeuvres in circumstances approximating as nearly as possible to war have been carried out on two occasions in all three military districts. The carrying-out of this programme has been rendered possible only by the untiring efforts of all members, both military and civilian, of a most loyal and conscientious staff. MAINTENANCE AND TRAINING, 2nd NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. During the year the enlistment, concentration, training, and despatch overseas of drafts for the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force have been regular and well controlled. Staffs responsible have, with experience, increased in efficiency, and the whole process from enlistment to despatch overseas proceeds with the minimum of disruption. The scope and syllabus of training have been governed by overseas requirements and experience, and kept up to date by close liaison with overseas command and the United Kingdom. Although the training period in New Zealand is short, drafts leave the country with a thorough grounding of individual training in weapons, field-work, and special subjects, in preparation for advanced training overseas. RAISING AND TRAINING OF OTHER OVERSEAS FORCES. In view of the situation in the Pacific, it has been found necessary to accept further responsibilities in that area. Such commitments as have been accepted have received most careful consideration both between the Services and as between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and Australia. , This has necessitated the raising and maintenance of additional units and has caused an increasing strain on our resources in instructors and arms and equipment. In general our forces mentioned above supply periodical drafts to the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Middle East, while these drafts are replaced by reinforcements raised and trained here. By this means the strain of garrison duties in isolated stations is mitigated and an opportunity given to the troops themselves to see active service.

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ARMY AND DISTRICT SCHOOLS. The main function of these schools is the training of leaders and instructors, both of commissioned and non-commissioned rank, for the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force and for home-defence forces. The Officer Cadet Training Unit at the Army School is responsible for the training of selected N.C.O.s of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force for commissioned rank. In addition to courses mentioned above for the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, the Army School provides for the training of Temporary Staff, both administrative and instructional, refresher courses for staff in all subjects, and courses for Territorial officers and N.C.O.s in all training branches. At the District Schools, courses for officers and N.C.O.s have been in continuous session. During the year, training courses have been held on all subjects, including tactical and field training from section leading upwards for all arms, weapon training and special courses for Engineers, Artillery, A.S.C., Signals, Medical, Intelligence, Tank Hunting, &c. In addition, courses have latterly commenced for personnel of the Home Guard and cover such subjects as : Weapon training, section leading, fieldcraft, engineering, demolition, obstacles, &c. TRAINING OF THE TERRITORIAL FORCE (INCLUDING UNITS EMBODIED FOR FULL-TIME SERVICE). General. All units have completed a three months' period of intensive training, as well as manoeuvres on a war scale. The depletion of officers and N.C.O.s brought about in the early days of the war by posting to the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force has been overcome by -training replacements. Intensive Training. The period of three months' intensive training carried out by all units was of considerable value in establishing a uniform standard. All drafts for posting to units now undergo a similar period of training. The total number at present on strength who have completed intensive training is 24,266. TRAINING OF NATIONAL MILITARY RESERVE. The National Military Reserve is organized into Battalions, Ind. Coys., and Ind. M.R. Sqns. These units and sub-units have a special role in operations, and training has been in the direction of preparation for this role. The organization and training of these units has been marked by the high degree of zeal and enthusiasm brought to the task by all ranks. In addition to individual training at evening parades, weapon-training courses have been fired and considerable training in field-work and local tactical defence problems has been carried out. Units have also co-operated with success in tactical exercises with units of the Territorial Force. The strength of the National Military Reserve now stands at 299 officers and 7,994 other ranks. TRAINING OF CADETS. The training of Cadet units at secondary schools has proceeded on normal lines throughout the year. A shortage of officers owing to enlistment in the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force is noticeable. At many schools, barracks of three to six days have been held and have been of good training value; The training of Cadets is mainly individual, with particular emphasis on shooting, physical training, and individual smartness in drill. The strength of Cadet units is now : Officers, 325 ; other ranks, 17,896. EDUCATION ABROAD. Five officers, New Zealand Staff Corps, seconded to the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, have attended war courses at Middle East Staff College. Two officers, New Zealand Expeditionary Force (ex Territorial Force), have also qualified at these courses. Four officers, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, qualified at 7th Middle East Regimental Intelligence Course: One officer, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, due to return to New Zealand is attending a course in air-photography interpretation. One officer, New Zealand Temporary Staff, was sent to Middle East to study training required for Divisional Cavalry reinforcements. Four staff cadets graduated from Royal Military College, Duntroon, during the year. A further ten cadets entered the College in February, 1941. TRAINING MANUALS. The printing of training manuals in New Zealand has been extended to the production of all classes with the exception of those Which are required in small quantities and those containing multi-coloured photo-plates. The numbers printed provide for loan issues to officers and N.C.O.s of Territorial Force and National Reserve units as well as for bulk lots to be held for use at Schools of Instruction and mobilization camps. Under an authority recently obtained from the War Office, manuals may now be reproduced for resale to those who do not come within the scope of free loan issues. This resale is being carried out by the Government Printer on demands received from unit Adjutants or Area Officers.

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REGULAR FORCES. (a) Commands. Colonel P. H. Bell, D.5.0., A.D.C., relinquished the appointment of Quartermaster-General and Third Military Member of the Army Board on being appointed Officer Commanding the Northern Military District and to command the First (Northern) Division, Auckland, on the 14th October, 1940, and was granted the temporary rank of Brigadier. Colonel 0. H. Mead, C.8.E., D.5.0., A.D.C., relinquished the appointment of Adjutant-General and Second Military Member of the Army Board on being appointed Officer Commanding the Southern Military District and to command the Third (Southern) Division, Christchurch, on the 14th October, 1940, and was granted the temporary rank of Brigadier. Colonel N. W. McD. Weir, A.D.C., relinquished the appointment of Officer Commanding the Northern Military District, Auckland, on being appointed Officer Commanding the Central Military District and to command the Second (Central) Division, Wellington, on the 14th October, 1940, and was granted the temporary rank of Brigadier. Lieutenant-Colonel (temp. Colonel) R. A. Row, D.5.0., relinquished the appointment of Officer Commanding the Central Military District, Wellington, on being appointed to command the Northern Field Force, Auckland, on the 14th October, 1940. On the 30th January, 1941, he relinquished this command temporarily on being seconded for attachment (temporarily) to Headquarters, 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Lieutenant-Colonel (temp. Colonel) E. T. Rowllings relinquished the appointment of Officer Commanding the Southern Military District, Christchurch, on being appointed to command the Southern Field Force, Christchurch, on the 14th October, 1940. Lieutenant-Colonel L. Potter was appointed to command the Central Field Force on the 14th October, 1940, and was granted the temporary rank of Colonel. Lieutenant-Colonel A. E. Conway, 0.8. E., was appointed Adjutant-General and Second Military Member of the Army Board on the 14th October, 1940, and was granted the temporary rank of Colonel. Lieutenant-Colonel H. E. Avery, C.M.G., D.5.0., was appointed Quartermaster-General and Third Military Member of the Army Board on the 14th October, 1940, and was granted the temporary rank of Colonel. The foregoing appointments and transfers were occasioned by the reorganization of the Territorial Force on a Divisional basis. Lieutenant-Colonel L. G. Goss was appointed Colonel, General Staff, on the 14th October, 1940, and was granted the temporary rank of Colonel. Lieutenant-Colonel A. B. Williams, D.5.0., was granted the temporary rank of Colonel whilst employed as Commander, Royal New Zealand Artillery, on the 14th October, 1.940. New Zealand Temporary Staff. Major-General Sir Andrew H, Russell, K.C.8., K.C.M.G., was appointed Inspector-General, New Zealand Military Forces, on the 23rd September, 1940. For the period 10th October to 28th December, 1940, in addition to his duties as Inspector-General, New Zealand Military Forces, ho acted as Chief of the General Staff and First Military Member of the Army Board when Major-General Sir John Diiigan, K.8.E., C.8., D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., was absent from the Dominion on a tour of duty to India and the Middle East. (b) Casualties. During the year there were 35 discharges of W.O.s, N.C.O.s, and men. Of this number, 1 reached the retiring age, 12 were medically unfit, and 22 were discharged. One died on active service. CHANGES IN ORGANIZATION. During the year measures were taken to strengthen home defence!. The Territorial Force was expanded, reorganized, and brought on a war footing. Consequently new formations were adopted. I t HEALTH OF TROOPS. During the year the health of the troops has been good and no serious epidemic has occurred among troops in mobilization or Territorial camps or fortress troops. A widespread but mild outbreak of gastro-enteritis was encountered, more especially at Waiouru and Foxton Camps. Very searching investigations were made by the medical officers, and it was found to be bacterial in origin. As evidence of the low incidence of serious illness in all camps, mobilization and Territorial and fortress troops depots, it may be mentioned that there were only 26 deaths during the year. The causes of these deaths were as follows : 3 respiratory disease, 8 accidents, 8 cardiac disease (with the exception of one man these consisted of temporary cam]) staff), 3 cancer, 1 meningitis, 1 perforated duodenal ulcer, 1 myelocytic leukaemia, and 1 nephritis. HOSPITAL SHIPS. No. 1 Hospital Ship " Maunganui," with Colonel D. N. W. Murray, D.5.0., as Officer Commanding Troops, left New Zealand on 22nd April. The hospital ship was fitted up by the Union Steam Ship Co., Ltd., and wholly equipped by the Army Medical Department. The ship is so fitted up that the rapid embarkation and evacuation of sick and wounded will be possible, and the various departments have an equipment equal to that of a large general hospital. There was a full medical staff, including medical and surgical specialists, and 20 members of the New Zealand Army Nursing Service., There is accommodation for 379 patients, of which 200 beds are suitable for cases of the most severe type.

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H.S. " Oranjc " : The very generous ofier of the Netherlands Government to provide a fully equipped and serviced hospital ship for the evacuation of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers has been accepted by the Commonwealth and Dominion Governments. Arrangements have been made by the Australian and New Zealand Army Medical Services to provide personnel for the purposes of liaison duty. It is estimated that this hospital ship will be ready for service before the end of June and will have accommodation for 650 patients. The New Zealand Expeditionary Force will be entitled to approximately one-third of this. CAMP HOSPITALS. In addition to the camp hospitals established at Papakura, Trentham, and Burnham in 1939-40, the following permanent camp hospitals have been established : — Waiouru . . .. .. .. .. .. 100 beds. Narrow Neck .. .. . . . . .. 19 beds. Fort Dorset .. .. .. .. .. 19 beds. Female Staff. A commencement has been made in employing female domestic labour in camp hospitals. Medical Pool. A medical " pool " has been established at the Camp Hospital, Trentham, for the special technical training of home-service medical personnel before being drafted to the various camp hospitals. Permanent regimental aid posts have been established in all mobilization camps, fortress troops depots, and with Territorial units. Medical orderlies with the rank of corporal.are being drafted to these R.A.P.s for duty. CD. Hospitals and P.A. Huts. The contagious-diseases hospitals in the three mobilization camps are now complete and are functioning most satisfactorily. All personnel of the Army and Air Force suffering from venereal disease in each district arc treated there. The percentage of cases has been extremely small and the stay of each, patient in hospital has averaged under fourteen days. This may be attributed to the educational lectures given the troops, P.A. huts, and modern treatment. MEDICAL STORES. Owing to the great expansion of the New Zealand forces for home defence and overseas, it has been necessary to take over the medical equipment from Ordnance. In November, 1940, a large warehouse in Wellington was taken over for this purpose. The new system is working satisfactorily. As part of the scheme in connection with the medical stores, arrangements have been made to establish sub-depots of medical stores at Christchureh and a reserve depot at Palmerston North. The necessity for a sub-depot at Auckland is also under consideration. HOME DEFENCE. With the expansion of the Territorial and home-defence programme the following additional units have been formed :— No. 8 Field Ambulance (Army Reserve). 3 Mounted Rifles Field Ambulance Companies. 4 Motor Ambulance Convoys. 4 Hygiene Sections. Nos. 9, 10, 11 Field Ambulance Companies for fortress troops, formed from men of the National Military Reserve. ■ MEDICAL TRAINING DEPOT. A Medical Training Depot has been established at Trentham for the purpose of training officers and N.C.O.s of the Medical Territorial and other home-defence units and officers and N.C.O.s and men of the New Zealand Medical Corps for overseas service. With a view to ensuring that matters pertaining to sanitation and hygiene should be given full attention, an officer of the Department of Health has been attached for whole-time service to the Staff of Army Headquarters as Deputy Director of Hygiene. MEDICAL OFFICERS, TERRITORIAL AND OVERSEAS. Considerable difficulty has been encountered in obtaining a sufficiency of medical officers for both overseas and Territorial service. The National Medical Committee of the Organization for National Security have been advised of the urgency of the position from time to time. Present indications are that further difficulty will be encountered in securing sufficient medical officers for overseas service. In regard to Territorial service, many medical practitioners, showing commendable public spirit, have given up their annual holidays and entered camp for various periods from a month upwards in order to render service.

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Several house surgeons at public hospitals have been given intensive training so that they can be sent overseas at short notice when they are released for service with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Special mention should be made here of the assistance and co-operation received from the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society. Apart from the usual Red Cross gifts and stores for the use of patients, they have also given to the officers commanding the various units overseas sums of money for the purchase of special needs of the patients. They have also supplied certain valuable equipment which is most essential in modern medical practice and which it was considered from information received would not be available in the Middle East, and which was not part of the equipment of a General Hospital or Field Ambulance as laid down in War Establishments. These included a portable " Delco " lighting set, portable X-ray plant, infra-red lamps, laboratory equipment, and equipment for an orthopaedic unit. SICK AND WOUNDED RECORDS. A further development of the functions of Army Headquarters was brought into effect during the year by the establishment of the Sick and Wounded Records Section, which directs the procedure for the hospitalization and after-care (a) of returning invalided 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force personnel after active service overseas; (b) of medically unfit military personnel in mobilization and Territorial camps, areas, and public hospitals. The section is represented by trained staffs at Army Headquarters, districts, areas, and sub-areas. NEW ZEALAND DENTAL SERVICES. The dental examination and treatment for the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force reinforcements, embodied troops and fully mobilized members of the New Zealand, armed forces, including urgent dental treatment for Territorial units during their, intensive training period, is now carried out by the personnel of the New Zealand Dental Corps. Personnel within New Zealand and with Bth Brigade Group. (a) Administrative staff : — Director of Dental Services, Army Headquarters. Assistant Director of Dental Services, Army Headquarters. (b) Executive staff: — 59 officers and 130 other ranks. Equipment and Storks. All camp dental hospitals and dental sections attached to various units of the armed forces are fully equipped with modern equipment mainly manufactured in Now Zealand. The Army Dental Store maintains the supplies of expendable stores and materials for issue. Dental Treatment rendered. Rendered dentally fit .. .. .. .. .. .. 50,052 Fillings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 193,856 Extractions .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 63,822 Artificial dentures— Full dentures .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,903 Partial dentures .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,589 Remodels .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,368 Repairs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,293 Total dentures .. ~ .. .. ..22,153 Dental Condition op 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force Troops on Mobilization. The following will illustrate the condition of a cross-section of the above (the figures being from 2nd and 3rd Echelons and 4th, sth, and 6th Reinforcements) examined and treated at Trentham :— Number examined .. .. .. .. .. 15,005 Number requiring treatment .. .. .. .. 11,427 (76-11 per cent.), — which involved — Number of artificial dentures required .. .. .. 4,785 (41-87 per cent.) Number of fillings required per man .. .. .. 3-91 Number of extractions required per man .. .. .. m 1• 10 Dental Condition or Territorial Force. Number examined .. .. ~ .. .. 11,215 Number requiring treatment .. .. .. .. 9,322 (83-12 per cent.), — which involved — Number of artificial dentures required ... .. ~ 1,780 (19-09 per cent.) Number of fillings required per man .. .. ..5-04 Number of extractions required per man .. .. .. 1•26

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ARMS, AMMUNITION, AND EQUIPMENT. (a) Small-arms Ammunition. In the early part of the year the position regarding the supply of S.A. ammunition was revised and the necessary steps taken to ensure that the expanding requirements of the forces could be met. (b) Gamp Equipment. The expansion of the forces has caused a very considerable increase in the quantities of camp equipment required. This equipment is being provided from local sources, as far as supplies of raw materials will allow, and from overseas. (c) Equipment, General. Orders to complete requirements for mobilization have been placed in the United Kingdom and Australia, and in a lesser degree with India, Canada, and South Africa. As, however, available equipment must necessarily be distributed in accordance with the varying needs and importance of the various theatres of war, and also throughout the British Commonwealth on a somewhat similar basis, delays in deliveries of certain items are inevitable. This question receives the closest attention both here and abroad, and as a result of delegations sent overseas and close collaboration with the controlling authorities, the requirements of New Zealand receive proper consideration in the general scheme. (d) Manufacture of Munitions. The manufacture of munitions is undertaken by the Munitions Supply Department, and includes the following items: Small-arms ammunition; hand grenades ; mortar bombs, 3 in. ; universal carriers ; Schofield wheel-track vehicle ; 3 in. trench mortars ; mess tins ; water-bottles ; charger clips ; steel-helmet linings ; sundry other items. As in the case of equipment (referred to in subpara. (o) above), raw materials and various components and explosives must be properly distributed throughout the British Commonwealth, and some delay in the supply of these items' must be accepted. (e) Inspection op Munitions. The Army Department has accepted the responsibility for the inspection of all munitions of war during manufacture and on final delivery. To cope with the work it has been found necessary to set up an inspection Branch under the Inspecting Ordnance Officer. All forts were frequently visited during the year by the Inspecting Ordnance Officer, and attention has been given to the storage and repair of gun ammunition. Special proofs of components were carried out from time to time. (/) Ordnance Workshops. The Ordnance Workshops have been fully employed on the installation of modern fire-control instruments for coast defence, and on the inspection and overhaul of instruments associated with anti-aircraft defence. The general maintenance work undertaken by Ordnance Workshops during the year, including the frequent overhaul of artillery equipment, has been extremely heavy in consequence of the increased use to which equipment generally has been put. (g) Uniforms. In the early stages of the war, New Zealand troops proceeding overseas were provided with servicedress clothing. Samples and patterns of battle-dress (the new dress for British troops in the United. Kingdom) were obtained, and after overcoming some preliminary difficulties a number of clothingI'aotories in the Dominion went into production of this type of clothing. The production of battle-dress has now reached a stage where it is not only possible to supply the whole of the needs of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force overseas, but also to provide for the clothing of the New Zealand Home Defence Force. In addition, 29,000 sets have been supplied to India, and an order is in hand for 100,000 sets for the United Kingdom. The change over from service dress to battle-dress for the Home Defence Force is now proceeding, and it is expected that the changes will be completed at an early date. The S.D. clothing which is being released on account of the change over is to be made available for the Home Guard. {h) Clothing, General. The needs of the Army have made a big demand on the resources of the woollen-mills and the clothing-manufacturers in the Dominion. Both the mills and the manufacturers, however, have co-operated so well that the demand has been met, and in addition to supplying the requirements of the Territorial Force in New Zealand and the Expeditionary Force overseas it has been possible to export certain woollen articles to help meet the requirements of other countries.

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The total production from the outbreak of war up to the 30th April, 1941, was as follows : — Boots .. ..\ .. .. .. .. .. 356,473 pairs. Blankets, grey .. .. .. .. .. .. 185,046 pairs. Socks .. .. ... .. .. .. .. 758,482 pairs. Jerseys .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 115,955 Vests, under .. .. .. .. .. .. 283,741 Shorts, under .. .. .. .. .. .. 264,619 Shirts, flannel ... .. .. .. .. .. 220,872 Battle-dress blouses .. .. .. .. .. 110,084 Battle-dress trousers . . . . . . . . .. 110,875 Greatcoats .. .. .. .. .. .. 67,938 Jackets, S.D. .. .. '.. .. .. .. 41,116 Trousers, B.D. .. .. .. .. .. .. 90,806 Khaki drill jackets .. .. .. .. .. 40,855 Khaki drill trousers .. .. .. .. .. 40,091 Denim jackets .. .. .. ..-. .. .. 74,155 Denim trousers . . .. . . . . . . . . 76,881 Flannel shirting .. .. .. -.. .. .. 1,003,034 yards. Overcoating cloth .. .. .. .. .. .. 350,541 yards Worsted cloth .. .. .. .. .. .. 472,679 yards. Shipments'overseas from the outbreak of war up to the 30th April, 1941, were as follows :— To N.Z.E.F.— Battle-dress trousers .. .. .. .. .. 25,183 Blouses, battle-dress .. .. .. .. .. 22,574 Boots, R.F 121,491 Buttons, N.Z.F.— Large ■ .. 28,800 Small .. .. .. .. .. .. 28,800 Cap 11,520 Caps, F.S • 15,700 Greatcoats, D.S. .. .. .. .. .. 7,319 Housewives .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,100 Jerseys .. .. .. .. .. .. 13,160 Laces .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,000 pairs. Shotts, woollen, under .. .. .. .. .. 52,216 Shirts, flannel .. .. .. .. .. ..' 66,425 Socks, woollen .. .. .. .. .. 299,435 pairs. Blankets .. .. .. .. .. .. 13,500 Vests, woollen, under .. .. .. .. .. 58,373 Hats .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 600 Towels .. .. .. .. .. .. 300 Armlets .. .. .. .. .. .. 980 Hat-bands .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,000 Jackets, S.D. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,648 Trousers, S.D. .. .. .. .. .. 1,648 To the Government of India— Trousers, battle-dress .... .. .. .. .. 29,000 Blouses, battle-dress .. .. .. .. .. 29,000 Socks .. .. .. .. .. ... 30,000 pairs. Greatcoating .. .. .. . . .. .. 10,000 yards. Blankets .. ' .. .. .. .. .. 20,000 Grey flannel .. .. .. .. .. ... 15,000 yards. To Greece — Socks .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,000 pairs. Blankets .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,000 Jerseys .. .. .. • .. .. .. 2,000 (i) General. The general activities of the Ordnance Branch have been enormously increased during the year largely owing to the expansion of the Territorial Force and its period of training. In addition to the provision of clothing for the home-defence forces, the Ordnance Services have undertaken the provision of clothing for the maintenance of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force overseas, and has also made available a considerable quantity of clothing and blankets for the Government of India. The Ordnance Depots generally have been actively engaged on the receipt and inspection of cloth and clothing received from contractors, and receipt, classification, dry-cleaning, and renovation of clothing returned from Territorial and Cadet units and mobilization camps. The inspection of rifles, medium machine guns, and light machine guns on issue to the Territorial units and mobilization camps has also been carried out. The provision of camp equipment and training stores, so far as the resources of the country would permit, has been undertaken, but considerable difficulty in this direction has been experienced owing to the shortage of raw materials. The provision of adequate and competent staffs has proved a very serious problem. The loss of a number of experienced personnel from both the clerical and the store divisions, by appointment to commissions to fill important positions and to form the nucleus of the Ordnance unit with the Expeditionary Force, and the replacement of these men by others with less qualifications and experience from outside sources, have hampered work generally, and the constant changes of staff have militated against efficiency.

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BUILDINGS, WORKS, AND CAMPS. (a) Coast Defence. •" A great deal of new work has been carried out during the year, very largely in connection with coast defences, and there is a considerable amount of new work planned and still to be carried out. (b) Mobilization Gamps. The bulk of the work in mobilization camps at Papakura, Trentham, and Bumbam has consisted of additions to and improvements in connection with accommodation generally, provision of garages and workshops, water-supply, sewerage and drainage, lighting, and surfacing and sealing of roads and parade-grounds. All camps have been maintained up to a reasonable standard. (o) Waiouru Camp. The construction of Waiouru Camp was sufficiently advanced to enable troops to go into occupation in January, 1941. The camp is an excellent one, but requires certain additional work to complete it in all respects. This work is now under consideration. The camp provides accommodation for a considerable number of men. One unit area is completely hutted, while the remainder are tented areas with buildings for messes, stores, &c. In addition there is a Headquarters Area comprising offices, messes, and sleeping-accommodation for the permanent establishment of the camp. The camp is self-contained, provision having been made for a hospital (100 beds), dental hospital, supply depot, Ordnance depot, bakery, butchery., garage and workshops, power-house, &c. (d) Teeeitoeial Camps. Many racecourses and showgrounds have been taken into use from time to time as Territorial Force training camps, involving the carrying-out of certain work. When any of such camps have been vacated, little dismantling has been carried out, but the camps have been left intact for future use. Thanks are due to the racing clubs and show associations for their ready assistance and co-operation. (e) Rifle Ranges. A complete survey of all rifle ranges has been made with a view to effecting any necessary improvements, and any work required will be put in hand. A new rifle range has been provided at Waiouru Camp, and new ranges are now in course of construction at Papakura and Dargaville. Additional rifle ranges are required for the training of the Territorial Force. Certain localities have been selected on the advice of the Inspector-General, and districts will be forwarding detailed proposals from time to time. Negotiations have been entered into with rifle clubs with a view to acquiring by lease or purchase their range facilities, and with the owners of properties on which these ranges arc situated to acquire leases or rights over the land on terms similar to those held by rifle clubs. A grenade range has been completed at Trentham Camp, one is under construction at Burnham, and ranges are planned for Waiouru and Papakura. (/) Magazines. A new magazine has been completed at Burnham Camp, and new magazines for grenades, bombs, and explosives are in the course of construction at Trentham. Consequent upon the large increase in stocks of gun ammunition and in order to provide for large quantities on order, additional magazine accommodation will have to be provided immediately. Proposals in this connection are now under consideration. (g) Drill-halls. No new drill-halls have been provided during the year, but several existing buildings have been taken over for use as such. Drill-halls generally have been maintained up to a reasonable standard. (h) Guaeds at Vital Points. In many cases the accommodation provided in this connection was of a very temporary nature. Many improvements have been carried out during the year, and further work is in hand or planned. (i) Convalescent Depots. Plans have, been completed for convalescent depots in the vicinity of the three mobilization camps, and the work of construction should now commence at an. early date. (j) Detention Barracks. It has been decided to erect a detention barracks at each mobilization camp, such barracks to provide for the requirements of all three Services —Navy, Army, and Air. Plans have been completed, and the work of construction will shortly be started. (&) Ordnance Stores. The increase in work at all depots has thrown a great strain on the accommodation available. One of the new Ordnance buildings at Trentham was completed during the year, and the provision of further accommodation to provide storage for the large quantities of equipment now on order is under consideration. Some relief has been obtained by the lease of a building of 15,000 square feet in the City of Wellington. This building will be used for the examination and storage of cloth and clothing, and for the storage of clothing and blankets to be shipped overseas. Additional storage accommodation is being built at Burnham, and when this is completed some relief to the acute shortage at that depot will be afiorded. The accommodation at the Ordnance Depot, Ngaruawahia, is also fully taxed.

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(I) Oednance Workshops. The large increase in work at the Ordnance Workshops, Trentham, has proved the accommodation there to be totally inadequate for the demands made upon it, and unless some relief is afforded the efficiency of the workshops will be seriously impaired. Proposals for alterations to the existing building, and the construction of new buildings, are now being considered. (m) Aemoueees' Woekshop. Owing to the very large increase in the number of weapons to be handled —Rifles, machine guns, Thompson guns, &c. —it was found necessary to make provision for a new workshop. This is now under construction at Trentham. RATIONS AND SUPPLIES. (a) 2nd New Zealand Expeditionaey Foeoh. in accordance with the charter arrangements, troops on transports are catered for by the ships' owners, and arrangements have been made that as far as possible all foodstuffs required for this purpose are purchased in New Zealand. In addition, the Army Department places on board each transport reserve rations and landing rations. (b) Mobilization Camps and Foetress Teoops. These camps, equipped with modern cooking appliances, cool rooms, and stores, arc working most satisfactorily, and no complaints of a serious nature have occurred during the year. The system of rationing on a monetary basis instead of on a fixed scale has worked well, and has given scope for initiative of the Q.M. and kitchen staffs. (c) Teeeitoeial Camps. Rationing of these camps is on similar lines to the mobilization camps, but owing to the large numbers of untrained personnel and the lack of experience of Q.M. and kitchen staffs, some units had justifiable cause of complaint. In every instance where investigation proved the complaints to be well founded, measures were taken to remove the cause. As a result of the experience gained and the improvement in training of the staff, a recurrence of such complaints is not anticipated. (d) FoEAGE FOE HORSES. The feeding of some 4,000 horses for a period of two months presented a considerable problem, especially as the vast majority came into camp direct from pasture feed. The collaboration of the Veterinary Services, the Lands Department, Defence Purchase Officer, and the District Supply Oiiicers resulted in the provision without hitch of ample and suitable forage, comprising some J ,400 tons of chaff, 700 tons of hay, 400 tons of oats, and 100 tons of bran, in addition to green feed, salt, linseed, &c. (e) Supplies foe Impeeial Forces. Assistance has been given the Marketing Department in the specification, packing, and shipment of largo quantities of primary products for Mid and Far East, also of canteen supplies to N.A.A.F.I. CAMP COOKS. The necessity for some improvement in the standard of camp cooks is apparent. Complaints re food in camps can be traced to bad preparation and indifferent cooking. This matter is receiving attention. CANTEENS. (a) 2nd New Zealand Expeuitionaey Fokoe. Canteens on troopships are operated by the owners under the supervision of Canteen Officers appointed by the O.C. Troops. Canteens are stocked as far as possible with New Zealand goods. Price-lists are prepared by Army Headquarters and based on the net cost of New Zealand currency, the margin for working-expenses and profit being the exchange between New Zealand currency and sterling. This ensures the troops obtaining canteen supplies at most advantageous prices, very considerably lower than New Zealand retail rates. Overseas the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force share in the activities of N.A.A.F.I. In addition, the Now Zealand Forces Club caters especially for New Zealand troops, and supplies of Now Zealand produce— i.e., tobacco, cigarettes, chocolate, bacon, butter, New Zealand tinned fish, potatoes, &c. —are shipped regularly for this purpose. (b) " A " Foece. Canteen supplies are forwarded regularly with rations, and the canteen is operated by the O.C. Troops, all profits being devoted to purchase of amenities for the personnel. (c) " B " Force. Canteens have been conducted by the Brigade staff, local supplies being supplemented from. New Zealand as demanded. Arrangements have now been made whereby in future the canteens will be operated in all respects by the New Zealand Canteens Board. (d) Camps in New Zealand. All canteens in New Zealand are operated by the Canteen Board, under the supervision of Camp Commandants, and arc all giving efficient service.

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(e) Wet Canteens. Wet canteens are established in mobilization camps, on troopships, and overseas. The quantity of beer allowed to be sold to any one soldier is strictly limited, and under strict supervision the abuse of this privilege is negligible. MECHANICAL TRANSPORT. It became necessary during the year to provide for a large number of mechanical transport vehicles for the training of the Territorial Force and to complete requirements for mobilization. In the first instance hiring was resorted to, but this proved most unsatisfactory in- every way. To meet the immediate requirements for field force manoeuvres it was therefore decided to put the impressment scheme into operation. By this means approximately 1,100 motor-cycles, 100 cars, and 1,400 trucks were obtained. The ordinary commercial truck body is not entirely suitable for Army requirements, and in consequence a good deal of work had to be carried out on the impressed trucks to fit them for Army use. An order has been placed overseas for new vehicles, the bodies to Ik; made in New Zealand. It is intended to commence further inspection of vehicles in New Zealand with, the object of earmarking suitable vehicles to complete requirements in the event of mobilization being ordered. During the year an urgent request was made by 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force for M.T. vehicles to be sent overseas. A total of 225 new trucks were made available. Half this number has been shipped, and the balance will be sent forward at an early date. The large increase in the number of vehicles in the possession of Army has necessitated considerable expansion of the M.T. Branch, the provision of additional workshop facilities, supply of spare parts and tires, and the provision of garage accommodation. PETROL. Provision is being made for a general reserve of petrol. HORSES. The scheme which was put into operation for the obtaining of horses for Mounted Rifles Regiments proved most successful. Under this scheme horses were inspected and if found fit were registered and held at the disposal of Army, a bonus of £5 being paid to each owner. All the horses required were obtainable in this way. Horses were collected and sent in to Territorial Force camps early in February, the entrainments in this connection being carried out smoothly. On the whole, the type and stamp of horse provided have been quite satisfactory. MOVEMENT OF TROOPS. Largely due to the splendid co-operation of the New Zealand Railways, shippiug companies, Harbour Boards, police, and traffic personnel, all moves by sea, rail, and road, and all embarkations of reinforcements for overseas, have been carried out during the year smoothly and efficiently. HOSPITAL SHIPS. (a) " Maunganui." The Union Steam Ship Co.'s steamer " Maunganui " was taken over by the Government early in January, and was converted by the Wellington Patent Slip Co. to a hospital ship with approximately 400 beds. The ship was fitted out in an excellent manner, the conversion taking approximately nine weeks. The ship sailed from Wellington on the 22nd April. (b) " Obanje." The Netherlands Government placed the s.s. " Oranje " at the joint disposal of Australia and New Zealand for the purposes of a hospital ship, the cost of conversion and the whole of the operation of the ship being borne by the Netherlands Government. Satisfactory arrangements have been made with Australia as to the control and running of the ship. FINANCE. During the financial year ended 31st March, 1941, amounts totalling £17,249,621 came to charge against the War Expenses Account, Subdivision ll—Army. In the same period miscellaneous receipts amounted to £226,902 (net), leaving a net expenditure of £17,022,719 for the year. CONCLUSION. In conclusion, I wish to place on record the appreciation of the Army for the wholehearted co-opera-tion and assistance which have been so readily given by other Government Departments, shipping companies, and commercial concerns, as well as landowners and countless individual citizens. Without the ready and willing help always afforded by these organizations and individual citizens the task which has been carried out during the past year would not have been possible. I have, &c, L. G. Goss, Colonel, For Chief of the General Staff.

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