ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND NAVAL BOARD FOR THE PERIOD 1st APRIL, 1946, TO 31st MARCH, 1947

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1947 Session I, H-05

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1947 NEW ZEALAND

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY REPORT OF THE NEW ZEALAND NAVAL BOARD FOR THE PERIOD 1st APRIL, 1946, TO 31st MARCH, 1947

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

Navy Office, Wellington C. 1, 29th July, 1947. The Hon. the Minister of Defence. Sir, — We have the honour to address to you the following report of the Royal New Zealand Navy and proceedings on the New Zealand Station during the year Ist April, 1946, to 31st March, 1947.

CONTENTS

Section. ' page I. State and Administration .. .. .. .. .. 1 11. Proceedings of Cruisers of the Royal New Zealand Navy .. .. .. 2 111. H.M.N.Z. Anti-submarine and Minesweeping Vessels, &c. .. .. .. 2 IV. Visits of British and Allied Ships .. .. .. .. 3 V. H.M.N.Z.S. "Philomel" .. .. .. .. .. ..4 VI. Other Naval Activities .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 VII. Personnel: Ratings .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 VIII. Personnel: Officers .. .. .. .. .. .. 7 IX. Personnel: General .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 X. Royal New Zealand Naval Reserves .. .. .. .. 9 XI. Civilian Staff' and Dockyard Workmen .. .. .. .. 10 XII. H.M.N.Z. Dockyard and Naval Base .. .. .. .. .. 14 XIII. Naval Armament Depots .. .. .. .. .. 15 XIV. General Educational Work in the Royal New Zealand Navy .. 15 SECTION I.—STATE AND ADMINISTRATION The Navy Department is controlled by tlie New Zealand Naval Board, formed in agreement with, the Naval Defence Amendment Act, 1936. 2. The Naval Board is constituted as follows : (a) The Minister of Defence (as Chairman of the Board). (b) A Captain, Royal Navy, with the rank of Commodore (as First Naval Member and Chief of Naval Staff). (c) A Commander, Royal Navy, with the acting rank of Captain (as Second Naval Member). (d) A Commander (S), Royal Navy, with the acting rank of Captain (S) as Naval Secretary and Member. 3. The Naval Board implements its instructions through Navy Office, Wellington, which directs the administration, &c., of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

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4. On Ist April, 1946, the Royal New Zealand Navy consisted of H.M.N.Z. ships " Achilles," " Arabis," " Arbutus," and H.M.N.Z. minesweepers and auxiliary craft. In addition, the following shore and training establishments were in operation: H.M.N.Z.S. " Philomel " and H.M.N.Z.S. " Tamaki " at Auckland, H.M.N.Z.S. " Cook " at Wellington, H.M.N.Z.S. " Tasman" at Lyttelton, Naval W/T Station, Waiouru, and Navy Office, Dunedin. SECTION lI.—PROCEEDINGS OF CRUISERS OF THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY H.M.N.Z.S. ££ Achilles " H.M.N.Z.S. " Achilles," under the command of Captain W. E. Banks, C.8.E., D.S.C., R.N., made her farewell visit to New Zealand ports prior to her return to the United Kingdom for reversion to the Royal Navy, showing the flag in Dunedin, Bluff, Southern Sounds, Picton, New Plymouth, Nelson, Lyttelton, Timaru, and Wellington, departing finally from Auckland on 17th July, 1946. H.M.N.Z.S. " Black Prince " 2. H.M.S. " Black Prince " arrived in New Zealand waters under the command of Captain G. Y. Gladstone, R.N., to begin a goodwill cruise of the Dominion. She called at Dunedin on 24th April, 1946, leaving there on the 28th April, and proceeded to Timaru. She then called at Lyttelton on 30th April, and, after a stay of four days, sailed for Wellington. She then proceeded to Auckland, arriving in that port on the 11th May. During her cruise in Dominion waters arrangements were made with the Admiralty that " Black Prince " should be one of the ships to replace H.M.N.Z.S. " Achilles " and H.M.N.Z.S. " Gambia." Her crew were Imperial officers and ratings, 400 of whom were embarked on the 28th May, 1946, in the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Co.'s liner s.s. " Arawa " for return to the United Kingdom and reversion to the Royal Navy. " Black Prince " was paid off to reserve on Ist June, 1946. H.M.N.Z.S. "Bellona" 3. H.M.N.Z.S. " Bellona," commanded by Captain M. B. Laing, C.8.E., R.N., commissioned in the United Kingdom on Ist October, 1946, and sailed for New Zealand on the 14th October via Panama Canal, San Diego, Pearl Harbour, and Suva, arriving at Auckland on the 15th December, 1946. Essential repairs, &c., were carried out from 17th December, 1946, to 17th February, 1947. 4. With H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus " and an H.D.M.L. placed under her Commanding Officer's operational command, the cruiser worked up in the Hauraki Gulf prior to sailing for Australia for a further exercise period and full calibre firings. 5. H.M.N.Z.S. " Bellona " left Auckland on 3rd March, 1947, for Sydney, where the exercise period had been arranged with units of the Royal Australian Navy at Jervis Bay. After her work-up programme was completed she paid goodwill visits to Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart. 6. H.M.N.Z. Ships " Bellona" and " Black Prince" are light cruisers of the improved " Dido " Class. They have a displacement of 5,770 tons and have a main armament of eight 5-25" guns besides numerous 40 mm. and 20 mm. A/A guns, and carry 6 x 21" torpedoes. They are capable of a speed of 32 knots. SECTION lII.—H.M.N.Z. ANTI-SUBMARINE AND MINESWEEPING VESSELS, ETC. After the successful completion in June, 1946, of the clearance of the German minefield laid in the approaches to the Hauraki Gulf, the ships of the 25th Minesweeping Flotilla, with the exception of H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus," were placed in reserve.

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H.M.N.Z.S. "Arbutus" 2. H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus," commanded by Lieutenant-Commander J. F. A. O'Neil, D.S.C., R.N.Z.N., after working-up in the Hauraki Gulf, was despatched on a goodwill ■cruise to the islands in the New Zealand dependencies of the Cook and Samoan Group and to French Oceania, American Samoa, and the British Crown colony of Fiji, departing from Wellington on 20th September, 1946. Arrangements were made to transport the French Minister, Monsieur Gazel, from Rarotonga to Papeete. Whilst H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus " was at Papeete an official request was received from His Excellency the Governor of Tahiti for H.M.N.Z.S. " Arbutus " to carry out a search for a missing French schooner. Approval having been granted by the New Zealand Naval Board, " Arbutus " proceeded to sea to carry out the search. After about twenty-four hours searching it was discovered that the schooner, which had been considered lost, had altered her itinerary, and, therefore, no further action was taken. " Arbutus " then completed her cruise, and arrived back in Auckland on Ist December, 1946. 3. In January, 1947, " Arbutus " carried out exercises in the Hauraki Gulf, and also attended the ceremony commemorating the landing of the first Governor, Captain Hobson, R.N., at Waitangi, returning from there to Auckland to act as flag-ship at the annual Kawau regatta. H.M.N.Z.S. " Hautapu " 4. H.M.N.Z.S. " Hautapu " was recommissioned at Auckland on 30th April, 1946, and sailed on 17th May for Timaru, from where she worked under the direction of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on radar research experiments, an operation designated " the Canterbury Project." From that period to 31st March, 1947, " Hautapu " has carried out valuable work in this connection. H.D.M.L.s 5. H.D.M.L.s 1183 and 1184 have been in full commission since July, 1946. H.D.M.L. 1183 has been used on full-time fishery-protection duties, and H.D.M.L. 1184 has carried out other operational requirements and relieving on fishery-protection patrols during the slipping, refitting, and leave periods of H.D.M.L. 1183. Both H.D.MX.s were present at the Waitangi celebrations and have completed cruises to ports in the Auckland Command Area to " show the flag " and to assist in local regattas and anniversaries. These visits have always been greatly appreciated. Vessels in Reserve 6. In June, 1946, H.M.N.Z. vessels in reserve consisted of four Scottish Isles Class A/S M/S vessels, and three LL Sweepers, one of which, the " Manuka," was transferred under charter to Chatham Islands Fisheries in September, 1946. During June and July, 1946, the following ships of the 25th A/S M/S Flotilla were transferred from active commission to reserve: H.M.N.Z.S. " Arabis," H.M.N.Z.S. " Kiwi," H.M.N.Z.S. " Tui," H.M.N.Z.S, " Waipu," H.M.N.Z.S. "Waima," and H.M.N.Z.S. " Waiho." Of these, the last three ships were later transferred to the War Assets Realization Board for disposal. There are also at present three H.D.M.L.s in reserve. As previously stated, H.M.S. " Black Prince " was transferred from the Royal Navy to reserve in the Royal New Zealand Navy. SECTION IV.—VISITS OF BRITISH AND ALLIED SHIPS During the period Ist April, 1946, to 31st March, 1947, New Zealand ports have not experienced as many visits from British and Allied warships as in the corresponding period of the previous year.

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2. Units of the British Pacific Fleet. —Four ships of the British Pacific Fleet visited New Zealand for the purpose of goodwill cruises and refits between 25th May, 1946, and 25th July, 1946. They were the cruiser H.M.S. " Euryalis," the sloops H.M.S. " Alacrity," and H.M.S. " Opossum," and the frigate H.M.S. " Whitesand Bay." 3. Visits paid by Allied Vessels. —The French Sloop "La Grandiere," commanded by Captain La Haye, paid a goodwill visit to New Zealand ports in February of this year. She arrived in Auckland from Papeete on the sth February, 1947, and visited Wellington on 11th February, thence to Dunedin and Southern Sounds, and sailed finally from New Zealand on 24th February, 1947. 4. The United States Aircraft Repair Tender " Onslow " paid a visit to Wellington for five days from 25th February, 1947, to Ist March, 1947, and on the 12th June, 1946, the United States L.S.T. 219 arrived in Wellington for the purpose of transporting Japanese internees back to Japan. 5. United States Naval Antarctic Expedition.—The visits eliciting the greatest public interest were those of the units of the United States Naval Antarctic Expedition, commanded by Rear-Admiral Richard E. Byrd, U.S.N. 6. U.S.S. " Merrick," cargo ship, arrived in Port Chalmers on 21st February under tow from the Ice Breaker, U.S.S. " North Wind," and in company with U.S.S. " Yancey." She had suffered damage to her rudder while negotiating the ice-pack. Temporary repairs were effected, and she sailed from Port Chalmers for the United States on 21st March, 1947. 7. U.S.S. " Mount Olympus," the flagship of the expedition, under the command of Rear-Admiral Cruzen, U.S.N., and with Rear-Admiral Byrd on board, arrived in Wellington on 7th March for the purpose of liberty and recreation to personnel. She was accompanied by the Ice Breaker " Burton Island " and the " North Wind." The vessels remained in Wellington to 15th March, 1947. 8. The submarine U.S.S. " Sennett,'*' under the command of Commander J. B. Icenhower, U.S.N., paid a short visit to Wellington from 11th February to 16th February, 1947. SECTION Y. —H.M.N.Z.S. " PHILOMEL " Change of Command Captain C. R. V. Pugh, C.8.E., R.N., assumed duties of Naval Officer in Charge,, and Captain Superintendent of the Dockyard on 20th June, 1946, in succession to Captain D. A. Bingley, 0.8. E., R.N. H.M.N.Z.S. " Philomel " (Ship) 2. During the year H.M.N.Z.S. " Philomel" (ship) was stripped of all valuable and useful fittings and relics and handed over to the War Assets Realization Board for disposal. It was with regret, particularly amongst the older personnel, that the old ship and her associations were parted from the Naval Base. Welfare and General Amenities 3. The Base library has proved of immense value to the ship's company, and the services of a trained librarian have been taken full advantage of. The National Library Service has supplied an excellent stock of books, including a very useful technical section.4. The gymnasium and cinema, canteen, and Y.M.C.A. were all used extensively during the year, and the facilities available for ratings spending their leisure in the Base have proved popular. A branch of the post-office was opened towards the end of 1946, and its operation under the Post and Telegraph Department is a very satisfactory arrangement.

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5. Advantage lias been taken of the facilities provided for all major outdoor sporting activities, and badminton and indoor basketball in the gymnasium have both found many supporters. Maintenance of Buildings 6. Since the completion of the barracks block very little maintenance has been done inside or out, and, as the barracks have been subject to considerable wear during the war period, a considerable amount of defects have developed and repairs are necessary. Saluting Battery 7. On the occasion of the celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the King gun salutes were re-introduced, and the saluting battery was used for the first time since the outbreak of the war. Medical and Dental 8. The general health of the ship's company has been satisfactory. Two outbreaks of epidemic disease, mumps, and Bornholm's disease occurred during the year. The dental department has been working to full capacity. SECTION VI.—OTHER NAVAL ACTIVITIES Auckland H.M.N.Z.S. " Tamaki."—A total of 290 recruits have entered " Tamaki" since Ist April, 1946. 2. Very satisfactory results have been obtained from training activities, but suitable equipment continues to be in short supply. Accommodation and outdoor recreational facilities are also limited, but proposals are at present under consideration for improvement of the position. 3. A good standard of messing has been maintained. 4. Three major outbreaks of influenza, mumps, and Bornholm's disease caused serious loss of instructional hours and disruption of training schedules during the year. 5. Extended Defence Organization. —Clearance of the German minefield in the Hauraki Gulf was the last active commitment of the Extended Defence Organization, and those duties have now been absorbed by other appointments within the Naval Base. 6. Defensively-equipped Merchant Ships. —The disarmament of both overseas ships and ships on New Zealand Register was proceeded with until this type of work on merchant ships was satisfactorily completed. The D.E.M.S. establishment in Auckland was closed on 31st August, 1946, and remaining commitments in connection with armament, as well as structural alterations, were undertaken by the dockyard departments concerned. The electrical equipment in the D.E.M.S. building, which belongs to the Navy Department, has been maintained by the Base torpedo staff. 7. Fishery-protection Patrol. —One H.D.M.L. was recommissioned in July, 1946, for full-time fishery-protection duties and to co-operate with the Marine Department. The Commanding Officer of the H.D.M.L. was instructed by the Marine Department in the duties of fishery inspection and was issued with a warrant as Inspector of Fisheries. Fishery-inspection patrols, on a programme decided upon with the advice of the Marine Superintendent, have been carried out continuously since July, 1946. During the periods when the H.D.M.L. originally commissioned for these duties has been withdrawn for routine maintenance and leave periods, the patrols have been carried out by the other operational H.D.M.L. On these patrols, the Marine Department have embarked a Fishery Inspector. In the first months of patrols poachers were apprehended, which demonstrated the need for this patrol. Lately the non-apprehension of poachers and the wide berth given to the prohibited areas when visited by the H.D.M.L. have shown the deterrent effect the patrol has.

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8. Mines rendered Safe. —During the current year there were two German and two British mines rendered safe by the Base torpedo staff, assisted by the Army Bomb Disposal Unit. One German mine which had drifted ashore by Raglan had broken loose and drifted from the minefield laid by an enemy raider off the coast of Australia. Waitangi Ceremony 9. A new flag-mast was erected at Waitangi, in the grounds of the Treaty House, in November, 1946, to replace a mast that had decayed. Two spars which comprise the mast and yard are of kauri, and were grown in the Waipoua Forest. The truck of the mast is surmounted by a crown which was formerly on the ensign staff of H.M.N.Z.S. " Philomel." 10. On 6th February, 1947, a ceremony was held to commemorate the landing of the first Governor, Captain Hobson, R.N., at Waitangi. A Union Flag was hoisted on the new foremast. The First Naval Member and Chief of Naval Staff, Commodore G. H. Faulkner, D.S.C., R.N., accompanied by Captain C. R. Y. Pugh, C.8.E., R.N., inspected the ceremonial guard provided by H.M.N.Z.S. " Tamaki." Wellington 11. H.M.N.Z.S. " Cook."—H.M.N.Z.S. " Cook," Shelly Bay, paid off on the 18th June, 1946. The buildings comprising this establishment are now occupied by the Royal New Zealand Air Force on the undertaking that, should the emergency arise, the Base and its buildings will revert to the Naval Service. 12. Naval W/T Station, Waiouru. —The Royal New Zealand Navy has in Waiouru W/T Station a wireless station equipped with the most modern apparatus and designed on the best technical lines, and of a size far beyond anything that was contemplated pre-war. 13. On the cessation of hostilities the question of the retention of the station was in doubt, but it has now been declared a permanent establishment of the Royal New Zealand Navy. The complement borne during the period of hostilities was 80 W.R.N.Z.N.S. personnel and 70 ratings. This number was continued until October 1945, when a gradual reduction in the W.R.N.Z.N.S. complement was made, the last W.R.N.Z.N.S. personnel leaving in mid-December of that year. For the next few months the station carried a complement of approximately 105, consisting of continuous service and " hostilities only " ratings. The volume of traffic at this time was still fairly high, and it was not until June, 1946, that the W/T commitments were sufficiently reduced to allow the last of the " hostilities only " ratings to return to civilian life. The present authorized complement of the station is 3 officers and 70 ratings. 14. The activities of the station consist mainly of working adjacent commands, Whitehall W/T, and, in addition, taking part in the long-distance ship-shore wireless organization. The total number of groups handled on all circuits over the last twelve months was 1,250,000. 15. Waiouru is an isolated locality, and full advantage has been taken to provide all possible facilities for out-door sport. A football team has each year been entered in the local senior championship and has always made a good showing. Cricket is played, and a nine-hole golf course has been constructed by personnel of the station. Tennis is also well patronized, a good hard court being available in the camp at all times. The cinema at the Waiouru Military Camp provides entertainment on four nights a week. 16. Fuel Installation. —The Naval fuel installation at Wellington is now utilized for supplying oil fuel to the New Zealand Railways for oil-fired locomotives. Lyttelton 17. H.M.N.Z.S. " Tasman." —H.M.N.Z.S. " Tasman," commissioned in January, 1944, functioned as a training establishment. until the cessation of hostilities, when it was reduced to a demobilization centre for South Island personnel.

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18. Early in September, 1946, work began on the conversion of the establishment into a torpedo and anti-submarine school and electrical school. Such conversion has entailed alterations to existing buildings and the re-erection of surplus buildings obtained from other establishments in the Lyttelton area. 19. The construction work and installation of equipment has been undertaken by the Southern Military Construction Co., in conjunction with naval personnel, and satisfactory progress has been made. 20. This school, when completed, will be fitted with modern instructional equipment purchased from the Admiralty and will be capable of training up to second-class torpedo anti-submarine and electrical ratings of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Naval Store, Ashburton 21. The naval store at Ashburton ceased to function as from January, 1947. Dunedin 22. All naval establishments in Dunedin set up during the war have now been closed down. Naval Control Service 23. The Naval Control Service Organization which functioned at Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Dunedin during the war was finally closed down in September, 1946. Many expressions of appreciation for the work performed were received from the shipping companies. SECTION VII.—PERSONNEL : RATINGS There are at present 1,206 ratings serving on continuous-service engagements in the Royal New Zealand Navy. During the period of this report recruiting has been continuously open with a view to making up deficiencies caused by the demobilization of " hostilities only " men, and to making up the required numbers of personnel for the minimum post-war manning of H.M.N.Z. ships. To augment the recruitment of direct entries, the scheme for the re-entry of " hostilities only " men has continued and has met with a moderate degree of success, 27 men being re-entered under this scheme. Additionally, 45 naval ratings have transferred from " hostilities only " agreements to " continuous service " agreements. In the period under review 241 men have been recruited (direct entry) for continuous service. Included in the total of numbers serving on 31st March, 1947, 1,486, are 119 " hostilities only " ratings who had applied to defer their demobilization. SECTION VIII.—PERSONNEL : OFFICERS Permanent Officers On the Ist April, 1946, there were 123 officers serving on the active list of the Royal New Zealand Navy; of these, 53 were officers lent from the Royal Navy and 32 were temporary officers. Pursuing the policy of replacement of loan officers by permanent Royal New Zealand Navy officers, a number of New Zealand Reserve officers, have been transferred to permanent and short-service commissions in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Most of these officers have been sent to the United Kingdom to undergo courses which will properly fit them for permanent service and ensure that the high standard of training of Royal New Zealand Navy officers will be retained. 2. An Electrical Branch has been formed which will eventually take over the duties appertaining to the control and maintenance of all electrical equipment, including the maintenance duties at present carried out by torpedo, anti-submarine, and communication specialists of the Executive Branch. Action has also been taken to correct the anomalous position of Schoolmasters in relation to education officers in the other services, and the Naval Education Branch has been formed. Naval education officers have been transferred from warrant rank to commissioned status

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Officers for this branch will be recruited from members of the civilian teaching profession and will be granted short-service commissions of five years, on completion of which they will return to their civilian profession unless they volunteer, and are selected, for a further term. 3. During the year 55 officers have been recruited for permanent service, and the categories are shown in the following table. Direct entry — Cadets .. .. .. .. .. 5 Short service (five years) .. .. .. 1 Promotions from lower deck to — Commissioned rank .. .. .. .. 2 Warrant rank .. .. .. .. 5 Transfers of Reserve and temporary officers to — Permanent commissions .. .. .. .. 30 Short-service commissions .. .. .. .. 12 55 Temporary Officers 4. Of the 32 temporary Royal New Zealand Navy officers serving on the Ist April, 1946, 3 have been transferred to permanent commissioned rank and 7 to permanent warrant rank. Nine temporary officers are still serving, and of these, 3 have agreed to serve in their temporary rank for restricted periods.

5. The following table shows the numbers of officers in the different categories, both permanent and temporary, serving on 31st March, 1947. In this table officers dispersed but still in receipt of naval pay at the time of the report have not been included.

SECTION IX.—PERSONNEL : GENERAL Following the cessation of hostilities it became possible to take inaugural steps to set up conditions of pay and service for the Royal New Zealand Navy, which designation, it may be recalled, was approved by His Majesty the King in 1941. At that time it was not possible to take such steps owing to the prosecution of the war. In 1946 a Naval Manning Committee was set up for the purpose of carrying out a thorough and comprehensive inquiry into the conditions of service of personnel, in particular of those on the lower deck. . Some two hundred and sixty submissions from the men were examined, and a large proportion of these have been approved by the

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Officers. At 31st March, 1946. At 31st March, 1947. Permanent K.N.Z.N. (including short service) 38 92 Temporary R.N.Z.N. 32 9 Permanent R.N.Z.N.R. 6 2 Temporary R.N.Z.N.R. 15 1 Serving under T. 124 X Agreements 9 2 Permanent R.N.Z.N.V.R. 45 3 Temporary R.N.Z.N.V.R. .. 464 18 Totals 609 127 Plus Royal Navy (loan officers) 53 33 662 160

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Naval Board and given effect to ; some are in the process of implementation ; others, depending on Admiralty co-operation, are still under investigation. This is indicative of the aim to obtain the best conditions possible for officers and men of the Royal New Zealand Navy. In this connection it may be stated that at the present time the formation of men's welfare committees is under active consideration. 2. During the period of this report 2,751 officers and ratings were released from the Royal New Zealand Navy ; continuous-service engagements, 149 ; " hostilities only " engagements, 1,957 ; Reserves, 571 ; personnel serving on T. 124 Agreements, 15 ; and loan personnel, 59. 3. The total strength of the Royal New Zealand Navy was, at 31st March, 1947 : Officers — Loan from Royal Navy .. .. .. 33 New Zealand .. .. .. .. 127 l6O Ratings— Loan from Royal Navy .. .. .. 161 New Zealand .. .. .. .. 1,325 1,486 1,646 4. The demobilization of Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service personnel was completed towards the end of October, 1946. SECTION X.—ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL RESERVES The reconstitution of the Reserves in the post-war period received active consideration during the year under review, and steps have been taken to ensure that post-war peacetime training will commence in 1947 based on pre-war lines, plus all the additional requirements which have resulted from knowledge gained during the war. Royal New Zealand Naval Reserve 2. Post-war training of officers and men in this Reserve who carry out sea training only will recommence as soon as ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy are available to -accommodate Reserve personnel for the requisite periods of sea training. Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve 3. The re-establishment of the post-war active Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve is well under way. Before the war there were four Divisions—Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago. These four Divisions will recommence post-war training in 1947 in the headquarters they occupied in pre-war days. Officers and Instructors are being appointed in order to undertake the reconstruction necessary in rebuilding such an organization before recruiting can commence. It is hoped that a considerable number of officers and men who were pre-war members of the Permanent Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve will join up again, as their services will be invaluable in assisting with the training of new recruits, in view of their war time experience. It is intended that in the post-war period Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve officers and ratings will gain experience in seamanship, including minesweeping, gunnery, communications, radar, torpedo, and anti-submarine, while a small number will be trained in the supply and secretariat, sick-berth, electrical, and engine-room branches. Naturally, the experience gained in the war is being put to good use, and up-to-date weapons and other training equipment are being provided and installed at the four headquarters. In the first instance, the numbers to be entered will be based on the pre-war personnel strength of some 70 officers and 600 ratings. It is intended to increase this total number to some 120 officers and 840 ratings in due course. This increase will be spread equably over the four Divisions.

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Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve 4. During the war the total number of Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer officers, both permanent and temporary, serving at the peak period was some 1,700. It was obvious to the Naval Board that even a quarter of this number could not be entered iii the post-war permanent Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve, and, as the Board were most anxious to retain contact with as many as possible of these wartime officers who served their country so loyally and well, it was decided to form the Supplementary Reserve. Applications for membership have been called for from among temporary officers now discharged, and the response has been good. Ex-officers who enrol in the Supplementary Reserve are willing to be called up in time of emergency to again serve in the Royal New Zealand Navy. It will not be possible to give members any training on the lines of the active permanent Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve, but it is hoped that in time it may become possible to hold short refresher courses covering the various branches of the Navy to which members belong. SECTION XI.—CIVILIAN STAFF AND DOCKYARD WORKMEN Permanent and Temporary Civilian Staff, Navy Office, Wellington Trend of Work In work relating directly to serving personnel of the Royal New Zealand Navy a steady decrease has taken place, but the clearance of arrears of accounting and recording work associated with the payment of war-service gratuities, deferred pay, and reconstruction of pay accounts of discharged personnel has necessitated the retention of a larger staff than was previously anticipated. 2. Decision involving retrospective adjustments has been a major factor in delaying a final settlement of pay accounts of personnel who served during the war. Recent provisions involve a reconstruction of approximately 4,000 pay accounts from the Ist April,, 1946, in applying the new rates of pay —the basis of computation of leave for personnel who served overseas prior to 19th April, 1944, has been altered—and a special rate of war-service gratuity has been introduced for service in mine-sweepers. The loss during the last year of many of the staff trained in these branches of work has had its effect in delaying the clearance of arrears. 3. The implementation of the Government's post-war defence policy has involved organization of recruiting campaigns, and the machinery clerical work involved in keeping records of entries, drafting, training, &c., necessitates the retention in the meantime of staff, which will be reduced when the post-war establishment is stable. 4. The disposal of surplus stores and equipment by the War Assets Realization Board is not yet completed and necessitates the continued full-time employment of at least two male clerical officers in Navy Office, besides various stores staff engaged in the direct handling of the goods. This Department is also committed to some extent to pay the cost of safeguarding surplus stores by provision of watchmen until released from liability by the War Assets Realization Board. 5. In accordance with the policy of the Public Service Commission in improving the efficiency and educational standards of the Public Service, a number of major proposals are now in process of implementation. Extensive provision has been made for tuition of temporary officers to qualify them for appointment to the permanent staff and for tuition in Public Service knowledge, Government accounts, and English for the Public Service Senior Promotion Examination. This involves a certain amount of time off for lectures and study purposes, particularly in connection with ex-servicemen, a policy which, while being of undoubted benefit from the long-term view, does slightly reduce the available working capacity of the staff. The projected transfer of the majority of temporary employees in the Government Service to the permanent staff requires a major survey and reorganization of the Navy Office and Auckland Dockyard establishment to arrive at a permanent complement of established positions. A certain amount of preliminary work has already been done in this connection, but it

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is a task of some magnitude, as pre-war figures are of little use as a basis of comparison. The present permanent staff in Navy Office and tlie Dockyard represent an extremely small proportion of the total staff employed. 6. In general, it is the practice in Navy Office to utilize civilian officers in all positions possible. Naval uniformed staff are essential in a limited number of positions, but these are kept at a minimum. Overtime 7. As mentioned in last year's report, the working of overtime was eliminated as far as practicable after YJ Day, and this policy has been adhered to during the last year, with minor exceptions. Staff Trends Comparative Table or Civilian Staff as at 31st March each Year over the Period of the Last Nine Years M. F. Totals. M. F. Totals. 1939 .. ..29 22 51 1944 .. ..57 232 289 1940 .. .. 18 50 68 1945 .. .. 50 221 271 1941 .. .. 27 72 99 1946 .. .. 49 145 194 1942 .. .. 45 124 169 1947 .. .. 43 107 150 1943 .. .. 59 229 288 8. Staff turnover was again high during the year, the actual numbers being as follows : Ist April, 1946, to 30th April, 1947 M. F. Appointments .. .. .. 12 29 Resignations .. .. .. .. 13 70 Services terminated .. .. .. 1 Transfers from .. .. .. 3 5 Secondment ceased .. .. .. 12 On loan .. .. .. .. 4 Extended leave .. .. .. 7 5 Mobilized .. ... .. .. .... 2 9. Female resignations (70) reflect the lifting of man-power controls, the return of married women to domestic duties and marriages, particularly to returned members of the Forces. The appointments (29) show a net reduction in the female staff of 41. Transfers to other Government Departments outside Wellington as a result of change of residence involved 3 male and 5 female officers. Male officers shown " Secondment ceased" represented a " stiffening" of permanent officers from other Departments who were compulsorily directed to Navy Office by the Public Service Commission at a time during the war when the majority of Navy Office permanent male staff had been released for military service. The cessation of hostilities brought repeated representations from these officers and their Departments for their early return, and this was facilitated as soon as was practicable in order that these officers should not suffer by loss of opportunities for promotion in their own Departments. Two officers of the permanent staff who were on secondment elected during the year to transfer permanently to the Navy Department, and 1 additional permanent officer was appointed to fill a vacancy. The male appointments shown (12) have all been temporary staff employees, and no appointments of permanent clerical cadets have been made to Navy Office for the year 1947. The ratio of male to female staff in Navy Office is, however, improving, and this is desirable from the long-term staffing viewpoint, although there are a number of positions which have been, and will continue to be, efficiently carried out by females. Every encouragement is given to female staff to undertake more responsible work. 10. Housing and accommodation continue to be a limiting factor in exchange or transfer of staff between Auckland and Wellington, though short visits are arranged wherever they can be of direct benefit to the officer and the Department.

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Office Accommodation 11. This Department was ready with a plan for reduction of space occupied and consolidation on to the second floor of the departmental building, Stout Street, as soon as the Accommodation Board was in a position to review the Services' post-war office accommodation requirements. The plan has now been implemented, and an improvement in the standard of the accommodation from wartime standards is a helpful factor from the staffing angle. The space now occupied has been planned in conjunction with the Government Architect and the Accommodation Board on the basis of minimum requirements for some time> to come. At the moment there is slight cramping in some branches to provide for future reductions. The change-over resulted in the release of a complete floor of the Stout Street departmental building. Overseas Training for Civilian Staff 12. There are several highly specialized positions in the Dockyard on the draughting, constructive, and engineering sides at present occupied by Admiralty civilian staff on loan to the New Zealand Government. Every effort is being made to implement the long-term staffing policy of filling these posts with New Zealanders, but this can be accomplished only by arranging special courses of training in Admiralty Dockyards for selected employees. Three employees have already completed varying periods of training (up to three years) in Home Dockyards during the war, and this policy is to continue in accordance with a planned programme so that the necessity for obtaining further loan staff from Admiralty will be a diminishing requirement in future years. General 13. Although the Department is not yet clear of work resulting from the war, very satisfactory progress has been made in view of the several difficulties, mainly connected with staffing. The existing staff, and particularly those members who have been in the Department during the war, have worked willingly, in many cases under the pressure of heavy arrears. Their effort is the more praiseworthy now that all employees are free to choose their course of occupation, and the demand for labour in outside industry is acute and in many cases offers more attractive, remuneration and facilities.

Permanent and Civilian Staff, H.M.N.Z. Dockyard, Auckland 14. Analysis of Public Service staff employed for last nine years is as under :

(Staff employed in outlying depots are shown in parentheses as well as being included in total figures.) 15. The staffing position has changed considerably during the past year, the main causes being as follows : (i) Reduction in number and scope of outlying depots. Staff required for this purpose being reduced from 49 as at 31st March, 1946, to 13 as at 31st March, 1947. (ii) Resignations of female staff following cessation of hostilities and the lifting of man-power controls. The staff being reduced from 106 as at 31st March, 1946, to 74 as at 31st March, 1947.

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Male. Female. Total. Clerical. General. 31st March, 1939 15 25 4 44 31st March, 1940 27 30 6 63 31st March, 1941 28 68 30 126 31st March, 1942 31 95 77 203 31st March, 1943 35 110 113 258 31st March, 1944 40 (5) 154 (23) 126 (10) 320 (38) 31st March, 1945 55 (9) 179 (33) 136 (14) 370 (56) 31st March, 1946 67 (8) 191 (31) 106 (10) 364 (49) 31st March, 1947 79 (8) 167 (5) 74 320 (13)

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(iii) Replacement of these female staff by male assistants as available, male assistants showing an increase from 67 as at 31st March, 1946, to 79 as at 31st March, 1947. ' 16. Staff turnover during the year was again high, the actual numbers being as follows:—-

17. The number of permanent staff employed as at 31st March, 1947, was 21, including 7 cadets. During the year five returned servicemen engaged in a clerical capacity attended, and passed, the Temporary Officers' Qualifying Examination. Casual Employees 18. An analysis of civilian workmen employed in the Dockyard throughout the year and showing a comparison with previous years is as under

Average Number of Men employed

19. The average number of men employed shows a fall for the first four months, but increased in August when extra staff was obtained for conversion of " Tawhai" to a trawler for UNRRA. From that date the average has been maintained with difficulty. 20. Comparative statement of annual wages paid is as under: — Wages paid each year ending— £ 1941 .. .. .. .. .. .. 178,189 1942 .. .. .. .. .. .. 231,446 1943 .. .. .. .. .. .. 233,991 1944 .. .. .. .. .. .. 243,625 1945 .. .. .. .. .. .. 214,500 1946 .. .. .. .. .. .. 211,696 1947 .. .. .. .. .. .. 157,838

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— Male. Female. Total. Resignations 43 42 85 Transferred 8 2 10 Special leave 2 1 3 Services terminated 3 3 Mobilized 1 1 Entered during year* 56 46 102 62 24 86 * 20 clerical, including 2 Cadets ; 42 general.

— 1946-47. 1945-46. 1944r-45. 1943-44. 1942-43. 1941-42. April 453 587 488 503 416 368 May451 564 468 509 424 375 June 447 563 459 501 455 385 July 449 553 445 498 450 426 August 473 554 461 495 479 484 September 474 526 454 509 523 483 October 464 484 457 506 578 521 November 466 504 485 492 557 500 December 463 508 503 489 602 485 January 463 446 480 467 551 460 February 465 468 539 511 553 431 March 472 454 584 502 543 418 Yearly average .. 462 517 486 498 511 445

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Apprentices 21. Applications were called for fifteen apprentices at the beginning of 1947. Forty applications were received, and twelve selected for entry, fitting, boatbuilding, and electrical trades again proving the most popular. During the year three apprentices who had been absent on military service revived their contracts, and seven apprentices completed their training and qualified as tradesmen. Dockyard Agreement for Working-conditions 22. The existing Dockyard agreement expired on the 4th February, 1947, and negotiations are taking place regarding its renewal. General 23. The greatest difficulty has been experienced in maintaining the staff of the Dockyard, particularly in respect of skilled tradesmen, due mainly to the extreme shortage of labour generally ; and this has been accentuated by the restricted rates of pay payable under the Dockyard agreement. As these rates are very little in excess of the corresponding award rates, many men have been attracted to private employment which offers higher rates of pay and other inducements, and as a result many of the best tradesmen have left the Dockyard employment. The cessation of overtime in the Dockyard has also resulted in workmen leaving, as considerable overtime is available in outside firms. Although, therefore, the actual working-conditions in the Dockyard compare favourably with any in New Zealand, this in itself does not offset the more favourable pay and overtime rates available in the commercial world. SECTION XII.—H.M.N.Z. DOCKYARD AND NAVAL BASE -Dockyard Work The main items of work carried out during the year were as follows : Major Refits: H.M.S. " Black Prince," H.M.S. " Whitesand Bay," and H.M.S. "Alacrity." Minor Refits: H.M.N.Z.S. "Achilles," H.M.N.Z.S. " Bellona," and H.M.S. " Opossum." Routine maintenance was carried out on all H.M.N.Z. ships as requisite. Conversions : H.M.N.Z.S. " Hautapu " was converted for work in conjunction with the Canterbury project, and H.D.M.L.s 1191 and 1193 were converted for " Tamaki " liberty service. 2. Work for other Government Departments. —During the year a considerable amount of work was undertaken on behalf of other Government Departments. Some of the largest items were : Conversion of " Tawhai" as a fishing trawler for UNRRA. Major refit of " Maui Pomare." Refit and reconditioning of " Matai." Repairs and maintenance to civil aviation launches. Manufacture of 8,500 mail-bags for the Post and Telegraph Department. Manufacture of kit-bags and aprons for the Rehabilitation Department. Manufacture of mine skips and mine tubs for the Mines Department. Manufacture of hand rails for the Tangiteroria Bridge. Manufacture of jack bodies for the Public Works Department. Dockyard Projects 3. Major projects were completed during the past year, and only minor works remain to be completed. Details of the individual projects are as follows : (a) Road. —The road round the head of the dock was sealed, and the roading at the store area, North Yard, completed. The Stanley Bay entrance road was well advanced, and the road in the Fairmile area commenced.

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(b) Electrical Reticulation. —This work is 90 per cent, completed. (c) Conversion of Nos. 1 and 2 Stores Buildings.—Conversion of these buildings was completed and the buildings occupied by the respective shops. (d) Naval Stores, Phases A, B, and C.—Phase C buildings were completed and occupied during the year, and all work, with the exception of the saltwater ring main, has been completed. (e) Oil-tanks. —Splinter proofing was removed from Nos. 1 and 2 tanks and the tanks repainted: (/) Fuel Stowage.—Bulk fuel stowage Nos. 3 and 4 tunnels were completed and put into use. Nos. 1 and 2 tunnels were completed and are ready for use, all equipment, except filters, having been installed. 4. Property.- —No. 73 Calliope Road was converted into two flats for naval personnel .-and occupied during the latter part of March. 5. Boom Defence Stowage Area.—A start has been made on the levelling and surfacing of the boom defence stowage area, and the old marking-off shed transferred from Calliope Wharf is being erected on the area as a workshop. 6. Boiler-shop.—The floor of the shop was sealed to prevent dust nuisance. The installation of all machines nears completion. 7. Storage. —The transfer of all stores from the south yard to the new accommodation at the north yard has been completed. The modern accommodation is proving to be extremely economical to operate, and a distinct increase in efficiency is apparent. 8. Fire-protection. —No major outbreaks of fire occurred during the year." A comprehensive scheme for the protection of the Dockyard area has been approved. This includes automatic alarm sprinkler system and installation of a salt-water and fresh-water main. Fifteen chains of 4 in. main have been laid, and work on this main is 75 per cent, completed. Tenders have been called for the installation of the sprinkler system in the clothing and victualling block. 9. Fuelling Installations. —Rented tanks have been vacated, and all stocks of fuel oil are now accommodated within the Dockyard area. Four tanks, each of 6,000-tons capacity, are in use and have proved successful. Two service tanks each of 4,500 tons are also, in use, making a capacity of 33,000 tons available for stowage of furnace fuel oil. R.F.A. " Nucula," which was formerly utilized as an oil-hulk, was emptied and sold by the War Assets Realization Board. SECTION XIII.—NAVAL ARMAMENT DEPOTS During the past year progress has been made in the inspection of and putting in a state of preservation various types of naval armament stores received into depot from ships and other establishments consequent on the cessation of hostilities. 2. The exchange of " Achilles " class cruisers for " Dido " class, together with large quantities of redundant stores held in depot, has created a storage problem which remains acute. The position will right itself on despatch of quantities of ammunition to various Empire depots and by the decision to dump all stocks surplus to Empire requirements. 3. All explosives from the naval magazine at Cass Bay, Lyttelton, have now been transferred to the Naval Armament Depot, Kauri Point, Auckland. SECTION XIV.—GENERAL EDUCATIONAL WORK IN THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY As the year under review is the first complete year of peace, the Education Section has been mainly concerned with transition to the educational requirements of peacetime. In the main, the past year has been devoted to planning and consolidation, and, although complete finality has not yet been reached, much real progress has been made.

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The routine work of forming classes and supplying courses and text-books and maintaining libraries has proceeded without intermission, and the demand has been considerably greater than was expected at the end of the war. The general educational problems requiring final solution on a peacetime basis are as follows : (i) Provision of facilities for maintaining a high standard of general education among naval personnel. (ii) The organization of leisure-time activities designed to promote a high standard of service tone and morale, and to foster a spirit of good fellowship. (iii) The provision of resettlement courses in order that serving personnel may readily find suitable employment when they leave the Service, and may become useful and enlightened citizens. 2. The following is a summary of the various educational activities which have been in operation over the past year : (i) Study Courses. —As observed in the last report, the study courses produced by A.E.W.S. during the war have been transferred to the Technical Correspondence School, Education Department, but are still available to members of the Armed Services free of charge. The range of these courses has been extended over the past year. (ii) University and Professional Courses. —A.E.W.S. textbooks for University courses remain available on hire, and full tuition is provided for students taking accountancy and secretarial courses. -(iii) Classes at Technical Schools.—The numbers of personnel attending classes at technical schools has remained steady throughout the year. It is again necessary to place on record that the principals of these schools have co-operated wholeheartedly in arranging classes suited to the requirements of serving personnel. (iv) Recreational Libraries. —Over the past year there has been an all-round increase in library activity relative to the present strength of units. In most areas library stock is still being distributed by A.E.W.S. library depots, but this function is gradually being transferred to the National Library Service. (v) R.N,Z.N. Educational Certificate Form A.F. 403 a are still being received for the issue of this certificate by personnel who were released years ago. This appears to indicate that the certificate is being found useful as an educational qualification. (vi) Rehabilitation. —For the purpose of granting rehabilitation benefits personnel who served during the war and still remain in the Armed Services are now regarded by the Rehabilitation Department as having returned to civil occupation, and are awarded benefits in accordance with the general rules governing eligibility. The benefits available to serving personnel are limited in the main to education and housing. W. J. G. Prophit, Naval Secretary and Member, New Zealand Naval Board. Mark Taylor, Second Naval Member, New Zealand Naval Board. G. H. Faulkner, First Naval Member, New Zealand Naval Board. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (613 copies), £29.

By Authority: E. Y. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 947, Price 6d.]

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