H.—lo

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either Aor B Class if it neglects to train its specialists. Signalling sections should be formed in each company, and the men employed only as signallers. The laying has improved throughout. Drill guns are now available for all companies, and they have greatly facilitated the training. Instructions have been issued for training officers in identification of warships, by the aid of specially prepared silhouettes, and also in observation of fire by the special apparatus referred io for training G.G.C.s of Q.F. guns. At some forts electric dials have been replaced by mechanical range dials of local pattern, which are very simple and as effective as electric dials in transmitting ranges from B.C. stations to gun emplacements. "Instructions for Practice, 1906," were printed locally. The principal alterations in the conditions for practice were: (1) The mean range for B.L. guns increased to approximately 4,000 yards; (2) size of target was increased from 20 ft. to 30 ft. freeboard; (3) figure of merit to score Ist class was raised from o\s to 0 - 7. The tactical schemes issued in connection with all Garrison Artillery practice has resulted in officers studying " Jane's Fighting Ships " very thoroughly. With regard to the instruction of companies, there is still too much tendency in some districts for officers to allow Instructors from the R.N.Z.A. to undertake the instruction of their units. Officers will have to lead their men in war, and they must personally instruct them in peace time. R.N.Z.A. Instructors should only be required to assist in the instruction of a Volunteer company about one or two parades per month. The difficulties in teaching observation of fire referred to in connection with Field Artillery does not exist in garrison companies, as each officer is permitted to be present at the practice of the R.N.Z.A. or other Volunteer companies in the same district, when arrangements are made to compare his observation with the records. N.C.O.s who are G.G.C.s of Q.F. groups have not, however, availed themselves of the opportunity of attending other company practices. Coast defence manoeuvres were not practised at each of the four defended ports at Easter, which is to be regretted, as much valuable experience can be gained at these manoeuvres.

Results of Service Class Firing for 1906-7.

No. 1 Company (Auckland). Ist Series. —Three series from 6 in. B.L. guns. Faulty observation, and slowness in deciding on correction on the part of the B.C. Errors in passing ranges. 2nd Series. —Similar faults to Ist series—one serious error made. 3rd Series. —Accurate shooting, but slow. Electric dials out of order necessitated changing to range indicators. No. 2 Company (Dunedin). Ist and 2nd Series .—(6-pr. Q.F.): Observation, defective. G.G.C.s require more training. Rate of fire, fair. Effect, fair. Corrections, insufficiently bold. 3rd Series.— (6 in. 8.L.): Observation, faulty. Laying, good. Service of gun, slow. Fire discipline, good. . . Ifth Series. (64-pr. R.M.L.): Serious mistake made in passing ranges, otherwise tire discipline, laying, and effect, good. sth Series.— {2-6 in. 8.L.): Observation, good, facilitated by flank observers. Ranging, good. Times, slow. Effect, good. Range, rather short (3,317 yards). 6th Series. (2-6 in. 8.L.): This series was spoilt by bad D.R.F. manipulation. Some errors made in passing ranges. G.G.C.s not well trained. Effect, fair. No. S Company (Dunedin). 2nd Series. (64-pr. R.M.L.): In the Ist series there were several abnormal rounds which fell so far short as to indicate that bad ramming home was the cause, otherwise both series were satisfactory as regards effect and fire discipline. 3rd Series (7 in. R.M.L.): Each of these series was excellent as regards accuracy, time, and fire discipline. This company scored a figure of merit of o'9ol, and was awarded the cup for Coast Artillery Practice for 1906-7. No. 4 Company (Wellington). Ist Series —(6 in. 8.L.): A very good series, both as regards time and effect. 2nd Series.—(B in. 8.L.): One serious error in giving wrong order. Time, good. Effect, fair.

Company. Station. O.C. Figure of Merit. Classification. Order of Merit. 1 2 *8 4 5 6 7 8 9 Auckland Dunedin Dunedin Wellington Lyttelton Wellington Lyttelton Auckland Auckland Captain Knyvett Captain Fredric Captain Dodds Captain Menzies Captain Foster Captain Freeman Lieutenant Wardell Captain Forbes Captain Hazard 0-419 0-726 0-901 0-719 0-540 0-895 0-295 0-600 0-503 N.C. 1st 1st 1st 3rd 1st N.C. 2nd 3rd 8th 3rd 1st 4th 6th 2nd 9th 5th 7th * Won Coast Artillery Practioe !up for 1906-7.