11

H.—l9.

The supply of camp cooking-utensils has also required adding to. With the exception of camp-kettles, which are a special pattern not produced locally, these articles are procured in the Dominion. (g.) Medical Equipment. The medical equipment in the Dominion has been redistributed in accordance with the increased number of Field Ambulance ambulances, and the provision of additional medical equipment is at present under consideration. Instructions have been issued to ensure that certain medical equipment is available at all forts and camps of instruction. (h.) Veterinary Equipment. The veterinary equipment available in the Dominion is distributed to the four military districts, and used principally for instructional purposes. It will, however, be necessary to obtain additional veterinary medicine-chests, sets of farriers' tools, and field forges, so that these may be available in the camps of Mounted regiments. Wallets, veterinary services, &c, for use with the field batteries are being ordered. (i.) Transport Vehicles. Four additional water-carts have been added to the equipment during the year, making nine in the Dominion. The tanks were imported and the bodies constructed in the Dominion. Considerable additions to these and other vehicles will be required if the full establishment for units is to be completed. There are five general-service wagons available for use with the Forces. The general-service wagon, Mark V, ordered as a pattern with a view to getting any others required manufactured in the Dominion, has been received. Five small-arms-ammunition carts are available. One cable-cart is on hand, and four on order. Three Imperial and five colonial pattern ambulance-wagons are available. fj.J Signalling Equipment. Provision should be made for pack-saddlery for the transport of signal stores in the field. Sufficient supplies are in hand to partially equip the Signal Companies, and there are sufficient instruments in the Dominion for training. Signal flags and poles can be made in the Dominion, and also signalling bull's-eye lamps, if required. (I.J Capitation. It has not yet been possible to finally square up the capitation grants of all old Volunteer units, but the matter is engaging my attention, and I have ordered the assembly of a board of officers in each district to give finality to the matter. 33. Wireless. Experiments with wireless telegraphy are being carried out; a transmitting and receiving station is being set up at Dorset Point, and a receiving station at Fort Ballance. We are now awaiting the arrival of an induction-coil. If signalling between the above stations is found possible we should be able to establish communication with wireless stations on land and sea at considerable distances, unless the stations are syntonized in a special manner. Permanent stations could be set up to meet all military requirements at small expense, and I propose shortly to make definite rceommendations with regard to them. 34. Aviation. The question of aviation has been under the consideration of the General Staff, and preliminary arrangements have been made for the training of certain officers and non-commissioned officers in this important subject; but till next year, when the training is more advanced and our expenditure has become normal, I do not propose to make any definite recommendations or incur any expenditure in connection with the purchase of aeroplanes. We must learn to walk before we attempt to fly. 35. Mapping. A military topographical survey of the Dominion was commenced on the Ist November, 1911. The total area surveyed to date and plotted on the field-maps is eighty square miles. 36. Affiliation with Home Army. (a.) His Most Gracious Majesty the King has been pleased to confer on the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Eifles and on the Ist (Canterbury) Regiment the honour of becoming their Colonel-in-Chief.