H.—l9

6

The Legion of Frontiersmen and Farmers' Union early after the outbreak of war decided to co-operate with the Defence Department by registering as Rifle Clubs. In some instances, and notably on the west coast of the South Island, sections of the National Reserve have formed Rifle Clubs, and have been accepted by the Department. The concession granted by the Government to Rifle Clubs—namely, insurance against accident —has been much appreciated. 12. General Training Section. During the year the General Training Section has been drafted into Territorial units. Experience shows that touch has not always been kept with the men of the General Training Section, and many men have been lost. In the Wellington District 2,554 men were on the roll at the outbreak of the war, but 1,294 only were obtained when they were called up. 13. Cadets. The behaviour and attendance of Senior Cadets during the year have shown a decided improvement, and the interest taken in the work shows a better spirit. This is probably due to a large extent to the war. The steadiness of most of the companies is most encouraging. A large number of officers have been lost to the Expeditionary Force, and a considerable number of new appointments have been made to fill gaps thus caused. The training of the Cadets residing in towns has progressed, but that of those in the smaller centres has deteriorated, for the reason that sufficient instructors have not been available. During the year the following cadet courses were held in each district: — (a.) An obligatory six-days course for Senior Cadet N.C.O.s going up for examination for commisions in August. (b.) A voluntary six-days course of instruction for Unattached List (b) officers preparatory to the examination for promotion in August, (c.) A fourteen-days district refresher course for officers and non-commissioned officers of Senior Cadets. (d.) A voluntary six days course of instruction for officers preparatory to the February examination for promotion. (c.) An obligatory six-days course (including examination) for Senior Cadet N.C.O.s going up for examinations. With regard to (c), in one district the candidates were brought to one centre for the course, during which the examination for first appointments was held. 14. Special Training of Cadets at .Secondary Schools. Owing to the abnormal conditions obtaining throughout this year it was not possible to hold the special course initiated last year. It is hoped that this course may be resumed during the coming year. 15. Special Training of Permanent Officers. The following officers were in England prior to the outbreak of war, and they are now serving in various capacities in the Imperial Army : — Major-General R. H. Davies, C.8., on loan to the Imperial Government. Colonel V. S. Smythe, N.Z.S.C. Major G. S. Richardson, N.Z.S.C. (temporary Lieut.-Colonel, Imperial Army). Major M. M. Gardner, R.N.Z.A. Major R. 0. Chesney, N.Z.S.C. Captain R. B. Smythe, N.Z.S.C. Captain C. W. Melville, N.Z.S.C. Lieutenant H. A. Davies, R.N.Z.A. Lieutenant J. L. H. Turner, R.N.Z.A. Major W. L. H. Burgess, N.Z.S.C, exchange officer with the Commonwealth Military Forces, has a command in the Expeditionary Force from the Commonwealth. Colonel R. Logan, N.Z.S.C, A.D.O, is Administrator in Samoa. 16. Staff Colleges. During the year Major R. 0. Chesney, N.Z.S.C, passed through the Staff College, Camberley, and he is now employed with the Imperial Army. He is shown in the Imperial Army List as having graduated. Major J. E. Duigan, N.Z.S.C, although he did not complete his full course at the Staff College, Quetta, was held to have graduated. He is now General Staff Officer, Auckland Military District. Captains R. B. Smythe and C W. Melville, N.Z.S.C, who were at the Staff College, Camberley, at the outbreak of war, are now employed with the Imperial Army. It is not at present known if they are to be considered as having graduated or not. The Staff Colleges at Camberley and Quetta were closed on the outbreak of war. In 1914 two New Zealand Staff Corps officers sat for the entrance examination to Camberley, but up to the present no information has been received as to whether they qualified or not. 17. Royal Military College of Australia. There are now twenty-one New Zealand Staff Cadets at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. During the year one Cadet was rejected as not being up to the required standard. Ten Cadets entered the College this year.