H.—l9e

6

number of men. The necessary numbers are likely to be obtained, but, on the other hand, there is a distinct danger that patriotic societies and recruiting meetings produce a greater number of men than are actually required for a particular quota. The system is therefore likely to lead to a greater outcry on the part of the recruits for whom there is no vacancy than is likely to be the case with the quotas calculated on the registration system, in which the fact is recognized that the numbers to go to camp depend on the numbers registered. A surplus is viewed by the public as being a natural instead of an exceptional occurrence. After all, the numbers left behind are strictly proportionate in each district, and Waiting-lists are distributed evenly throughout the Dominion. 20. When each Reinforcement draft is called up, the Defence Department intend to communicate to the Press of the Dominion the proportions in which the different quotas have been allotted to the different military districts. 21. Defence Department Headquarters calculates the numbers required for each draft, allots quotas to districts. The wires to districts allotting quotas are sent out about one month previous to the date on which the men are required to come into camp. This, of course, is only applicable to regular Reinforcement drafts, and not to extra units and increased offers which may have to bo called up at short notice. On receipt of the telegram from Headquarters, District Headquarters in turn take steps to allot their quota amongst the area groups in the district in proportion to the registered numbers in. each area group which are available and have been passed as medically fit. On receipt of the allocation of quotas the Group Commanders take steps to send out the notificationcards referred to in paragraph 9(»). District Headquarters, acting under instructions from Wellington, make the necessary arrangements for transport by rail and sea. 22. On the allotted day the quotas in each area, area group, and district report in accordance With the instructions contained in the notification-card. The rendezvous is generally a Defence Office or railway-station. There the men are met by officers of the Defence Department, who either accompany the quota to Trentham in the case of large drafts, or give the necessary Warrants to the men in the case of small drafts. Immediately on arrival in Trentham Camp the men are taken over by the Trentham Camp Staff. Every man is attested forthwith, and is given his first issue of kit and clothing. This first issue is almost invariably completed on the day of arrival in camp. Training commences on the following day. IV. Provision of Officers. 23. The numbers of officers required for Reinforcement drafts are calculated in accordance with the instructions laid down in Field Service Regulations, Part 11, Section 27 (2) —that is, one officer to forty men. But exact numbers are not adhered to. Only sufficient officers to handle the men are taken. This allows of promotions, as a reward for good service in the ranks, to be made at the front to replace casualties, and also it avoids premature exhaustion of Territorial officers available for service in the Dominion. 24. When the numbers of officers required for a Reinforcement draft have been calculated, the Officers Commanding Districts are asked to make their recommendations to the numbers required. Up to the present officers have been called for in equal numbers as far as possible from each district, but in future, in view of the officers that will be required for the Reinforcements of new units over and above the officers required for the Reinforcements of the original units which Went with the Expeditionary Force, it has been decided to call for the additional officers required in proportion to the total number of officers available on the list in each of the districts at the time the call is mswle. 25. Preference is given to ajiplicants in the following order :■ — (a.) Officers of the Territorial Force on the Active List. (b.) Officers of the Territorial Force on Unattached List (b). (c.) Reserve of Officers. (d.) Officers on the Retired List. (c.) oUlcers who have had previous military experience in the Military Forces of New Zealand and of the Empire. 26. The present conditions as regards officers are as follows: — „ (a.) Age : Lieutenants arc accepted up to thirty-eight years of age, Captains and Majors up to forty-eight years of age. Those limits have recently been adopted as a result of actual experience in Trentham Camp. (6.) Service : Officers must have held a commission for at least six months before being recommended. This rule also has only been recently adopted, as it Was found that some officers Were being recommended for admission into Trentham Camp from the Territorial Force who had less service than noncommissioned officers Who had been training in Trentham Camp with a view to obtaining a commission from the ranks. 27. On receipt by Headquarters of recommendations by Districts the officers finally approved for Reinforcement drafts arc directed to report in Trentham on a certain date. All appointments in Trentham Camp are only probationary, and officers

Publication of quotas required for Reinforcement drafts. Method of calling up quotas.

How the quotas get to camp.

Numbers required.

System of selection by districts.

Choice of officers.

Conditions.

Probationary appointment.