H.—l9

6

through the necessity for interfering with civil labour as little as possible, are taken into consideration, the results can only be considered as most satisfactory. Certain battalions are undoubtedly leading in discipline and efficiency, and it is generally recognized that the spirit and efficiency of a unit depend almost entirely on its officers. The work performed in the annual camps was elementary in character and suited to the age and experience of the majority of the Territorial soldiers, the great bulk of whom were recruits. An attempt on the part of certain officers to proceed to higher training was stopped and specific instructions issued to prevent any waste of time. These instructions also insisted on young officers being put through a recruit course until passed by the Adjutant as fit to instruct their men. Almost without exception the standard of efficiency and discipline attained within the week's training was extraordinarily high, and fully justified the expense and difficulty of holding these camps. The opportunities afforded officers and non-commissioned officers to increase their know ledge of leadership and administration, and the increased discipline and efficiency of the Territorial, will prove of the utmost, value when they are ultimately required for service with the Expeditionary Force. 10. Musketry. The musketry returns have not yet been completed, consequently the standard reached cannot be ascertained. A definite opinion as to results is therefore premature, but it is expected that the standard will be approximately that of last year. The "Solano" ranger is proving of the utmost value for the training of the Cadets, and useful work has been performed with the '22 rifles for miniature cartridges. Prizes for shooting wore awarded in proportion to the strength of the Territorial, Cadet, and Rifle Club forces. This system resulted in the Cadets winning the greater proportion. This will considerably add to the musketry efficiency of the Cadet, and give him a zest for shooting. 11. Rifle Clubs. There are now 231 Rilie Clubs in the Dominion. Considering the number of members who have volunteered and enlisted in the Expeditionary Force, and the abnormal strain of the present time, this is satisfactory. The clubs have contributed in other ways to recruiting, and have been the means of training men who, while beyond the age necessary for the Reserve, wish to serve their country in an emergency. The outstanding claim of the Expeditionary and Territorial Forces has considerably limited available range accommodation and musketry essentials. It speaks highly for the spirit animating Rifle Clubs in all parts that, despite the disabilities under which they have laboured owing to the stress of war, they still retain their keenness in a high elegree, and lose no opportunity of improving the efficiency of their shooting. 12. Courses of Instruction at Secondary Schools. At the invitation of the headmasters of the Wanganui and Waitaki Schools a four-day course of instruction was held at both schools by the Director of Military Training. This officer assumed entire charge of the schools during the period of instruction, and they became to all intents and purposes military barracks. Notwithstanding the pressure of war work, it was considered necessary to hold these " barracks," for the following reasons : — (a.) The claims of the Expeditionary Force. Many of the Cadets in secondary schools are approaching military-service age, and are prevented by school-work from benefiting by the better instruction given in the Territorial units. It was considered that these Cadets would derive great benefit from such a course of military instruction. (t>.) The importance of a high standard of discipline and efficiency in secondary-school units. In view of the fact that secondary schools offer the best medium for the instruction of Cadets, and that from their ranks the Defence Force should expect a large percentage of its young officers in the future, it is of the utmost importance that a systematic and universal system of training be adopted by all secondary schools, in addition to a high standard of discipline and efficiency. The reports of the headmasters concerned testify to the excellent effect these " barracks " have had on the Cadets and the immense value the educational authorities concerned place upon the object aimed, at. Both reports are unanimous in their expressions of approval of the work of the officers responsible for the success of these " barracks." The utmost credit is due to the school authorities concerned. It is unquestionable that the influence of these " barracks " will be far-reaching in the future. Much useful work was done during the "barracks"; discipline and health were excellent in both cases, and it is hoped that similar courses will be held in other secondary schools during the next training season. 13. Officers ok the New Zealand Forces serving with the Imperial Army. The officers of the Royal New Zealand Artillery and New Zealand Staff Corps, who were in England on the outbreak of war, are now all employed with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.