19

H.—l9d.

strength of the camp staffs is, however, constantly under revision, and every effort is made to effect reductions. Comparison or Sling and Trentham Camps Staffs. Sling. Trentham. (a.) Average camp strength, period June, 1.917, (a.) Average camp strength, period January, 1918, to March, 1918 .. .. .. 4,600 to August, 1918 .. .. .. 3,927 (6.) Permanent staff, average strength.. .. 583 (6.) Permanent staff, average strength ~ .. 822 For purposes of comparison must be added For purposes of comparison must bo dcto (6) —■ ducted from (6) —• (c.) Temporary staff of unfit employed men doing (c.) Trentham staff employed on duties performed duties performed In Trentham by perma- in Sling camp by Imperial Army or not ncnt staff .. . . .. .. 338 required .. ' .. .. . . 309 Total of (6) and (c) .. .. 921 (6) less (c) .. .. .. 513 Proportion of staff to camp strength — 921 : 4,000 Proportion of staff to camp strength = 513 : 3,927 (i.e., 1 : 5). (i.e., 1 : 7-0). Page 64. 129. Reduce lay staff of each Medical Board to three persons. Vide 101. Page 53. This is a variation, of a suggestion to dispense with the whole of the lay members of the Boards, which was very fully considered and discussed. The suggestion was submitted to the Group Commanders, the majority of whom pronounced adversely on it. The present suggestion will be submitted to the Group Commanders as soon as possible, and their opinion obtained, but it would appear to be impracticable. The Group staffs have been reduced, and there arc occasions when concentration and training refresher courses would absorb the whole Group staff. It is known that in some Groups the staff could not be spared for this work, and it is believed that the proposition would produce an immediate demand from the Groups for more staff to meet the situation. A. small saving would apparently be made. In five Groups the apparent saving would be £15 16s. lid., or £3 3s. sd. per Group per ballot. If the suggestion be found practicable, there still remains the consideration whether it would be worth while to dispense with the services of men who understand the duties required of them to effect the small saving involved. Page 64. 130. Gazette names of men finally classed C 2, giving reasons. Vide 103. Page 53. Lists of names for gazetting under section 46 were prepared last year, but the setting-up of the C 2 Re-examination Board caused publication to be held up pending revision. New lists are in course of preparation, commencing with the First Division, but these lists will not show disabilities. Page 64. 131. Payment of allotments, separation allowance, &c, should be lunar, or for one-twelfth of a year , instead of by calendar month. Vide 21.' Page 14, Steps are being taken to investigate the proposal with a view to effecting any changes which may be considered necessary. Page 64. 132. Abolish groomage, allowance. Vide 31. Page 19. This question is under consideration by the Board of Inquiry on Pay and Allowances now sitting at General Headquarters. Page 64. 133. Abolish professimial -pay in certain cases. Vide 36. Page 19. The policy of granting professional pay to Medical and Dental Officers serving in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force was adopted at the commencement of the war, before the passing of the Military Service Act, and has been kept up ever since. The matter is now under the consideration of the Board on Pay and Allowances. Page 64. 134. Abolish, field-service allowances in standing camps. Vide 24. Page 17. Vide 31. Page 19. Page 64. 135. Establishment camp allowance and. field, allowance on flat rate. Vide 33. Page 19. Vide 34. Page 19. This matter is also under consideration by the Board on Pay and Allowances. Page 64. 136. Increased pay of Lieutenants on Staff work in New Zealand. Vide 30. Page 18. Page 64. 137. Increase travelling-allowance of Ca,ptains and, Lieutenants. ■ ■ Vide 38. Page 27. All four questions are under consideration by a Board of Inquiry on Pay and Allowances now sitting at General Headquarters.