49

A.—4

17- A certain amount of disciplinary training is necessary, but in the case of the skilled tradesman regard must be paid that his trade is not unduly interfered with. The position of skilled tradesmen is very analogous to that of Ordnance Artificers on board ship. Organization of Training. 18. During the time of peace it is probable that training can be centralized in one place, but on the outbreak of hostilities an expansion of personnel will occur. The small number of units in existence in peace time must be thoroughly efficient, both as regards personnel and materiel, since on the outbreak of hostilities nearly all must be prepared to take up ranks or ratings at least one higher than that which they held in peace time. The size of the Air Services grew many thousand per cent, during the late war, and similar increments may occur in future wars. The keynote, then, of training and organization must be ability for rapid expansion in all directions at very short notice. 19. It is almost certain that no squadron or other unit will act as one after the first few months of war ; personnel will gradually be withdrawn to form a leavening or nucleus of new units mobilizing, their personnel being replaced by others who have not had the same continuous training. 20. This shows the necessity for the following preparations for war : — (a.) Extra training-depots must be ready for establishment at very short notice, as it will be impossible to retain all the training at one centralized place, even if it were desirable. (b.) Syllabuses of instruction for all different ranks and ratings must be prepared and revised as necessary, so that courses can b.e started with the minimum delay. (M) Organization of Scientific Research. It is very necessary that the fullest use should be made by naval officers of the advances of science. A copy of an Admiralty Memorandum of 31st December, 1918, on " Organization of Scientific Research and Experiment," is appended. 2. It is recommended that the Admiralty should be asked to keep the New Zealand Naval Board advised as to the progress made by the Scientific Research and Experiment Department. It is also recommended that an organization on similar lines should be provided in New Zealand when practicable. From the existing New Zealand Institute, which has technological sections and which can undertake investigation in general physical and chemical problems, a nucleus of a Naval Scientific and Research. Department could be formed. A number of the best scientists should be selected to form the Department, under the Presidency of the C.N.S., New Zealand Naval Board. A scientist of wide experience should be appointed as Vice-President. 3. A Department so constituted should be supplied by the Admiralty with confidential publications and information, and should keep in touch with the Scientific Research and Experiment Department of the Admiralty, otherwise overlapping will occur. 4. In the first instance the work of the scientists of the proposed Scientific Research and Experiment Department of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy might be carried out at Victoria University College, Wellington.