H.—l9.

1932. NEW ZEALAND.

DEFENCE FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING NEW ZEALAND MILITARY FORCES.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

REPORT.

The Hon. the Minister of Defence. Wellington, 30th July, 1932. Sir, — Ī have the honour to submit the following report on the New Zealand Military Forces for the period Ist June, 1931, to 31st May, 1932 : — 1. N.Z. PERMANENT FORCES. (a) Commands and Staff. Colonel J. H. Whyte, D.5.0., D.C.M., N.Z.S.C., who relinquished command of the Central Command oil the 22nd December, 1930, retired on the 30th June, 1931. Colonel F. Symon, C.M.G., D.5.0., R.N.Z.A., Director of Artillery and O.C. Central Command, was appointed A.D.C. to the King as from the 22nd July, 1931. Wing-Commander S. Grant-Dalton, D.5.0., A.F.C., R.A.F. (Retd.), relinquished the appointment of Director of Air Services on the 30th. September, 1931, and returned to England. Squadron-Leader T. M. Wilkes, M.C,, N.Z.P.A.F., was appointed Director of Air Services on the Ist October, 1931. Major W. G-. Stevens, R.N.Z.A., was appointed General Staff Officer (Intelligence and Staff Duties) at G.H.Q., in addition to his appointment of O.C. G.H.Q. Training Depot, Trentham Camp, dated the 23rd November, 1931. Hon. Colonel H. H. Sterling relinquished the appointment of Director of Railways, and the appointment has been taken up by Hon. Colonel P. G. Roussell (General Manager, N.Z. Railways). (b) Military Education. Captain L. G. Goss, N.Z.S.C., after completing his attachments to the British Regular Army in England, returned to New Zealand on the 23rd August, 1931, and took up the appointment of A.A. and Q.M.G., Central Command. There are now no officers of the N.Z. Permanent Forces undergoing instruction abroad, nor are there any Cadets at the British Service Colleges whose fees are being paid by the New Zealand Government. New Zealand has had no representative at the Imperial Defence College since 1930, and for financial reasons we have been unable to nominate an officer to attend in 1933. I would emphasize the valuable and special training which is carried out at the Imperial Defence College. If the College is to fully carry out, its functions, it is essential that all the overseas dominions should continue their representation, and it is therefore hoped that it will'be possible in 1934 for New Zealand to resume its nominations. (e) Officers seconded. The period of secondment of Captain K. L, Stewart, M.8.E., N.Z.S.C., with the Ceylon Defence Forces has been extended until the 13th January, 1934. Lieutenant G. H. Heal, N.Z.8.C., returned from Samoa on the 2nd August, 1931, and ceased to be seconded for service with the Department of External Affairs.