H.—l9.

(c) Officers. The surplus officers carried on the Regimental Supernumerary List, as a result of establishments being reduced, in 1931, are being gradually absorbed into the active list, or, where this is impracticable, are being placed on the Reserve. Those who attended camp in the 1932-33 training-year: will be permitted; to remain on the Regimental Supernumerary List until the 31st May, 1934, if they, cannot sooner be absorbed into the active list. (d) Training. Training during the past year has ■suffered, in common with most other activities, from the adverse financial conditions which have prevailed. Training grants have been subjected to the most drastic curtailment, with the resultant restriction on courses of instruction. Such courses provide the best practicable means of raising the efficiency of officers and non-commissioned officers to that standard which is essential to the proper organization, training, and leading of our Territorial Forpe. I look forward to the time when funds will permit the reintroduction of regular courses of instruction. Attendance at night parades leaves much to be desired, despite the efforts of Territorial Associations to popularize these parades by the provision of after-parade amenities, such as club-rooms, sports, and games. This is partly due to the effect of counter-attractions, such as educational classes and entertainments, and in some measure to the fact that the cost of tram fares is an item which must necessarily be considered by the individual soldier in these days. There is no doubt that, if civic authorities were to grant a concession to soldiers in uniform travelling on municipal transport, it would be of considerable benefit to the Territorial Force not only in securing increased attendance at parades, but also in indicating that the fine public spirit actuating the citizen-soldier, in willingly shouldering his responsibilities as a citizen, is appreciated by the community. Weed-end training is far more popular than training at night parades, but the provision of rations makes the former more costly. It is hoped to make greater provision for this type of training in future. It must not be forgotten, however, that a minimum number of night parades is esseajwl' if a unit is to develop as a corporate body. Training in camp has been conducted with the greatest keenness. Attendance has varied, from 80 per cent, in some units to 40 per cent, in others. The establishment of units may be regarded a? the minimum strength necessary for efficient training. It is therefore essential that units should attend camp with their maximum enlisted strength if they are to practice in the field, with a ft}' degree of realism, their correct tactical employment. In those units where attendance at camp was unsatisfactory, the reason was no doubt largely due to the present conditions prevailing in the industrial life of the Dominion. In some cases employers cannot afford to release their employees to attend camp, and in others the employee cannot risk his further employment by asking for leave. I regret to say that the difficulty in obtaining leave for employees to attend camp has hot been confined entirely to private employers. As in past years, training in camp has been greatly facilitated by the generosity of private landowners and by racing clubs, and I wish to take this opportunity of publicly thanking all who have made their property available for training purposes. Notwithstanding all the difficulties with which we have had to contend during the year, I consider that very valuable training has been carried out by all units, and good progress has been made towards the attainment of an efficient standard. (e) Territorial Force Associations. During the past year the Territorial Force Associations have continued to render invaluable service in providing recreational and club-room facilities for the Territorial Force. I desire to take this opportunity of thanking all those public-spirited citizens who have gratuitously performed such excellent work for the welfare of the Forces. 4. CADETS. In the Imperial Challenge Shield Competition held throughout the Empire in 1932 the trophy presented by Admiral of the Fleet Earl Jellicoe, when Governor-General of New Zealand, was won by the St. Patrick's College Cadets, Silverstream, while the Medal of Honour (Bronze) issued by the National Rifle Association was awarded to Sergeant H. K. Waters of the Wellington College Cadets. I am very pleased to be able to report the very satisfactory standard of efficiency that has been attained by the Cadet Units throughout the Dominion, and it is very encouraging to note the enthusiasm of our youth and the support afforded by their officers who, in all cases, are on the staffs of the respective colleges or schools. Wherever sections have been established for the training of specialists—e.g., artillery, field engineering, signalling, &c., most commendable keenness has been shown and a very satisfactory degree of efficiency attained. More equipment, however, is required to maintain and extend this efficiency. An interesting feature of cadet training is the almost complete unanimity of opinion of Principals of colleges that such training is a great aid to the proper development of the boys and to the organization and control of the school. The strength of the Cadet Force is shown in Appendix I.

5