H.—s.

10. The following advancements of New Zealand ratings have been made during the period under review :— Able Seaman to Acting Leading Seaman .. .. . ■ • • .. 6 Able Seaman to Acting Sailmaker's Mate .. . • • • • ■ .. 1 Leading Seaman to Acting Petty Officer .. . . ■ • • • .. 2 Telegraphist to Acting Leading Telegraphist . • . • • • • • 2 Leading Telegraphist to Acting Petty Officer Telegraphist .. .. . . 1 Signalman to Acting Leading Signalman .. . . - ■ • • • ■ 1 Yeoman of Signals to Chief Yeoman of Signals .. . ■ • • .. 1 Stoker to Acting Leading Stoker .. .. .. • • • ■ .. 6 Leading Stoker to Acting Stoker Petty Officer .. .. • • • • 5 Stoker Petty Officer to Chief Stoker . . . . • • • • .. 1 Mechanician to Chief Mechanician.. .. . ■ • ■ • • . . 2 Writer to Leading Writer .. .. • ■ • • • • .. 2 Cook to Leading Cook .. .. .. • • • • • • .. 2 Leading Steward to Petty Officer Steward .. . . . ■ • • .. 1 11. The general question of recruiting New Zealand entries and their subsequent training and advancement has been made the subject of close inquiry by a committee appointed for that purpose. As a result it has been possible to increase the rate of recruiting and to advance a greater number of those already serving to higher rates. 111. Personnel, Royal Naval Reserve (N.Z.D.). 12. The strength of the Royal Naval Reserve on the 31st March, 1936, was as follows : Officers, 11 ; ratings, 105. 13. The approved establishment of Officers is 12. As this number is insufficient, and lurther candidates are available, it is proposed to seek approval to increase gradually the establishment to 20. IV. Personnel, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (N.Z.D.). 14. The numbers borne on the 31st March, 1936, were as follows : Officers List I, 68 ; List 11, 21. Men —List I, 560 ; List 11, 777. 15. As there are no facilities for training officers and men on List II as at present constituted, it is proposed to abolish the former, to allow the latter to die out, and institute supernumerary lists. The numbers to be borne on these lists will be strictly limited and will be confined to officers and men who are prevented from attending regularly at Headquarters, but who may be available to carry out sea training. . 16. Approximately 55 per cent, of the Executive Officers and 78 per cent, of the men on List 1 have performed obligatory training in H.M. ships. The keenness of both officers and men has been well maintained. The provision made for the additional (voluntary) training of officers and men has been utilized to the full extent. 17. Specifications and tenders for a new trawler for training reservists have been received from the High Commissioner in London, but the order has not yet been placed. 18. Further additions, in particular those connected with mine-sweeping, have been made to the instructional appliances supplied to Divisional Headquarters. These have been suitably installed at Auckland and Wellington, but restricted space has delayed action at Canterbury. At Otago the space available is totally inadequate. The Headquarters at Otago are generally unsuitable, and the provision of new premises is an urgent matter. V. Proceedings (Cruisers of New Zealand Division). H.M.S. " Dunedin." 19. On Ist April, 1935, H.M.S. " Dunedin " (broad pendant of Commodore Commanding) was at Auckland completing her biennial refit. 20. On 12th April the draft of Imperial ratings arrived from England, and the ship was completed to full complement. 21. During the period 12th April to sth June, gunnery and torpedo exercises were carried out, the ship docked and stored, &c., preparatory to sailing for the annual cruise to the Pacific Islands. 22. All ships of the New Zealand Squadron were present in Auckland for the visit of the Japanese Training Squadron H.I.M. Ships Asama " and " Yakumo " from 21st to 24th May, and for the Jubilee celebrations on Accession Day. 23. On sth June " Dunedin " sailed for the Pacific Islands, visiting Norfolk Island, Suva, Apia, Pago Pago, Danger Island, Fanning Island, Honolulu, Christmas Island, Penrhyn, Bora Bora, Tahaa, Papeete, Rarotonga, and Nukualofa, returning to Auckland on 30th August. 24. During the period 30th August to 9th October the ship was docked, and gunnery and torpedo exercises carried out in company with H.M.S. " Diomede " in the Hauraki Gulf. 25. H.M.S. " Dunedin " sailed from Auckland on 9th October for a cruise to New Zealand ports, visiting Blufi, Dunedin, Akaroa, Lyttelton, Wellington, and Picton, returning to Auckland on 30th November to give Christmas leave. 26. After carrying out gunnery and torpedo exercises in Hauraki Gulf, " Dunedin " sailed from Auckland visiting Russell, Napier, Timaru, Blufi, and Stewart Island before arriving at Wellington on 16th March, where the ship's company are undergoing their annual musketry course at Trentham •Oamp.

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