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(5) Training: Territorial Force. The annual training prescribed for all units remained unchanged—i.e., a camp of six days' duration, excluding days of arrival and departure (ten days for Coast Artillery Units), and a minimum of thirty-six hours out-of-camp training (sixty hours Coast Artillery Units). In both cases pay of rank was given for both camp training and out-of-camp training for these periods. In addition, two week-end bivouacs were again authorized for each unit. I regret to have to report that, with few exceptions, attendances at camp were most disappointing. In the country districts harvests and other seasonal work did not fall within the anticipated period, while in the towns the rising tide of prosperity found employers short-staffed or otherwise unwilling to give leave to their employees to attend camp. The small numbers available greatly hampered the training of all units, and, in some cases, it was impossible for units to carry out more than company or squadron schemes. I would again express my appreciation for the action of those employers who were able and willing to grant their employees leave to attend camp, but, at the same time, I cannot refrain from pointing out that, in many cases, such attendance resulted in the sacrifice of money as well as time 011 the part of those attending. In the case of one unit which was brought to my notice attendance at camp represented an average financial gain of 10s. per man to forty-two men, but an average loss of 235. per man to seventy-four men. The demands made upon the time of officers and non-commissioned officers by way of attendance at courses of instruction adds to the difficulty of solving a problem, which becomes more acute each year. It is only possible for them to devote a limited time to their military duties, whereas the complexity of modern war material demands an ever-increasing standard of military knowledge. The problem lies in equating these two factors. It is, however, pleasing to be able to record a marked improvement in the standard of training achieved by cadet units at most secondary schools. The Earl Roberts Imperial Cadet Trophy, which is competed for annually by cadet units throughout the Empire, was won by the Otago Boys' High School team, with a score of 295 points. The standard of small-bore rifle shooting is also steadily improving, and, although New Zealand did not succeed in winning a team event in the Imperial Challenge Shields competition, the number of medals awarded to individual competitors was fifty-nine, as against twenty-two in the preceding year. 6. NEW ZEALAND ARMY RIFLE ASSOCIATION. Financial limitations still preclude the reintroduction of the annual meeting of this association. 7. TERRITORIAL FORCE ASSOCIATIONS. The valuable work of these associations has been continuous throughout the year. Apart from their constant attention to the physical well-being of the citizen soldier, they are a valuable aid in endeavouring to combat that enemy with which the Territorial Force is constantly faced—public apathy. I desire, both on my own behalf and on that of the Forces under my command, again to place on record my appreciation of their efforts in both directions. 8. ORDNANCE SERVICES. (a) Duties. The duties of the N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps were described in last year's report. The important work of maintaining stores and equipment in serviceable condition has been performed as usual, while the inspection and testing of small-arms ammunition has been continued. (b) Personnel. Officers. —Some improvement has been effected in the position as it existed last year. One junior officer has been sent to England to attend the Ordnance Mechanical Engineers' Course, another with the B.E. degree has been appointed, and, after experience in a civilian workshop, has been posted to the Main Ordnance Depot at Trentham. An additional officer should be appointed this year for administrative work at the Main Ordnance Depot. Other Ranks (Including Civilians). —Four men are being selected for appointment as armourers and will be trained under a Warrant Officer (Armourer Sergeant-Major) from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, England, who has recently been appointed. An additional instrument-repairer (ex Warrant Officer, R.A.0.C.) has also been appointed. Probably two armourers for the Royal N.Z. Air Force will receive their initial training at the same time. A laboratory foreman, whose duties comprise the testing of gun ammunition, has received training in Australia during the year. (c) Equipment and Stores. It has not been possible to effect any improvement in the very unsatisfactory position regarding reserves of equipment and stores, as reported last year. The matter calls for immediate and urgent consideration.

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