1.—12 a.

Visits to Camps. All members of the Committee visited mobilization camps at various times. Business of the Committee. At the initial meeting of the Committee the Minister of Defence made reference in general terms to certain items dealing with camp establishment and maintenance. The matters covered included the establishment of wet canteens, the relationship of prices charged in canteens to those in chain stores, and employment of returned soldiers as canteen workers ; hospitals ; amenities and recreation ; sporting-facilities; bands ; and details of troops then in camp. In Committee a multitude of subjects, which need not be detailed in this report, were deliberated upon. As a result of visits to mobilization camps and Air Force stations, members were able to obtain a clear view of military organization, the billeting, feeding, and clothing of troops, recreation amenities, and training. In some specific cases direct representations were made to the Government through the Minister of Defence, and the Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the way in which its suggestions and recommendations were received. The Committee commenced to function in November—that is, within two months of the outbreak of war—and by that date the effect of the Government's plans, pre-prepared and brought into operation in September, had become evident. However, the Committee deemed it helpful to administration if its views on specific matters, the more important of which are referred to in detail below, were made known. Ration Scale. The system in operation in the Army during the early months of the war of rationing on the fixedscale method was costly, and did not permit of the greater variety and change in menus. In the Air Force the ration system has operated on a maximum-cost basis, which eliminated waste and permitted of more varied selection for the men's tables. A resolution to introduce into the Army a scheme based upon a fixed maximum cost per man in substitution of the fixed ration allowance (in kind) was passed in Committee and conveyed to the Minister of Defence. In his reply the Minister informed the Committee that the Government had already decided, as from the Ist December, 1939, to make the change suggested, and explained in the following words the newly introduced system : — " From the Ist December onwards units have been authorized to indent for any items of food they require, adopting the ration scale as a guide only, provided the cost on an average does not exceed Is. 9d. per man per day. " Officers commanding units have been instructed to draw up weekly menus in advance, forwarding one copy to the Camp Commandant and one to the Camp Supply Officer, and ration indents will be in the hands of each Camp Supply Officer twenty-four hours prior to time of issue. This will enable the Camp Supply Officer to have all food indented for delivery to each unit, and it will be the unit commander's duty to maintain variation in the day-to-day menus by authorization of a ration list 011 a cash per head basis instead of a fixed article basis. This will ensure greater variety and will also remove any possibility of supplies in excess of requirements being drawn. " It is recognized that the Is. 9d. per man per day is an arbitrary figure, and it will probably happen that over one period the cost may be a little higher, perhaps up to 25.., where on another it may be down as low as Is. 6d. It is expected that on an average, however, the cost will not exceed Is. 9d. per man per day." Clothing Issues. This question was introduced at the meeting held on the Bth November, when, by invitation, the Adjutant-General gave details of the stocks of khaki drill in store, and of the battle dress issue. The Adjutant-General stated that if New Zealand troops were sent to France on active service they would be issued with two suits of battle dress. Much consideration was given to the cut and style of the trouser issue. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the issue to the Second and Third Echelon troops is a decided improvement on that issued to the First Echelon. Patriotic Funds. A resolution on this subject is quoted : — " In the opinion of this Committee the regulations dealing with Patriotic Funds covering the provision of entertainments, comforts, conveniences, &c., for soldiers be amended, if such amendment is necessary, in order to provide that the National Patriotic Council and the Provincial Patriotic Councils be empowered to grant complete exemption from the regulations to voluntary organizations concerned with the entertainment or comfort of soldiers on leave, subject to proper audit of accounts. The A.N.A. Social Club, Wellington, is a case in point." A deputation consisting of the Chairman, supported by other members of the Committee who were also members of the National Patriotic Council, awaited on the Council, and as a result very satisfactory arrangements were completed whereby smooth and efficient management and working of organizations such as the A.N.A. Social Club was ensured.

Welfare. The Committee, from the personal observations of its members, notes with appreciation the results of the efforts made by the National Patriotic Council and the various religious and social organizations in the provision of recreational amenities and comforts for military personnel. In the opinion of the Committee the work performed by these organizations and institutions warrants the highest commendation, and is undoubtedly a factor in the attainment of such a high standard of efficiency in each .arm of the Service.

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