H.— 37

Training Organization (a) Flying Training. —In September, 1944, the United Kingdom authorities decided that no further drafts of aircrew need be sent to that country from New Zealand. As a result the training organization had to be curtailed to meet Pacific requirements only, and the large number of surplus aircrew in various stages of training had to be absorbed into the reduced training organization as rapidly as possible. This necessitated a complete revision of flying training policy and organization, and the opportunity was taken to effect certain improvements in the training system with the aim of attaining quality rather than quantity in our aircrew. The closing-down of Southern Group Headquarters in October, 1944, transferred the majority of work hitherto performed by that headquarters to Training Branch at Air Department. The success achieved by our aircrew in every theatre of war reflects great credit on all those responsible for flying training. (b) Technical Training.—Although the numbers trained show a decrease during the past year, technical training has covered a greater number of trades than usual, and a high standard maintained despite the lack of technical background of the personnel under training. (c) Physical Education and Recreational Training.—Under the supervision of trained personnel a marked improvement in physical fitness and physique has been effected during the year. In view of the liability of all fit personnel to serve overseas, a determined effort has also been made to teach as many as possible to swim. The success achieved in this direction is reflected in the fact that over 400 officers and airmen have qualified for Royal Life Saving Society awards. (d) General and Service Training.-— This aspect of training has been maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Service. Educational Services General educational facilities have been greatly extended over the last year, particularly for personnel in the Pacific and Great Britain. Education Officers are now established at all Pacific stations and their activities extended to include National Patriotic Fund activities, supply and screening of motion-picture films, and in some cases the publication of a station newspaper. Air Training Corps The strength of the Air Training Corps showed a decrease during the year of approximately 10 per cent. This was primarily due to a change of policy regarding the percentage allowance of school strengths for the A.T.C. Mobilization into the R.N.Z.A.E. also dropped considerably due to the curtailment of aircrew enlistments over a period of seven months. The supply of instructional equipment has been excellent, enabling all units to be fully provided. This has been a big factor in maintaining the interest of the Cadets. Women's Auxiliary Air Force Policy changes permitted a considerable reduction in strength of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during the year. Members of the Auxiliary have continued to discharge their duties efficiently, and have proved a valuable part of the R.N.Z.A.F. The state of accommodation and equipment has been maintained at the previous high standard, and every precaution has been taken to safeguard the health and general welfare of all members of the Auxiliary. Medical Branch The past year has seen a stabilizing in the size of the medical service. There has been, at the same time, a period of development and alteration of existing services. The health of the R.N.Z.A.F. in both New Zealand and the Pacific area has been consistently good. Dental Services The routine dental examination and treatment for all R.N.Z.A.F. personnel has been steady and continuous on all Stations during the last twelve months. Works and Buildings The general organization for maintenance and construction remained unaltered throughout the year. In addition to carrying out miscellaneous construction and building work of importance, works squadrons in New Zealand served as manning pools for works squadrons overseas. These latter provided works services for R.N.Z.A.F. units in the Pacific, whose sawmill units in the forward area have achieved remarkable results in their daily output. Equipment The reduction in the number of stations in operation in New Zealand has had a consequent overall effect upon the general supply position. Overseas units have also been faced with a change of procedure resulting in the necessity for New Zealand supplying an increased amount of equipment. The general supply situation throughout the year has been satisfactory; but at times supplies of certain items have been critical. Such shortages have been universal, but the R.N.Z.A.F. has received a very reasonable proportion of its demands. Aircraft deliveries were satisfactorily maintained. Considerable improvement to the operational and safety equipment issued to aircjew has been effected during the year, which greatly enhances the prospect of survival in the event of their having to abandon their aircraft. Liaison has been established with various authorities for the disposal of equipment surplus to R.N.Z.A.F. requirements.

3