H—37

The despatch of No. 14 Fighter Squadron to Japan required the taking from storage of 24 of the latest type Corsair aircraft and preparing them, for service. During December, 1945, a Gloster Meteor jet-propelled aircraft arrived on loan from the R.A.F., and was assembled and flown by trained personnel who had recently returned from England. Supply The termination of lease-end procurement resulted in slight reorganization of procedure, but, coming as it did long after peak requirements, the changeover was made smoothly. Provisioning in general has been suspended, and practically all requisitions are confined to short-term requirements. No change of supply procedure has been introduced. Aging of stocks, evaporation, and the consequent increase in lead content has necessitated the relegation of aviation spirit to motor spirit. Signals With the cessation of hostilities in the Pacific during the year under review the communication organization for the New Zealand Air Task Force and R.N.Z.A.F. rear bases was gradually reduced with the withdrawal of operational units from the area. Full facilities remain at Lauthala Bay (Fiji). Within New Zealand, communications have been reorganized to meet the reduced administrative and operational requirements. Extensive facilities and long-dlistancei circuits for the exclusive use of the air traffic and meteorological organizations have been provided. The development of regular R.N.Z.A.F. Air Transport Services, both within the Dominion and to Norfolk Island, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Group, necessitated considerable effort towards the establishment of reliable communications and radio navigational aids over these routes. Negotiations for the acquisition of surplus United States military radio equipment for permanent installation have been instituted. Meteorological The Meteorological Branch has continued to provide all weather information required for the Armed Services, for other Government Departments, for civil aviation, and for the civil community generally. At the cessation of hostilities the full-time staff numbered 365 personnel at thirty-two locations in New Zealand and the Pacific. Government approval has been given for the reversion of the Meteorological Service from R.N.Z.A.F. to civil status, and the necessary reorganization was in progress at the close of the period under review. Public Relations Throughout the year Public Relations Section has continued to be responsible for matters affecting public relations generally, including the issue of R.N.Z.A.F. news and publicity, advertising, sale of photographs, casualty records, and notification to next-of-kin. Conclusion I desire to record my appreciation of the services given by all ranks of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and civilian staff during the past year. I have, &c., A. de T. Nevill, Air Vice-Marshal, Chief of the Air Staff.

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