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4. ANCILLARY SERVICES Meteorological Services The meteorological services required by the Air Force are provided by the Meteorological Branch of Air Department. The report of the Director of Meteorological Services appears in a separate section of this report. Air Traffic Control This division of the Civil Aviation Branch provides air traffic control and flight information services for the R.N.Z.A.F. in addition to discharging its Civil aviation responsibilities. All Air Traffic Control personnel at Air Force stations are members of the Territorial Air Force and work as members of the R.N.Z.A.F. This scheme represents an appreciable economy, but it will only work satisfactorily provided adequate steps are taken to include the full range of techniques required by the Air Force in the activities of the division. 5. AERONAUTICAL RESEARCH R.N.Z.A.F. officers appointed to the New Zealand Scientific Defence Corps have continued their activities in connection with aeronautical research. Their work in the United Kingdom has been highly praised. As some of these officers will be returning next year to continue their research, it is most desirable that the facilities available at Ardmore, both in the Research and Development Flight, R.N.Z.A.F., and the Auckland Engineering School should be developed to permit a continuance of this work and the retention of these officers. A detailed report of the New Zealand Scientific Defence Corps is contained in the report of the Chiefs of Staff. 6, PERSONNEL Statistics

Although, some progress has been made in the build-up of the Service to the peace establishment, a shortage of officers and aircrew has been experienced, and in certain branches there is still a serious under-manning. The strength position at the end of March, 1950, is as follows :

This strength summary shows a high proportion of short-service airmen serving with the R.N.Z.A.F. The majority of these personnel have been enlisted during the last three years from the United Kingdom and New Zealand sources. Permanent engagements, which will be granted to airmen who make suitable advancement during their initial service, will bring about a more even distribution of engagements during the coming year.

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—' Officers. Airmen. Airwomen. Total. Permanent service Short service (two to eight years) Temporary service 1 179 189 48 312 2,262 162 ! 331 12 491 2,782 222 416 2,736 343 3,495