H.-19.

this branch receives a yearly grant of £1 provided he attains a certain degree of proficiency. The money so expended yields a valuable return. A manual of garrison artillery drill has been published. It will be of great benefit to the officers and men. Staff Sergeant-Major Eichardson, .E.A., has devoted much time and labour to this manual, which is an excellent one.

Distribution of Branch A.

The work done by the B Branch of the Naval Artillery is that of rifle companies. A wise decision has been arrived at in allowing these corps a certain time within which they must become infantry companies, and become absorbed in the battalions about to be formed. The Bluff and the Nelson Naval Artillery Companies are very excellent infantry companies; the Thames, Westport, and Timaru Companies are very good.

Distribution of B Branch.

5

District and Corps. Officers. Men. Proficient. Qualified for Capitation. Unqualified. Bemarks. Auckland— Auckland Navals Ponsonby Navals Devonport Navals 3 3 4 87 87 83 30 56 9 82 87 8 3 87 Good. Very good. Good. Total 10 257 95 169 98 Wellington— Wellington Navals ... Petone Navals 3 3 95 71 65 48 84 65 14 9 Excellent. Very good. Total 166 113 149 23 Canterbury— Lyttelton Navals Good. 65 14 59 Otago — Dunedin Navals Port Chalmers Navals 3 3 72 77 47 32 69 76 6 4 Very good. Good." Total 149 79 145 10 Grand total, 8 corps ... 23 637 301 522 138

District and Corps. Officers. Men. Capitated. Unqualified. Remarks. Auckland— Thames Navals 70 68 4 Very good. Wellington— Wanganui Navals Napier Navals 2 3 63 49 63 50 2 2 Very good. Good. Total 112 113 Canterbury — Timaru Navals 79 66 15 Very good. Otago— Bluff Navals... Oamaru Navals 4 3 97 58 98 59 3 2 Very good. Improved. Total 155 157 Nelson, &c.—• Nelson Navals Greymouth Navals Westport Navals 3 3 2 60 52 64 61 55 58 2 Very good. Moderate. Very good. "8 Total 176 174 10 Grand total, 9 corps ... 24 592 578 38