H.—l9

2

Arms, accoutrements, water-bottles, haversacks, mess-tins, waterproof sheets, nose-bags, and headropes for Mounted Rifles to be a Government issue. Uniform, Officers'. —That each officer, in addition to capitation, on passing for his commission, be granted an annual personal bonus, so long as he remains efficient, as follows—Lieutenants, £2 10s.; captain, £5 ; major, £7 10s.; lieutenant-colonel, £10 for the maintenance of his uniform, upkeep of his position, &c. To include officers of Defence Cadets, except that half of the above rates be paid. Supply of Officers. —That a Board of Selection be set up in each district, which will select and forward names for approval of Council of Defence, when vacancies or openings for promotion occur, preference by right to be given to officers or non-commissioned officers in the Forces, provided the Board is satisfied of their fitness, before recourse is made to selection from outsiders. A list to be opened where gentlemen desirous of becoming officers may register and receive preliminary training, from which list Board may select when necessary to go outside those at present serving. If election must be adhered to, the Board of Selection should approve of candidates before they go up for election. Efficiency of Officers. —That all officers be required, in order to draw the annual allowance before mentioned, to be tested every three years as to fitness, failing which they will be placed on the Reserve List. Officers on the Reserve List failing to maintain their efficiency to the satisfaction of the O.C. District, to be placed on the Retired List. The age-limit of officers and rank-and-file, as per regulations, to be adhered to. Department of the Chief of the General Staff. Field Organization, Military Operations, Staff Instructional Duties, Military Training and Education, Intelligence, Mobilisation, War Regulations. Field Organization. The organization into "Coast Defence" and Mobile Field Force and Reserves, as quoted in last report, has proved of much value as regards the Coast Defence Garrison Artillery Division. There is, however, much yet to be done in the " Field Force," regiments and battalions at present being so merely in name. Squadrons and companies do not seem to voluntarily give that allegiance to their corps necessary to insure the true regimental and battalion spirit. It is admitted that the training of a Force is by squadrons and companies, but in war these units must be administered and operate under regimental organization. What is not practised in peace must fail in war. Thus the various divisions, regiments, and battalions require true reorganization as such. Beserves. —Enrolment in the Reserves is disappointing, but is doubtless due to the fact that units likely to become Reserve Corps, and Volunteers when taking their discharges, are not yet acquainted with the conditions of service in the Reserves. This is being remedied by reminders in General Orders, and issue of posters to display in all orderly rooms. Rifle Clubs. —Attention must be given to Rifle Clubs in the way of simple training to make them more efficient Reserves. Their organization and affiliation to Volunteer corps would facilitate matters.

Medical, Veterinary, and Army Service Corps. —These important organizations of a Field Force are receiving attention at the hands of the Adjutant-General. The enrolled strength of the Defence Forces at the end of the Volunteer year, 29th February, 1907-8, was as follows: —

1906-7. 1906-7. 1907-8. Organization. Enrolled Number of Strength. Units. Enrolled Number ofl Strength. Units, j Decrease. Inorease. Headquarters Staff District Staff ... R.N.Z.A. Garrison Artillery *Field Artillery ... Field Engineers... Mounted Rifles ... Infantry Field Ambulance Defence Cadets ... Rifle Clubs t Bands Unattached officers ... ... > - ... 8. 45 361 929 461 470 4,189 6,881 211 3,094 3,141 142 101 5 9 5 5 72 118 5 58 126 5 14 50 307 1,001 361 439 3,923 6,118 215 3,158 3,369 449 151 215 165 12 5 9 5 5 69 114 5 60 143 17 54 100 31 266 763 6 5 "72 4 64 228 307 50 215 165 12 Reserves Medical Staff ... Veterinary Staff... Army Service Corps Total ... 20,033 20,033 19,947 434 410 1,214 1,128 Pue to Westport Battery being changed to a Garrison Artillery Company. f Bands.— The due to regimental and battalion bands being previously included with their a inorease in 1907-8 is. irps.