15

H.—l9

Measures are now being taken, in co-operation with the police, which will, it is hoped, reduce the disproportion between the gross numbers registered and those actually serving. The names of 2,707 untraced persons who have absented themselves from training have been handed to the police. 43. Posting. The arrangements for postinjz have been systematized and simplified. Certain modifications have been made in the system of posting drafts of one-seventh of the normal establishments annually. It was found that in the case of the smaller units the annual increment was so small that there would be insufficient during the earlier years of a unit's formation to enable it to derive any beneficial instruction as a unit. Consequently the smaller units were instructed to post double the annual contingents in June, 1914. Transfers to the Army Service Corps from units over strength of men in their proper years of service were invited with a view to placing the corps on the same footing as regards strength as the other units which were created at the inception of the defence scheme. 44. Regulations. A revised edition of the General Regulations lias been published. 45. Chaplains. I have again great pleasure in acknowledging the excellent work done by the Chaplains of all denominations at the recent camps, and it is very satisfactory that the manner in which they perform their duties should have been specially noted and commented on by the InspectorGeneral. Owing to the large numbers present in the divisional camps some increase in the number of Chaplains, for whom pay, messing, and allowance is admissible by regulation, received sanction. Since last year representatives of the Salvation Army have been officially recognized and attached to the Chaplains' Department, and I was glad to see them at the camps. 46. Colours. The following regiments are now authorized to carry colours: — Ist (Canterbury) Regiment. 2nd (South Canterbury) Regiment. 3rd (Auckland) Regiment (Countess of Ranfurly's Own). 4th (Otago) Regiment. sth (Wellington) Regiment. 6th (Hauraki) Regiment. 7th (Wellington West Coast) Regiment. Bth (Southland) Regiment. 9th (Hawke's JBay) Regiment. 10th (North Otago) Regiment. 12th (Nelson) Regiment. 13th (North Canterbury and Westland) Regiment, 14th (South Otago) Regiment. 15th (North Auckland) Regiment. 16th (Waikato) Regiment. 17th (Ruahine) Regiment. During the past year colours have been presented to the 6th (Hauraki) Regiment and the 16th (Waikato) Regiment by His Excellency the Governor. It should be understood that the very great privilege of possessing colours, if these are to be held in the high honour which is their due, is somewhat sparingly granted. An application to His Majesty the King, through the proper official channels, is necessary in each instance, and although the spirit of loyalty and esprit de corps which prompts offers of colours, or requests to have the privilege of,carrying them, is appreciated, the units upon whom this right can be bestowed are so limited by custom and tradition that it by no means follows that all requests can be forwarded, or, even if forwarded, that they will be sanctioned. In any case the design and pattern must be officially approved, and only those colours which have been officially approved and consecrated, and for which His Majesty's approval has been obtained, can be recognized. 47. Bands. The formation of regimental bands is being encouraged. A band may consist of twentyfive bandsmen of military age, with the addition of supernumeraries, up to ten in number, of any age. The tunes to which the various regiments march past have been decided upon. The formation of drum-and-fife or bugle bands for Cadets is also encouraged, and arrangements are being made whereby these bands shall obtain their instruments through the Defence Stores at cost price. 48. National Reserve. During the past year the National Reserve has made considerable progress, and the enrolment of those outside the present Defence Forces who have had military experience will provide a most useful reserve on which to draw in case of emergency. A set of regulations applicable to this organization will shortly be promulgated to ensure that the various committees are working on similar lines. I desire to express my thanks to those who have given so much of their valuable time to the creation of this reserve.