8.—6

XX

Rifle Clubs. There has been a considerable increase in membership of the Rifle Clubs. On account of the war the usual concessions regarding arms and ammunition have necessarily been curtailed. This, to their credit, has been cheerfully accepted by the clubs. Senior Cadets. This most important branch of the Defence scheme is in a very satisfactory state, although inconvenience is occasioned to a certain extent by the shortage of officers and instructors whose services are, during the war, required elsewhere. Permanent Staff. It was found necessary to send away with the Expeditionary Force and reinforcements a considerable number of the officers who were on loan to New Zealand, also New Zealand Staff £ Corps officers and permanent noncommissioned officers. Their duties are being carried on by officers and N.C.O.s of the Territorial Force temporarily appointed. These officers are proving very efficient—another evidence of the value of the Defence scheme. The Government recognizes the valuable services of those members of the permanent staff who have been retained at their posts much against their will. It is obvious, however, that the Government could not allow all the members of the permanent staff to leave New Zealand for service at the seat of war. STATEMENT OF WAR EXPENDITURE. During the year the war expenditure brought to account amounted to £2,171,835, while the liabilities at that date were estimated at £596,710 in addition. The following are the particulars:— £ s. d. Advertising, printing, office equipment, &c. .. . . .. 4,219 5 5 Canteens .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16,097 8 8 Clerical assistance .. .. . . .. . . .. 4,371 4 2 Camps, recruiting and expenses of .. .. .. .. 116,964 8 9 Equipment, including purchase of boots, clothing, G.S. wagons, ammunition-carts, &c. . . .. .. . . .. 274,080 2 5 Forage .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 46,596 8 7 Home defence, forts, harbour patrols, examination of steamers, guarding cables, wireless stations, railway pickets, censors .. 116,945 10 8 Mechanical transport, including motor-cars, bicycles, oil for motors, &c. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,325 4 5 Pay and allowances .. .. . . . . . . 490,845 10 4 Postage, telegrams, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 2,531 14 7 Medical equipment, including hospital sleeping-suits, field hospitals and ambulances, surgical instruments, comforts, &c. .. 17,741 0 6 Purchase of horses and expenses incidental thereto .. .. 105,692 11 5 Prisoners of war .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,808 18 5 Rations .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 134,959|10 6 Transport of troops, including charter of steamers, meals, and fares of men travelling to join, freight, cartage, &c. .. .. 797,138 8 10 Travelling allowances and expenses .. .. .. .. 2,122 1 2 Administrative Samoa —sundry expenses, which may be recoverable from Samoan Administration .. .. .. 1,727 0 9 Donations transferred to Countess of Liverpool Fund .. .. 245 9 3 Superannuation .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,423 17 0 2,151,835 15 10 Appropriation Act, 1914, section 25 (Belgian relief) .. .. 20,000 0 0 £2,171,835 15 10