H.—l9

6

The object of such courses has been to give officers and non-commissioned officers the latest teachings of modern war, obtained both from the French and Gallipoli fronts, and to ensure that all units in New Zealand should train on the lines identical, with the Home Army. As a preliminary to the district courses a " district, exercise " was conducted by the Assistant Director of Military Training, who recently arrived from the French front, in each of the four military districts. These were well attended. The aim of all the instruction given during these exercises has been to impress upon officers the extreme importance of establishing a good foundation of individual discipline and efficiency before attempting to carry out intricate drill and manoeuvres. The effect of such instruction was most marked at the subsequent Territorial camps, and the increased instructional value of the officers who had attended the exercises was very apparent. 21. Harbour Defences. The forts have been inspected by the Assistant Director of Military Training. The gun drill, gun practice, discipline, and efficiency of all ranks, and the condition of the forts, were found to be most creditable. 22. Surveys and Mafs. The importance of a good topographical map of the Dominion cannot be too strongly emphasized. In training in modern warfare effective work cannot be done without the use of accurate and detailed maps. This will be apparent to all who have studied the present campaign, for air-craft, concealed artillery, and the field telephone have all combined to bring about a form of warfare in which accurate maps become essential to success. The Topographical Survey Section of this Department has this year completed a topographical survey of Auckland and the surrounding country. A good map of the area is now in course of preparation on a scale of Ito 125,000. This map, besides being essential to the proper defence of Auckland, will lie invaluable in any training operations carried out in the future in this locality. In addition to the above a topographical map of the country surrounding the Featherston Camp has been made, and this is now being extensively used in connection with the training of the reinforcements to the Expeditionary Forces overseas. 23. Dominion Rifle Meeting. The meetings of the Dominion Rifle Association will not be held during the war. The rifle ranges at Trentham are being used for the training of the Expeditionary Force reinforcements. Considerable improvements have been and are being effected on the ranges. 24. " Military Journal." Owing to pressure of work due to the war it. has been deemed necessary to suspend publication for the present. Contributors have been invited to forward articles for future numbers. 25. Next Year's Training. During the coming year it is intended to devote particular attention to the instruction of junior officers and non-commissioned officers. This is essential if they are to give useful instruction to their men. By a. careful system of elementary training it is hoped that a high standard of collective training will ultimately be arrived at. So far as is possible it is hoped to bring officers and non-commissioned officers into trainingcamps for short courses of instruction. These officers will be selected from amongst those who are unable to offer their services to the Territorial Force. The present war has shown the extreme desirability of sound individual efficiency and a high standard of discipline; without both these essentials a battalion becomes valueless in the field. All efforts will therefore be concentrated upon attaining a high standard of efficiency and discipline, for which the foundation undoubtedly exists. SECTION 11.— THF BRANCH OF THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL TO Till-: FORCES. 26. Royal New Zealand Artillery. The regiment is now ten officers over and one other rank under establishment. There have been nine enlistments during the year. Applicants for enlistment who are of military age for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force are not being accepted during the period of the war. One man has been discharged on account of his services being no longer required. No discharges by purchase, or retirements on account of age, &C, have been permitted since the war commenced. There has been one desertion. Eleven officers and eighty-one non-commissioned officers and men are absent with the Expeditionary Force. One driver has been killed in action, and five non-commissioned officers and men have been invalided to New Zealand and are unfit for further active service. 27. New Zealand Staff Corps. The strength of the New Zealand Staff Corps is now eighty-eight, or twelve under establishment. Eleven commissions have been given during the year to Cadets who have passed through the Royal Military College of Australia (five in the Staff Corps and six in the R.N.Z.A.). At present there are twenty Cadets under instruction at the Royal Military College who will receive commissions in the New Zealand Staff Corps as they qualify.