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in all genuine cases with a minimum amount of delay or inconvenience. The privilege was largely used, with the consequent result that it became difficult to give the necessary training to a large percentage of Territorials, but the best possible was done under the circumstances. It is reasonable, therefore, to conclude that — (1.) The Expeditionary Force could not have been so quickly established or equipped but for the existence and efficiency of the Territorial Force. (2.) The Expeditionary Force, training-camps and the. District Groups and Areas could not have been administered efficiently without the aid of the Territorial officers and non-commissioned officers who filled the vacancies of those who left with the original Expeditionary Force. (3.) The Territorial and Cadet Forces maintained an automatic supply of officers, noncommissioned officers, and Territorials for the Expeditionary Force which very considerably improved the training of this Force. It is satisfactory to state, that although New Zealand supported an Expeditionary Force in France, Egypt, and Samoa for four years of war, and sent over 100,000 of all ranks to the front from a population of a little over a million, it also wisely maintained a sufficient Defence Force in New Zealand without retaining troops for home service who were required with the Expeditionary Force. Had the training of the Territorial and Cadet Forces been suspended at the outbreak of the war some 60,000 Territorials and Cadets now serving would have lacked both training and discipline. The utmost credit is due to those officers and other ranks of both the Permanent, Temporary, and Territorial Staffs who have done so much to bring about this satisfactory result. The difficulties of training the Territorial and Cadet Forces have been enormous. In this respect, as in many others, the enthusiasm, self-sacrifice, and loyalty of the.Training Staff compensated for many of the deficiencies in material. SECTION II.—THE BRANCH OF THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL TO THE FORCES. Royal New Zealand Artillery. There are still twelve officers and eighty-four other ranks of the R.N.Z.A. away on service with the Expeditionary Force. A considerable number of those who have returned from the front have applied for their discharge from the R.N.Z.A. in order to seek more lucrative employment in civil life; nine discharges have been granted. The regiment is now thirty-six under strength ; very few recruits are offering, and up to the present the applicants do not include one returned soldier. After the Armistice was signed it was possible to reduce, considerably the number of Home Service men attached. The reduction was effected by granting discharges to those who wished for it in order to take up other employment. The number of Home Service men now attached is only eighty-two. This number, together with the R.N.Z.A. proper, is barely sufficient for the care and preservation of the material on charge. Recruits are now urgently wanted. The various Returned Soldiers' Associations and Repatriation Department are being circularized so as to give returned soldiers the first opportunity of filling the existing vacancies.' Judged from a " crimes " point of view, the high standard of discipline is still maintained, there being only three regimental entries during the year. It is noticeable, however, that the smartness in dress and carriage, which in pre-war days was equal to the best regular soldiers, has considerably fallen off, and, whilst all ranks are undoubtedly loyal to the regiment and its officers, a refresher course in drill and discipline as soon as conditions permit is very essential. Nuw Zealand Staff Corps. In August, 1914, the strength of the New Zealand Staff Corps was eighty-four. Since then twenty-four Cadets, graduates of the Royal College of Australia, have been taken on strength, making a total of 108. In December, 1918, seven cadets graduated from the Royal Military College on completion of the full course of four years. This is the only class which has undergone the full course at the Royal Military College of Australia. These officers are now undergoing instruction at training-camps and at General Headquarters. The following shows the disposition of the officers of the New Zealand Staff Corps during the war :— Embarked on active service .. . . . . .. . . 77 Transferred to R.N.Z.A. and to active service . . . . . . .. 8 Retained in New Zealand on duty .. . . .. .. 4 Retained in New Zealand, unfit for active service .. .. .. .. 7 Transferred to N.Z. Army Ordnance Department . . . . . . .. 1 Retired unfit for further service .. .. . . .. .. 1 Resigned . . .. .. .. . . .. .. .. 3 Died in New Zealand .. .. .. . . ..' . . .. 1 Attached to camps and General Headquarters for instruction - Cadets from Duntroon Military College . . ~ ~ ~ .. .. 6 108

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