H.—s,

I—H. 5.

1939. NEW ZEALAND.

NEW ZEALAND NAVAL FORCES. REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF FOR THE PERIOD 1st APRIL, 1938, TO 31st MARCH, 1939.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command oj His Excellency the Governor-General.

REPORT. The Honourable the Minister of Defence. Navy Office, Wellington, 4th May, 1939. Sir, — I have the honour to address to you the following report on the Naval Forces of the Dominion and the proceedings of the New Zealand Naval Station during the yeai Ist April, 1988, to 31st March, 1939. Section I.—State and Administration. 2 On Ist April, 1939, the New Zealand Naval Forces consisted of— H.M.S. " Leander " (broad pendant of the Commodore Commanding New Zealand Squadron). H.M.S. " Achilles." , , , . x _ H.M.S. " Philomel" (non-seagoing training and depot ship at Devonpoit, Auckland). H.M.S. "Wakakura" (trawler). . R.F.A. " Nucula " (hulk for storage of oil at Auckland; no longer seagoing). 3 Two escort vessels (H.M. Ships " Wellington" and ' Leith ) are maintained on the station by His Majesty's Government in Great Britain. They form part of the New Zealand Squadron. They are administered by the Commodore Commanding the Squadron, but are under the general control of the Chief of the Naval Staff. 4 HM S " Endeavour" is employed on surveying duties in New Zealand waters. The cost'of fuel and refit is borne by the New Zealand Government, other charges by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. 5. The administration of the New Zealand Naval Forces was reorganized m June, 1938—the Minister continues to be the President of the Naval Board, and the Chief of the Naval Staff is now resident at Wellington. The Commodore m Command of the Squadron has ceased to lie a member of the Board, and the dockyard establishments have been placed under the direct control of the Naval Board. Section II. —Personnel (Active Service). 6. Careful consideration has been given to the question of entering New Zealand candidates for service as commissioned officers in the New Zealand Naval Forces. A policy has been worked out, and it is hoped that an announcement will be made in due course. 7 On 31st March, 1939, there were 7 officers and 688 ratings borne on the active list, all of whom (except 16) had been entered or recruited in New Zealand. The overall increase of New Zealand ratings borne during the year is 51. The ships companies were completed by 72 officers and 619 ratings loaned from the Imperial Service,