H.—l9.

8. PUBLICITY. Following the appointment of Territorial officers who have special qualifications as part-time publicity officers, a vigorous campaign was launched to stimulate public interest and help recruiting. By means of the press, radio, posters, pamphlets, screen advertising, and, most important of all, public demonstrations by Territorial units, excellent results have been obtained for a very small financial expenditure. In this respect may I express appreciation of the great assistance given by the press throughout New Zealand not only in giving the Army free space, but also in going to a great deal of trouble to give publicity to the activities of the Territorial Force. The Broadcasting Services have been equally generous in helping us. Advantage was taken of the simultaneous delivery of the first consignments of Bren armoured carriers and of Bren light machine-guns to give a public demonstration of army mechanization and fire power at Trentham. Ten thousand people from the Wellington District witnessed a comprehensive programme, which included the following : — (i) Battle practices by Vickers Gun (Motorized) and Motor-cycle (Lewis Gun) Platoons of the Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment (City of Wellington's Own). (ii) Demonstration of new Bren gun in action firing from the armoured carriers, and dismounted for action, carrying out battle practices with the gun on its various mountings. During the latter phase the crews were subjected to gas attack. (iii) Cross-country demonstrations in hill-climbing and crossing shell-torn areas by mechanized Field Artillery manned by personnel of the sth Field Battery, N.Z.A.; Bren armoured carriers manned by Regular Troops ; motor-cyclists of the Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment (C.W.0.) carrying full Lewis gun equipment. (iv) " Light tank " attack on mechanized Field Battery in action on anti-tank platforms. Surprise tank attack covered by smoke-screen and met by counter Artillery fire. 9. MODERN EQUIPMENT. (a) General. Difficulty is still being experienced in obtaining delivery within a reasonable time of large orders placed abroad, mainly because of more urgent needs in the United Kingdom and other areas more directly threatened. Some orders placed in 1934—35 are still outstanding. The rate of production is, however, rapidly increasing, and I anticipate that our orders will come to hand more readily in future. Modern equipment supplied during the past few months includes the initial consignment of Bren armoured carriers, and also of Bren light machine-guns. Although these modern weapons arrived too late for employment at the majority of the Infantry annual camps, they have been used extensively during the last two months for training Territorials and for demonstrations. Both the armoured carriers and the new guns have created great interest, and also had a reassuring influence on the people. They also enable the troops to see what modern light tanks can do, and thus appreciate the necessity for proper anti-tank defensive measures. Moreover, and most important of all, the fighting efficiency of the Army is increased. (b) Coast Defences. Delivery has been made of portions of the technical equipment required to complete the new coast defences at Auckland and Wellington. At the former port the necessary communications have also been completed. A similar system is in course of installation at Wellington. The full fighting equipment for Lyttelton has been ordered, and construction is proceeding satisfactorily. It is hoped that the modern armament will be installed without undue delay. (c) Field Force Artillery. Extra six-wheeled Field Artillery tractors were obtained during the year, enabling a reasonable distribution for training on a mechanized basis. The necessary steps were also taken to provide the remaining 18 pr. field guns with pneumatictired wheels. The conversion of 4-5 in. howitzers to pneumatic tires is proceeding. Local experiments have evolved a satisfactory method of converting Artillery-ammunition vehicles to pneumatic-tired wheels. Provision of our requirements in this direction is in hand. Six-inch howitzers have been fitted with rubber-padded wheels, which will increase their mobility and their value considerably. The conversion of the remaining mobile Artillery (3-7 in. howitzers and 60 pr. guns) is not being attempted at present. (d) Engineers. Folding boat-bridge equipment, modern water-supply stores, and power tools have all come to hand and have been utilized for training by the Territorial field companies. Further stocks are on order. (e) Signals. A proportion of the wireless equipment on order was received during the year, and is being used for the training of the New Zealand Corps of Signals and also of Artillery and Mounted Rifles Signal personnel. As more of this equipment comes to hand the latter units will be issued with their proper quota of wireless sets.

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