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Preventive Treatment. X-ray of the chests of the whole of the Expeditionary Force, with the exception of part of the first Echelon, has been undertaken. The wisdom of the policy of X-raying the troops is shown by the fact that about 1 per cent showed evidence of latent or active T.B. Tetanus toxoid is now given to all the troops as a preventive measure against tetanus (lock-jaw). Blood-grouping and blood-typing is also carried out. Mortality Rate. It is gratifying to be able to state that the death-rate amongst troops in camp has been remarkably low. Since the mobilization of the Special Force only 18 deaths have occurred amongst troops in camp, and of these, 12 were due to accident. Health op Troops. The efficiency of the medical organizations was severely tried in the latter part of October, and during November, 1939, owing to an epidemic of influenza in which between 40 per cent, and 60 per cent, of the troops were effected. The fact that there was not a single death and only four cases of true pneumonia as a result of this infection is evidence of the success of the measures taken. AMMUNITION. Small-arms. At the beginning of the training year negotiations were in progress with the Colonial Ammunition Company regarding the supply of small-arms ammunition. The negotiations have resulted in an arrangement with the company, which has greatly increased its output, and the ammunition reserve situation is being steadily improved. Gun. Last year steps were taken to increase the quantity of gun ammunition held in New Zealand. Large orders were placed overseas, and the number of rounds per gun has been considerably increased. ARMS AND EQUIPMENT. Orders have been placed for a considerable amount of modern equipment of new types, which have recently been adopted in the British Army. The whole of the Field Artillery has been mechanised. BUILDINGS, WORKS, AND CAMPS. Between the commencement of the training year and the outbreak of war the situation regarding military buildings and works was as follows (a) Coast-defence stations as selected in consultation with the Imperial authorities were in the course of improvement, both in respect to armament and accommodation : (b) Detailed plans had been prepared for the establishment of camps adequate for the mobilization for home defence of the whole Territorial Force : (c) Accommodation for the established Army School and the three district schools was in the process of being increased and improved. (d) Plans for the field-works in connection with the defence of fortress areas had been prepared in detail, and the sources of supply of the necessary materials had been investigated and recorded : (e) Permanent ordnance stores were in the course of erection at Trentham and Burnham. Consideration was being given to the replacement of the existing ordnance workshops by larger and more modern structures : (/) A complete survey of all Army buildings throughout the country —i.e., drill-halls, district and area offices and stores, magazines, &c. —had been made, and a plan framed for new buildings and the rebuilding, extension, improvement, and repair of existing buildings. The programme was made out on a priority basis, and particular provision was made for amenities such as club-rooms, &c., for social and recreational purposes. Coast-defence Stations. On the manning of these stations it became necessary to make immediate provision for housing the personnel. This was done by providing tented camps and hastily erected huts, together with the usual service buildings. The tents have now been replaced by huts or barrack blocks, and the temporary huts are being improved or replaced as rapidly as possible. At all permanent coast-defence stations the pre-war plans for erecting buildings, &c., for the housing, comfort, and training of the troops are being put into effect, although in some cases such works have had to give place in order of priority to works necessary for the actual fighting of the guns.

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