H.—l9

Pay Accounts and Base Records. The Pay Accounts and Base Records branch of Army has during the period under review—the year ended 31st March, 1942—continued to carry out its main responsibilities of controlling, accounting for, and preparing estimates of expenditure for the mobilized forces and maintaining the system of personal records for all the members of those forces. The staff now numbers 432, including 280 women. Casualties reported to date are as follows : — Officers. Other Ranks. Total. Killed in action .. .. .. ..75 1,051 1,126 Died of wounds . . . . .. 17 275 292 Died as the result of accident or sickness .. .. 16 328 344 Died while prisoners of war . . . . .. 3 65 68 Missing .. .. .. .. .. 9 618 627 Prisoners of war .. .. .. ..304 5,495 5,799 Wounded .. .. .. .. ..256 3,815 4,071 Conclusion. I wish to pay a tribute to the numerous organizations, Government Departments, and private citizens who have so greatly assisted the Army in the great tasks which confronted it, especially after the entry of Japan into the war. The magnitude of those tasks and the elements of the defence problems of New Zealand are gradually becoming known to the general public, and the Army now feels that it has the interest and practical support of the whole nation in its work. This is a valuable encouragement to all ranks. I also wish to refer to the splendid manner in which the men of the forces have adapted themselves to the strange and often arduous conditions of Army life. Their keenness and application in their training are also worthy of special note. Women are being employed in various capacities to an increasing degree, and the work of those now with the Army makes it evident that they will perform their duties with most complete efficiency wherever they are employed. The Home Guard units of the Army have shown an admirable spirit in preparing themselves for war, and with the additional equipment now in their possession they are capable of playing an important part in the defence of the country. Lastly, I wish to thank the officers and the N.C.O.s of the forces for the zeal they have displayed in training their men for war, and my staff at Army and other Headquarters for the results which they have obtained by their ability, hard work, and extremely long hours. E. Puttick, Lieutenant-General, Commanding New Zealand Military Forces.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (563 copies), £9 10s

Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 942.

Hrice 6d. ]

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