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being held in New Zealand if it is required elsewhere to combat the enemy, and it is probable that large additional quantities will be despatched overseas. New Zealand s realistic attitude in this connection has been most favourably commented on by overseas authorities. The demobilization of such large forces has produced serious equipment problems as the quantities disposed of abroad, mentioned above, have been comparatively small. It is quite impracticable to find storage accommodation on the necessary scale, and large numbers of men, including tradesmen, are required to keep the equipment m good order and to guard it. Whether or not certain out-dated or obsolescent equipment which it would appear is not likely to be required either abroad or in New Zealand should be guarded and maintained is receiving close attention in consultation with the Wax Office in order to avoid, if possible, the cost and the loss of man-power involved. The policy of the Army in New Zealand now follows the principle that to the utmost extent possible every man and woman in the community should either be engaged directly or indirectly on war production or in serving or preparing to serve overseas. Adopting this principle as far as possible, the role of the Army in New Zealand is— (a) To administer, train, and despatch overseas reinforcements: (b) To guard, account for, and maintain in serviceable condition the large mass of war equipment, stores, vehicles, and ammunition in New Zealand; to overhaul, pack, and despatch equipment, &c, required by overseas authorities; to carry out technical inspection of war equipment manufactured in New Zealand for overseas: _ (c) To man such armament as is considered necessary from time to time by the New Zealand Chiefs of Staff to meet submarine attack on our ports: (d) To guard vital points in accordance with periodical surveys of the situation by the New Zealand Chiefs of Staff: (e) To guard prisoners of war: (/) To 'administer and train secondary-school Cadets, and the non-mobilized Territorial Force to the extent considered necessary from time to time: (a) To carry out the administration of the Defence Department, including pay, accounts, and base records, the disposal of returning troops, and normal peacetime activities; and to retain the organization necessary to meet requirements of a changing war situation. Royal Military College op Australia Eight New Zealand Cadets graduated at the Royal Military College of Australia during the year. There are at present nineteen New Zealand Cadets attending the College. Reduction in Training Establishments Consquent upon the demobilization of the home-defence Force the following training establishments have been closed:—

Army School of Instruction As the only remaining Army Headquarters training establishment, the Army School of Instruction continues to maintain a high standard of training efficiency. During the past year 2,300 students from mobilization camps, unit and area staffs, and reinforcement draft specialists have passed through the school. Included in this total are 750 soldiers trained as Army tradesmen to meet 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force requirements in the following categories: motor mechanics, welders, turners, motor-cycle mechanics, blacksmiths, instrument mechanics, auto electricians, fitters, wireless mechanics.

2

— ' Total Number of Establishment. Opening Date. Closing Date. Students who attended Courses. New Zealand Tactical School .. .. 19th August, 1942 9th September, 1943 450 New Zealand School of Artillery .. .. 11th April, 1942 4th February, 1944 2,300 Forest and Jungle Warfare Wing, Army 3rd July, 1942 29th February, 1944 430 New Zealand Staff College .. .. 3rd November, 1941 4th March, 1944 400 New Zealand Armoured Fighting Vehicles 5th November, 1941 6th April, 1944 8,500 School

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