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of a fixed provisioning cycle by the R.N.Z.A.F. will permit trie recording of consumption data of recurring and non-recurring issues and stocks field. This monthly cycle lias been arranged to anticipate a similar provisioning period of tfie Royal Air Force so tfiat R.N.Z.A.F. demands may be integrated witfi those of tfie R.A.F. Movement Section.— During the year the R.N.Z.A.F. was made responsible for arranging and co-ordinating all overseas passages for Navy, Army, and Air Force. The Movements Section, Auckland, also arranges all shipping of equipment into and from the Port of Auckland for the three Armed Services. A summary showing the traffic for tfie year is as under :• — Passengers. Freight. Mail. (a) Air Traffic— lb. lb. Overseas .. .. 446 155,733 14,795 Internal .. .. 2,240 742,584 360 (b) Sea — Tons. Disembarked .. ..• 475 3,280 Embarked .. .. 95 1,760 • (c) Rail .. .. .. .. 920 (d) Road .. .. .. .. 1,803 Technical Services As tfie technical services of tfie R.N.Z.A.F. were reorganized in 1947 to conform witfi tfie pattern set by tfie Royal Air Force, tfie period 1948-49 was one of consolidation •of this organization and of expanding effort in tfie field. Priority was given to all servicing tasks in the immediate support of flying, and some major servicing of aircraft has been deferred, by utilizing serviceable equipment held in stock, pending an increase in the strength of technical tradesmen. For the same reason it was again necessary to place contracts with civil organizations to assist with aircraft storage and major servicing. A factor which is assuming increasing proportions is that wartime equipment, due to .age and deterioration, is now absorbing considerable technical effort in its servicing. For economy and efficiency, and in order to make tfie best use of Ofiakea as a flying station, it was decided that all the repair-depot facilities of the R.N.Z.A.F. and the majority of the aircraft storage functions would be concentrated at Woodbourne. The engine-repair line for Merlin engines has already been installed there, and the remaining •equipment is now being transferred from the existing repair depot at Ohakea to Woodbourne. A major developmental task was dealt with during the year in successfully solving the cylinder overheating problems encountered in certain aircraft installations. The modifications designed by tfie R.N.Z.A.F. were approved for use witfiin tfie Service and for incorporation in tfie Sandringfiam flying-boats of Tasman Empire Airways Ltd. Overseas developments in tfie field of radio aids to navigation are being watcfied closely witfi a view to their adoption in New Zealand when some degree of finality lias been reacted. In tfie meantime tfie existing facilities operated by the Civil Aviation .Branch are regarded as reasonably adequate for present and short-term Service requirements. Essential communication services for the administration and operation of the R.N.Z.A.F. have been maintained at a reduced level. The standard of maintenance provided by the Post and Telegraph Department in connection with the R.N.Z.A.F. operated telephone and teleprinter channels has been excellent. A close liaison with the electronic section of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has been maintained during the year, and measurements of cosmic radiation at high altitudes have been carried out at Ohakea in a specially-equipped Mosquito.

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