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peted for by both the primary-school cadets and those of the district high schools. The disparity in the ages, however, made the contests very unequal, and with the approval of the donors it was decided to limit the competition to district high schools. The shields given by the Government are competed for by the cadet corps of the primary schools. This arrangement has met with the approval of all concerned. Miniature Rifle lianyes. —The Government has decided to foster the cultivation of good shooting among the cadets by assisting in the erection of miniature rifle ranges. At these ranges the cadets will shoot from a distance of 25 yards, and a "22 rifle will be used. The practice at these ranges will be, as far as possible, under natural conditions, so that it will serve as a preliminary introduction to the practice on the range. Miniature Rifle ('310). — A further supply of this weapon, together with new barrels and spare parts, has been received from Westley Richards and Co. for issue when necessary. Cadet Camps. —Since the close of the camp held at Christchurch Exhibition in April, 1907, the following battalions have undergone their week's training under canvas : The Ist and 3rd North Canterbury, the 3rd Wellington, the 3rd AVanganui, the Ist and 3rd Auckland, the Thames, and the Ohinemuri. The total strength of all ranks at these camps was 1,947. The general conduct of the rank and file and their enthusiastic interest in all the duties pertaining to camp life were highly satisfactory. Several of the camps were visited by members of Education Boards and ministers' of religion with the object of observing for themselves the conduct of the cadets and the nature of the training they received while in camp. Several ministers took up their quarters in camp, and assisted by holding divine service. The verdict of these gentlemen was that the benefit derived by the cadets from the camp training was undoubtedly valuable, while at the same time they expressed themselves highly pleased with their behaviour. The health of the cadets in camp was excellent, not one genuine case of sickness being reported. Thanks are due to the medical men who gave their serivces gratuitously. In some instances distances from twelve to twenty miles were travelled by them daily, and this practical manner of showing their interest in the movement was highly appreciated. "Infantry Manual, 1905." —" The Infantry Manual, 1905 " (Imperial) has been adopted by the Defence Council, with the proviso that all movements are to be carried out in single rank; and accordingly a manual on similar lines as far as squad, company, battalion, and ceremonial drill are concerned has been prepared for the use of public-school cadets. It is expected that the issue of this manual will be made shortly. Gap-covers. —The Department has obtained a supply of these covers for use of cadets. They will be issued to corps at cost price. "Lord Robert's Boys." —During the past year an invitation to send a competitor to represent tire New Zealand public-school cadets at Bisley in August, 1908, was received from the Secretary of the organization known as " Lord Roberts's Boys." The distinction was conferred on Colour-sergeant Friar,, of the. Onehunga District High School, and in order to give assistance in the matter the Government made, a grant of £50 towards the expenses. The Colonial Ammunition Company also assisted in a practical manner by.presenting him with 1,000. rounds of '303 ammuni* tion, and at the same time with a '22 Winchester repeater, together with the necessary ammunition. Insurance against Fire. —All articles of Government and corps property are now insured against fire in the State Fire Insurance Department. I have, &c, L. W. Lovedat, Lieut.-Colonel.