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H.—l9

The position of uniform clothing to the 31st March, 1914, is as follows :—

(a.) Territorial Uniforms.

When it is remembered that there are uniforms stocked for the six branches of the service, each of which are again divided into thirty-one different sizes, the total number in store is not large, and unless maintained it would be impossible to issue the sizes asked for on requisitions, or on emergency to meet demands. (b.j Cadet Uniforms. The issue of clothing to Senior Cadets has been steadily maintained during the year, and on the 31st March, 1914, all requisitions for clothing had been supplied. The quality of the material and the make of the uniforms generally reflects credit on the contractors. The position is as follows :—

All trousers and old-pattern shorts were as far as possible washed, relined in bands and forks, and converted at a small cost for reissue as required. (c.) Officers' Uniforms. The issue of an outfit grant to officers has been abolished. A free issue of jacket, ridingpantulocns or knicker breeches, puttees, and forage-cap is now authorized on first appointment on probation, and hat, greatcoat, and trousers on confirmation of appointment after passing the necessary qualifying examinations. The cost of these uniforms is—Mounted service, £6 16s. 3d.; dismounted service, £6 Bs. lid.; a considerable saving thus being effected. The uniform is made to the measurements of individual officers, and is generally satisfactory. A Sam Browne belt and officer's sword are issued to units for each newly appointed officer, and remain on charge to the Unit when the officer retires or is transferred. 80. Service Boots. The sale of service boots to soldiers of the Territorial Force was continued during the year, and satisfaction continues to be expressed with the pattern adopted. Supplies were maintained at the Ordnance depots for the annual training-camps, so that men of the Territorial Force in camp requiring boots could obtain them. Arrangements were made that if so desired the cost could be charged against camp pay. The following sales were made during the late divisional camps: Hautapu, 330 pairs; Takapau, 1,000 pairs; Kowai, 500 pairs; Tapawera, 75 pairs; and Matarae, 300 pairs: a total of 2,193 pairs. 13,180 pairs have been sold during the past three years. 81. Service Blankets. Blankets were also provided for sale in camp. The sales were as follows: Hautapu, 330; Takapau, 250; Kowai, 144; Tapawera, 40; and Matarae, 200: a total of 496. 4,500 have been sold altogether. 82. Veterinary Stores. Hitherto no veterinary chests have been available, but during this year, with the assistance of the Director of Veterinary Services and the Principal Veterinary Officer, Wellington District, a field veterinary chest was devised for local use. The necessary instruments and drugs were obtained, and the chests filled and distributed in time for use at the divisional camps. Twenty chests in all were made, and it is proposed that one shall be retained at each Field Artillery headquarters, and the balance kept in district stores for use in the. field. 83. Medical Equipment. During the year a list of medical equipment was laid down, to be issued to Mounted and Field Ambulances and regimental officers. Included in this were a new-pattern surgical haversack and new-pattern medicine-chest, these being entirely different to the pattern hitherto in use. The chests and haversacks were made in the Dominion, and the necessary instruments, &c, imported to fill them. They were then issued to districts for distribution, and were in use at the camps. Each regimental Medical Officer is provided with a surgical haversack, and in addition to the equipment of stretchers for Field Ambulances, each regiment is provided with two. Each Mounted and Field Ambulance also has an ambulance-wagon on issue.

ilece.ved issued n stock Jackets. Trousers. Pantaloons. Hats. Caps. Greatcoats. Puttees. .. 36,851 27,076 10,444 32,168 29,742 27,821 33,664 .. 28,268 20,356 7,216 27,202 26,541 24,347 29,406 .. 8,583 6,720 3,228 4,966 3,201 3,474 4,258 I I

I I Shirts. Shorts. Hats. Pu Ho e r I web Beits - Received Issued In stock .. i 44,463 34,937 9.526 45,227 39,000 6,227 43,150 34.045 9,105 43,479 35,513 7.966 32.011 31.993 18