H.—l9

Session 11. 1918. NEW ZEALAND

DEFENCE FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND. REPORT OF THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING THE FORCES, FOR THE PERIOD FROM 31st MAY, 1917, TO 1st JULY, 1918.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Sm,— Headquarters, N.Z. Military Forces, Wellington, 22nd October, 1918. I have, the honour to submit herewith the annual report on the Defence Forces. The report covers the period from the 31st May, 1917, to the Ist July, 191.8. The work of the Department due to the continuance of the war shows -a steady increase, and no diminution can be expected until the necessity for further Reinforcements no longer exists. Our active, Forces abroad have, been fully maintained, and at no time has there been any lack of Reinforcements, equipment, or supplies. The physique of Reservists coming into camp as Reinforcements is quite up to the best; in some cases it is better than that of the previous year. The Territorial Force, and Cadets under the Defence Act, 1909, have been maintained as in previous years. Instructions have been issued that every consideration is to be given to meet employers, authority being given to District Officers throughout the Dominion to meet the wants of essential industries on the spot without the necessity of reference to Headquarters. It again gives me much pleasure to bring to your notice the continued and excellent work carried out by officers, rank and file, and civilian employees generally in the Defence Department, also to acknowledge the cordial assistance of the, various Departments of the Public Service of the Dominion for helpful assistance during the year. 1 have, &c, A. W. Robin, Major-General, Commanding N.Z. Military Forces. The Don the Minister of Defence, Wellington, N.Z.

SECTION I.—THE DOMINION SECTION OF THE IMPERIAL GENERAL STAFF. 1. Drills and Parades. Owing to the calls of essential labour the, drills and parades of both the Territorial and Cadet Forces have been considerably curtailed during the past training-year. This reduced training was the result of a conference held at Headquarters, and attended by District Commanders and General Staff Officers of all four districts," in November, 1917. The result of this Dominion conference was — (a.) To reduce Territorial training in country areas to a quarterly muster parade and the annual camp. (b.) Territorial training in town areas to remain as in the past, with the exception that musketry to be performed in half-day parades, (c.) Cadet training in country areas suspended for the duration of the war except for four quarterly muster parades. ((/.) Cadet training in town areas to remain as in the past. This new system of training has naturally decreased the efficiency of Territorials and Cadets in country areas. The majority of these, are, however, engaged in essential industries, and the consequent loss to the Defence Force has been compensated for by the increased value to tho Dominion.

I—H. 19.