H.-19

5

9. Engineers. (a.) Field Companies. The work of the Field Engineers in the training-camps has been most satisfactory, particularly in regard to field-work based upon a syllabus of instruction issued from Headquarters. More attention has been paid in the majority of units to drill and individual instruction. (b.) Signal Units. The Signal units have been considerably handicapped by lack of equipment and shortage of instructors. It is hoped that the instructors will be augmented at an early date by those returning from the front. This important branch of the service is better understood than in the past, and an increased interest in this work has been shown by all ranks. (c.) Railway Battalions. The work and training of the Railway Battalions has been carried out satisfactorily during the past year. Like the majority of units, these battalions have suffered from a shortage of experieficed instructors, but notwithstanding this disadvantage good instruction lias been given in various subjects. The training of the Railway Battalions possesses difficulties foreign to other Territorial units, but owing to the keenness of its officers its efficiency can be regarded as satisfactory. (d.) Post and Telegraph Corps. The work of the Post and Telegraph Engineer Corps has been of a satisfactory nature, although this corps has also suffered by so many of its instructors being absent on active service. The importance of the Signal service to a modern army is now better understood,. and all ranks are displaying a creditable enthusiasm. The work of the highly technical units of the Territorial Engineer service proves of infinite value to the Expeditionary Force when its members are posted for active service. 10. Infantry. The standard of efficiency attained by all, ranks during tho past training-year litis been most creditable, and the majority of units can be said to have increased their efficiency and discipline each year since the war commenced. This improvement has been brought about by variousi causes, chief of which is the stimulus given to all ranks by the knowledge that they will ultimately be called upon to serve at the front. In addition the temporary instructional staff appointed at the commencement of the war is now trained, experienced, and efficient, and the majority of recruits joining the Territorial Force are ex-Cadets of four years' progressive training. The above is proof of the wisdom of having retained the Territorial and Cadet training. Besides these contributing causes, much credit is due to certain senior officers of Territorial units who, although prevented by various circumstances from serving with the Expeditionary Force, have placed their energy, spare time, and enthusiasm at the disposal of the Defence Department. The standard of efficiency and discipline attained within the week's training by Infantry units was extraordinarily high, and fully justified the effort and expense entailed. This training proves of the utmost value to those called upon to serve with the Expeditionary Force, and will prove invaluable to those entrusted with the defence of the Dominion in the future. i 11. Musketry. The musketry of the Territorial and Cadet Forces is considerably interfered with by the abnormal conditions of the present time. Tho absence of sufficient ranges and accommodation and rifles is largely responsible for this. Practice on the 25-yards range .cannot be considered approximate to that on the full range, but as the present musketry is of an elementary standard this practice gives satisfactory results. A slight improvement in musketry has been made in three of the four military districts. 12. Rifle Clubs. The Rifle Clubs have assisted in recruiting and other matters, and have been the means of training men who, while ineligible for service at the front, desire to serve their country in an emergency. Unfortunately, the outstanding claims on the Expeditionary and Territorial Forces 'have considerably limited range accommodation and other musketry essentials. It speaks highly for the spirit animating these Rifle Cfubs that, notwithstanding tho disability under which they have laboured owing to the abnormal conditions incident on the war, they still retain their keenness and lose no opportunity of improving their shooting efficiency. 13. Courses of Instruction at Secondary Schools. Courses of military instruction (" barracks ") were held at the following schools by the Director of Military Training during the past training year : Wanganui College, Waitaki High School, Christ's College, Nelson College, Otago High School, St. Patrick's College, and Wellington College. These schools were regarded in all respects as military barracks during the period of instruction, and much valuable work was performed. The objects of holding these barracks were as follows : — (rt.) Many non-commissioned officers and Cadets in these schools are approaching militaryservice age, and will be called upon to servo at the front. For these Cadets the value of such instruction is obvious.