H.—l9

2

The following table shows the comparative strength, of the Permanent Forces in 1909 (previous to the institution of compulsory training), in 1914 (previous to the outbreak of war), in 1920 (end of war), and the present:—

Comparative Strength of N.Z. Permanent Forces.

Note.—.The figures for 1923 excludo 73 temporary personnel employed in War Expenses, sale of surplus stores, and medical store, all of which will shortly be closed. During the year one Army Service Corps officer has been transferred from the War Expenses Branch to the Staff Corps ; one officer—Major-General G. S. Richardson, C.8., C.M.G., C.B.E., —has been seconded for service as Administrator of Western Samoa ; and five officers have retired. The uncertainty regarding their future prospects in the Permanent Forces is causing much dissatisfaction, and some of the best of the younger officers are preparing themselves for outside employment in preference to studying for their promotion examinations. Unless their prospects are improved many of the more able and enterprising officers may be expected to resign as soon as they can obtain suitable employment elsewhere. In view of the shortage of officers it is hoped that three Cadets may be sent next year for training at Sandhurst, Woolwich, or Cranwell, and that three more will follow each year thereafter. The question of exchanging New Zealand Service Cadet officers with officers of British units has not yet been settled, but such exchanges offer the only opportunity for New Zealand officers to obtain necessary experience in regimental duties or in handling men in the field. Two officers qualified for admission to the Staff College at Camberley; one will join the College in January, 1924, and the other a year later. It is intended to send one each year in future. The pay of the other ranks of the Permanent Forces compares favourably with that of their officers, but each branch has a different scale. Proposals for a uniform scale of pay and allowances are being drawn up. Courses of instruction for Royal N.Z. Artillery officers and non-commissioned officers on the 6 in. howitzer and on the 3-7 in. (pack) howitzer were held, so that training could bo commenced as soon as the new equipment was issued to Territorial batteries. In order that the Permanent Staff Instructors may be kept thoroughly up to date it is necessary that they bo sent Home to attend courses of instruction and to obtain regimental experience. With an establishment of 112 it is considered that three should be sent each year. Citizen Forces. The strength of the Citizen Forces on the 30th June, 1923, was :— Officers. Other Ranks. Total. Air Force Reserve .. .. .. .. 72 .. 72 Territorial Force .. .. .. .. 592 14,353 14,945 Senior Cadets .. .. .. .. 378 23,219 23,579 Totals .. .. .. 1,042 37,572 38,614 Rifle clubs .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,420 Non-effective List .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16,816 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22,236 The following are the details in regard to posting of trainees for the current training-year : — Senior Cadets. Registered for training .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,567 Posted to Cadet units .. .. .. .. .. .. 8,261 Not posted .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,306.

30th Jui 10, 1909. 30th June. 1914. 30th June, 1920. 30th Jui lo, 1923. Officers. Other Ranks. <**«•■ [SK. 0ffi —|Rank r s. Officers. Other Ranks. N.Z. Stafi Corps N.Z. Permanent Stafi Royal N.Z. Artillery N.Z. Aviation Corps 35 35 256 121 211 298 138 208 231 70* 115 100 2 10 17 27 15 2f N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps N.Z. Army Pay Corps .. N.Z. Army Service Corps Range-wardens, &c. Civil Stafi Civil n Civil )J 14 16 . i 83 14 11 3 377 33 92 594 7 6 102 11 •• : ' 11 60 Totals 291 46 138 622 193 1,535 100 401 * Hono: ■ary Capt; bin attached. f Tempo: iry.