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assistance of officers and non-commissioned officers of the N.Z. Permanent Forces in conducting the meeting. The number of competitors showed a decrease from that of past meetings. In March, 1929, a New Zealand rifle team of twelve members competed at the Victorian rifle meeting, a grant of £250 being made by the Department towards their expenses on the association undertaking to provide a similar amount. The team achieved great success at this meeting, both in individual and in teams matches. 10. DEFENCE WORKS, MOBILIZATION DEPOTS, AND TRAINING-CAMPS. (a) Mobilization Depots and Training-camps. Waikato Camp.—During the year the Small-arms Ammunition Magazine, Ordnance Workshops, Vehicle-shed, Forage-store, and other miscellaneous small buildings —all of which were under construction at the date of my last report —have been completed. The undermentioned additional buildings have been erected : Bathhouse, drying-room, magazines Nos. 8, 9, and 10 (for high explosives), coal-store, and hospital. Various facilities of a minor nature have been provided, noxious weeds and scrub removed, and the area generally improved. On the erection of the laboratory, and the clearing and grassing of a scrub-covered area, this important mobilization depot and training-camp will be complete. Trentham Camp.—The Upper Hutt water-supply now serves this camp in lieu of the previous camp system, the fire-fighting facilities being considerably strengthened and some economy in maintenance effected. The buildings and roads have been maintained in good order, and the area —which is leased for grazing purposes to the Prisons Department —kept clear of noxious weeds and scrub by that Department. Burnham Camp. —A concrete strong-room and Ordnance Workshops have been erected, and the buildings and area generally maintained. (6) Drill-halls. No new drill-halls were erected during the year. New offices have been provided in the drill-halls at New Plymouth and Invercargill, and various improvements have been effected elsewhere. (c) Rifle Ranges. These have been maintained in good order, and improvements effected where necessary. (d) Coast Defences. During the year improved searchlight emplacements and accommodation for range-finders have been installed at Fort Dorset. 11. FINANCE. The net expenditure from Consolidated Fund for Defence purposes, including aviation and assist ance to Rifle Clubs, for the year ended 31st March, 1929, was £464,595, being a decrease of £17,164 as compared with the previous year, and representing 6s. 3-Bd. per head of population, as against 6s. 7-sd. for the previous year. The amount expended on general training and administration was £27,769 less than in the previous year, while the expenditure on aviation was £10,605 greater. The net expenditure from Public Works Fund, vote " Contingent Defence," for the year ended 31st March, 1929, was £67,652, being £27,666 greater than for the previous year, but including £43,974 for construction and development work at Hobsonville Aviation Base. The expenditure per head of population for the combined Defence (Administration and Training) and Contingent Defence (Construction and Works) votes was 7s. 2-Bd. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant. R. Young, Major-General, Commanding N.Z. Military Forces.

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