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Training or New Zealand Expeditionary Force Training of drafts for overseas has been carried out to the fullest extent possible having due regard to the time available. Full details of training carried out in New Zealand are supplied to Commanders overseas in order that the training necessary before troops are required to go into action may be completed at overseas bases. Secondary School Cadets The enthusiasm shown in the training of Cadets of secondary schools has been most gratifying. There are now over 20,000 Cadets undergoing training, and a most marked improvement in efficiency is noted. During the year 113 officers and 1,259 non-commissioned officers attended courses of instruction, and the value of the instruction received is reflected in the efficiency of the training carried out at schools. Replacement of New Zealand Expeditionary Force Personnel The system of replacing men with the longest overseas service to their credit, in substitution for the previous furlough scheme, was instituted early in the training year. Under this system 9,350 men have returned to New Zealand from the 2nd Division for absorption into civil life, and 8,738 have been despatched to replace them. Further large drafts are due to return at an early date. Of 17,134 all ranks withdrawn from active service in the Pacific, 11,931 were released to civil life and 4,401 have either proceeded to join the 2nd Division or are in camp available for further overseas service. Reduction of Forces ■Since 31st May, 1944, the strength of the Forces in New Zealand and overseas has been reduced by 20,834, nearly all of whom have already, or will in the near future, have returned to civil employment. This figure includes those made available from the Forces in the Pacific, but does not take into account released prisoners of war. Coast Defences The scale of coast defences required in accordance with the changing strategic situation has been kept closely under review, and during the year the number of personnel employed on these duties has been progressively reduced by more than 55 per cent. I Signals Signal services have likewise been curtailed as Army activities generally have been reduced. A very considerable reduction of personnel employed on signal duties has been made. Further reductions in the near future will be possible. Mapping and Survey Further progress has been made by the Lands and Survey Department with military mapping. An additional 57 sheets have been published, thus completing 167 out of approximately 300 in the standard series of maps, Harvesting The Army was again required to assist in harvesting crops and in other seasonal work, such as fruit and onion picking and digging potatoes. Owing to the great reduction in the numbers of available men on home service, difficulties were encountered in providing the personnel required. The position was met by utilizing men of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force reinforcements, by calling up twenty-year-olds, and assistance from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. For varying periods 4,995 men (including 651 R.N.Z.A.F.) were employed on this duty. This entailed the establishment of twenty-five small camps in the North and forty-nine in the South Island. Flood Damage, &c.—Assistance both in personnel and transport was afforded Government Departments and local bodies in repairing flood damage in the South Island. During the flooding many civilians were assisted to safety by Army personnel. Army Education Welfare Service During the year the educational services were maintained among New Zealand personnel in the Pacific, Egypt, Central Mediterranean, and United Kingdom (ex prisoners of war) as well as in New Zealand. Increasing numbers of students enrolled for study courses in trade, agricultural, and commercial subjects, and a high proportion of those who sat for University and professional examinations secured passes. The Library Service issued approximately 1,000,000 books to personnel in New Zealand alone, and to provide an information service on social, political, and international affairs, fortnightly issues of Current Affairs Bulletins, &c., were continued. Arts and crafts, music, operatic and choral activities were further developed. Effective liaison with the Rehabilitation Department has been maintained in respect of all troops overseas and those on returning troopships and hospital ships.

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