H—s

10. Duties undertaken outside the normal run of service routine include (а) Visits to service the meteorological stations on Raoul Island (Kermadec Group) and on Campbell Island. (б) The regular servicing of lighthouses in Hauraki Gulf. (c) Fishery-protection patrols by a motor-launch. (d) Demolition of underwater obstructions in Whakatane Harbour. SECTION lII—PERSONNEL 11. Comparative statements of numbers borne on 31st March, 1948, and 31st March, 1949, are shown in Appendix 111. 12. The re-entries include 33 ex-R.N.Z.N, ratings and 359 ex-R.N. ratings recruited in the United Kingdom. 13. The numbers of male candidates called for examination and rejected for various reasons in the past two years are shown below — 1948-49 1947-48 Called for examination .. .. .. 768 648 Rejected— Medically unfit . . .. 107 77 Dentally unfit .. .. .. 38 39 Educationally unfit .. .. .. 177 127 Other reasons .. .. .. .. 121 123 The numbers rejected on medical and educational grounds remain high. 14. The chief lack is a shortage of Petty Officers, particularly in the Seaman Branch. 15. A scheme for the entry of permanent Electrical Branch officers was inaugurated during the year, the first Cadet (L) being entered in January, 1949. The scheme of training comprises one year's preliminary naval training, three years at the National School of Engineering, Canterbury University College, and two years' practical training in naval electrical schools and electrical manufacturers' workshops in the United Kingdom. 16. The 23 Direct Entry Officers mainly comprise officers entered for short service in the Medical, Dental, Education, and Chaplain Branches. The first officer selected for naval Service in the Defence Scientific Corps joined the R.N.Z.N, in March, 1949. SECTION IV—WELFARE 17. Efforts are being made to overcome the housing difficulties of naval personnel, nine permanent and fourteen temporary housing units at Narrow Neck have been completed during the year and a further ten will be finished in the near future. Two housing units have also been completed at Cass Bay. Comprehensive plans are being prepared to house personnel wherever they may be stationed throughout New Zealand. 18. Recent additions to the recreational facilities available to personnel include— Provision of a Y.M.C.A. hut at H.M.N.Z.S. " Tamaki." Construction of additional facilities for sports at the Naval W/T Station, Waiouru. The inauguration of a scheme for the circulation of entertainment and educational films. SECTION V—NAVAL RESERVES Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserves 19. The four Divisions (Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago) commenced weekly drills and training late- in 1948. Recruiting has been satisfactory, and a good type of volunteer has come forward, including a number of pre-war, and so experienced, R.N.Z.N. V.R. ratings.

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