JUNE 1.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 1309

452. All surplus stores, such as excess arms, accoutrements, empty powder barrels and cases, metal-lined cases, and metal cylinders, must be forwarded to the Under-Secretary for Defence by the cheapest and most direct conveyance.

CORRESPONDENCE.

453. All correspondence emanating from units to Os.C. Districts must be signed by the O.C. such unit. In absence of the O.C. the next senior officer shall sign “in absence of O.C.” All correspondence from Os.C. Districts to headquarters shall be similarly dealt with.

454. All correspondence from the O.C. the District to headquarters, and all routine matters, minutes, remarks, queries, and replies shall be addressed to the Chief Staff Officer. In no case is official correspondence to be addressed to any officer by name, and only the official designation of the officer is to be used.

455. Departmental files in no case shall pass for perusal by others than the responsible heads of Departments unless specially authorised by the Minister, and all correspondence must be on foolscap, with a quarter-margin on left-hand side, one side of paper only to be used. The first minute is to follow where the original letter or memorandum ends, and the person who writes it shall mark the original letter or subject-matter No. 1, and his own minute thereon No. 2 (in red ink when possible). Each succeeding minute is immediately to follow that which by date precedes it, and shall be numbered in sequence. A fresh half-sheet is to be added on top of the file when required for the commencement or continuation of a minute, and no minute or continuation thereof is to be made on the margin, or on vacant places between previous minutes. Minutes are not to be written diagonally across paper. Attached documents and enclosures shall be added at the end of the file in the order in which they are referred to, and identified by capital letters.

456. When communications are made by telegram, the date and number of telegram should be inserted at the beginning of the message. The message should be punctuated by the word “stop,” where necessary.

457. “Secret” or “confidential” correspondence is to be enclosed in a directed envelope, sealed and marked “Secret” or “Confidential.” This envelope is to be enclosed in another envelope, which is to be addressed in the ordinary manner.

458. Every effort is to be made to avoid correspondence, returns, or documents which are not necessary, and not essential to the proper administration of the Defence Forces, and Os.C. Districts shall suppress any tendency to unnecessary correspondence on the part of those under their command.

459. Os.C. Districts and other intermediate authorities are responsible for the correctness of what is set forth in documents submitted by them, and it is their duty to endeavour to adjust all matters which are within the scope of their authority. In transmitting applications or correspondence to headquarters they are to record their opinions or recommendations thereon, adding such additional observations, based on local knowledge, as may enable a final decision to be arrived at without further reference; in like manner, they shall require all commanding officers under their orders to record an opinion on every case submitted for their decision.

460. Os.C. units or companies, when issuing circular notices of parades or matters connected with the course of annual target practice, and who have received franking powers, may frank the envelopes under regulations laid down by the Postal Department.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

461. The Commandant may grant such leave of absence to Volunteer officers and Volunteers from time to time as may be recommended by the O.C. District.

MEDALS AND DECORATIONS.

462. No medals or decorations are allowed to be worn on the left breast except such as have been conferred by His Majesty for military or other service, or by a foreign Sovereign with His Majesty’s consent, or by the Government of New Zealand for military or long service. Medals granted by humane societies for saving life may be worn on the right breast, but no other decorations are at any time to be worn whilst in uniform.

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