Feb. 8.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 421

outside New Zealand, preference shall be given in selecting same to active members of the Defence Forces, subject to such restrictions as the Imperial Government may impose.

DISCIPLINE OF THE DEFENCE FORCES.

174. The King’s Regulations may be taken as a guide in all matters not specifically dealt with in the Defence Act or these Regulations.

175. Meetings of members of the Defence Forces are not to be held for the purpose of expressing an opinion upon the acts of the Defence Department or of a superior officer, or recommending any particular course of action; nor are memorials to be drawn up to the same effect. No meetings shall be held except those called together by or under the authority of the O.C. the unit or company, who shall be responsible for doing so.

176. If any member of the Defence Force thinks himself aggrieved, he shall represent his case through his O.C. to the O.C. the District, who shall deal therewith, or he may transmit the same to the Commandant, and on no account is an aggrieved member permitted to communicate direct with the Commandant, or to seek redress through any other person.

177. Any appeal against the decision of the O.C. the District shall be made through that officer for transmission to higher authority.

178. Every member of the Defence Forces has the right to appeal through the proper channel as herein laid down, but any appeal or communication made otherwise shall be considered a breach of discipline, and officers shall be liable to have their commissions cancelled, and other members of the Forces shall be liable to be summarily dismissed for any such breach of discipline.

179. Officers and N.C.Os. and men of the Permanent Staff or Permanent Force who, in furtherance of personal claims or grievances, bring or attempt to bring outside pressure or influence to bear upon the Department shall be liable to summary dismissal.

180. Although it is intended that every opportunity shall be given for inquiry into well-founded complaints and the redress of grievances, members of the Defence Forces shall be personally responsible if they prefer complaints of a litigious, frivolous, or malicious character.

181. Members of the Defence Forces, in uniform, are not individually or collectively to attend political meetings or join in public, political, or sectarian discussions or demonstrations.

182. Officers and N.C.Os. of the Permanent Staff or Force are not to allow themselves, without permission of the Commandant, to be complimented, either directly or indirectly, by means of presents or collective expressions of opinion from persons who are serving or who have served under them.

183. Any member of the Defence Forces proved to have written or to have instigated any communication to a newspaper on matters connected with the Defence Forces, or any portion thereof, or calling in question or reflecting upon any action of the Defence Department or any act of any superior officer, is guilty of insubordination, and is liable to be dealt with accordingly; and if the communication relates to confidential matters regarding the defences of the colony, the offender is further liable, under “The Official and Colonial Defences Secrets Act, 1891,” to be dealt with as therein laid down.

184. No member of the Defence Forces is to address in writing an officer on any subject connected with duty except through the prescribed channel.

185. Officers when communicating with a superior authority shall do so individually. The collective opinion of officers shall not be received, being contrary to the rules of military service and discipline.

186. N.C.Os. and men of the Defence Forces, when in uniform, shall at all times salute His Excellency the Governor and all commissioned officers of His Majesty’s Imperial Forces and of the Defence Forces of the colony, when in uniform.

187. Officers of units or companies are required to report, through the proper channel, all breaches of discipline and neglect of duty to the O.C. the District.

188. Disobedience of orders or any disrespect shown to any superior officer must be instantly reported to the O.C. the unit or company; and it is to be impressed on all ranks that discipline