CADET AIRMEN.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19164, 22 November 1927, Page 12

CADET AIRMEN.

THREE CANTERBURY YOUTHS CHOSEN. [THE PBESS Special Berrice.] "WELLINGTON, November 21. Three Canterbury youths are among the lucky ten who have been chosen from approximately 300 applicants for cadetship in the New Zealand Territorial Air Force. The selected ten are those whose education qualifications and their physique are considered to be the best, but their selection is no reflection on the ability and physique of those whose applications could not be accepted. On the present occasion, if the exigencies of the situation necessitated the immediate training oi 300 pilots for war service, practically everyone of the 300 applicants would havo received orders to proceed to the aerodrome. The fact that so many good candidates have had to be turned down—rejected is not a suitable term in this case—has caused some heartburnings, and should any of the selected cadets not be able to ro ahead with their training there will be many others ready and willing to take their place. "Send word and I will come immediately, and pay my own fare if necessary," one of the unsuccessful wrote to Air Force Headquarters. The spirit behind that letter is backed by sound education, physical prowess, and some knowledge of mechanics, and it is typical of many other communications. The selected candidates are: J. M Buekeridge (Hawera), J. Goodhart (Opawa, Christchurch), E. S. Henderson (Rakaia), C. C. Hunter (St. George's Bay road, Auckland), N. C. Jenkin (Violet street, Mount Albert), I. C. Maclaine (Blenheim), L. T. J Tavlor (Christchurch), G. E. Watt (Okauia, Matamata), H. S. Weston (New Plymouth), and M. Wilkes (Belgrove, Nelson). The cadets will go into camp at the Wigram Aerodrome on Friday for a 12 weeks' course with a break at Christmas and New Year. It is hoped to have them efficient with the Avro machines at the end of the first course, and that they will become qualified as pilot officers in their second course next year.