DEVELOPMENT OF AVIATION

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21411, 1 March 1935, Page 18

DEVELOPMENT OF AVIATION

o ADVICE FROM LORD BLEDISLOE I'SE IN TIME OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY Advice to young New Zealanders to learn to fly and so assist in the development of civil aviation, was given by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, in his address at the civic farewell yesterday. "New Zealand is just a little behind the time in the development of aviation," his Excellency said. "It may be that if—although God forbid it—New Zealand ever came to be invaded, she would have to depend on aircraft for her defence to a greater extent than any other arm. Apart from that aspect of the matter, is it not up to all our young men to learn to fly, not only for the advantage which it offers for the development of commercial intercourse, but because it would equip yourselves in time of need, if it ever came, for the defence of your country." Lord Bledisloe also emphasised the value of aircraft in opening up pleasure resorts and beauty spots. "In New Zealand, particularly in the South Island, you are peculiarly fortunate in the variety and splendour of your scenery, but you have not yet turned it to full account aesthetically or commercially," he said. "Probably no country stands to gain more by the development of air transport than New Zealand. Training pilots for civil aviation will not only assist in the development of these scenic assets, but will add more to the sense of national security."