AIR FORCE CIVIL RESERVE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22515, 24 September 1938, Page 7

AIR FORCE CIVIL RESERVE

MINISTER’S STATEMENT “WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH INDIVIDUAL CONVENIENCE” The Minister for Defence, the Hon F. Jones, -told "The Press” yesterday that: the following question nad been asked by an intending applicant for the Civil Reserve of the Royal New Zealand Air Force; “Will everyone on the register be called up immediately in an emergency? -If .so, it will be difficult for those-like myself with family and business ties. Although lam anxious to enrol I do mot feel that I can do it if it means that I may be away at a moment’s notice.” Mr Jones said he was pleased, that this, question had been asked because it-might be in the minds of quite a few people, and he would like to make the position, entirely clear. • • “The register will be considered as a list of citizens. who. have . expressed willingness to serve in ,the Air Force in an emergency,” he said. “This willingness will not be regarded as constituting. ;a definite vmdertaking in. .all circumstances and ’ without regard to the convenience of the individual, or ■the- needs -of the. business in which he is 4 * - “It is intended in ah emergency that a man serving in the reserve should communicate ;the earliest date he can’ make himself available. Men will then be called up for training in. accordance with the information contained in their replies,-and as far- as possible -in a manner which will also meet the needs of the employers. From, this it Will be seen that the applicant who -asked the question-heed have ho. • hesitation in enrolling,” the Minister , concluded. ■Mr Jones; said that the Cabinet , had authorised the erection of additional buildings at the Air Force, station at Wigram to provide accommodation for enlisted'’personnel undergoing the initial period Of'training. ■ln addition, he said, considerable alterations had been authorised to. ensure improved-*acilities in the kitchen block of the airmen’s -barracks. • • ... The administrative building now -in •course of construction would be ready nexti month, he -said, -The building for the .married men’s was. well advanced and a start had been made with /the. sick -auarterar: _ ■ ■,