Importance of Peacetime Defence

Chronicle (Levin), 12 June 1948, Page 5

Importance of Peacetime Defence

Press Association)

(Per

AUCKLAND, June 11. "What vou are doing at present is of the utmost importance to the defence of the country, " said the Gover nor-Genoral (»Sir Bernard Frevberg) addressing a parade of airnien — many of thein young te-hnical trainees — at the R.X.Z.A.F, station at Hobsonville todav. 'Emphasising the importance of the present Air Force as a foundation or cadre, his Excellency said that if the Air Force were wanted again it wouhl be wanted in a hurrv. Xew Zealand with its small Air Force had to do its best to maintain its present effitient state and keep abreast of modern inventions.

' ' I come here as Governor-General, but I also come in my own right because as Governor-General I am com mander of all the lorces in Xew Zealand," said his Excellency. In the last month he had been looking around the service installations and by the time he left Auckland in about 14 days he would kjiow a lot more about the defence services that meant so niuch to the country. E.verv nation reabsed Ihe importance of an effective Air Force and no nation withoot one could hold its place. The peacetime Xavy, Armv and Air Force had problems almost more iinportant than those of war. SmaJl in numbers it was their job to maintain the efficient foundations on which the defences of the country could be built in time of war. By maintaining a sound foundation the Air Force could save valuable years and many millions of pounds. "I want you to take the utmost care to see that those foundations are maintained and kept up to date with modern developments, " concluded his Excellency.