ROYAL AIR FORCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 133, 7 June 1937, Page 4

ROYAL AIR FORCE

TRAINEES FROM N.Z.

EXTENSION OF SCHEME

(Bj" Telegraph—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, June 6. Arrangements have been completed between the Government and the Imperial authorities for more New Zealanders to be drafted for short-service commissions in the Royal Air Force. This announcement was made in an interview yesterday by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). "We have received advice from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs," Mr. Jones said, "that the Air Council is willing to accept more candidates from New Zealand for-short-service commissions in the Royal Air Force, and Cabinet has approved of groups of twelve candidates being selected at from four to six-weekly intervals. These men will be selected from applicants who have already been interviewed by the selection committee in connection with the original selection Of twenty-five, and it is not anticipated that applications for further candidates will be invited until about the end of this year." Mr. Jones stated that the Royal Air i Force authorities were very pleased with the class of men already sent from New Zealand, and had inquired from the New Zealand Government whether any more young men could be sent to England for training. As a result of the arrangement which had now been entered into', some seventy-five men would be sent forward from the Dominion this year in addition to the number who would customarily be drafted into the Royal Air Force. After spending four years in the Royal Air Force, during which time they would receive a thorough all-round training, successful candidates would be able either to remain in England or to return to New Zealand. If they stayed in England they would join the Royal Air Force Reserve or receive permanent commissions, but if they returned | to New Zealand their fare would be, paid by the Government and they would join the Royal New Zealand Air Force Reserve. The Minister emphasised the value of the scheme, not only to the Koyal Air Force, but also to air defence in the Dominion. New Zealand would be assured of having a regular supply cf young men going forward for training in England, and on their return they would assist in building up an excellent reserve of pilots which would be invaluable in time of need.

The death occurred at. Shannon recently of Mr. Henry Pettit, at the age of 82 years, He was born at Stock Goldington, England, and landed in New Zealand in 1879. He returned to (he Homeland in 1912 and again in 1920, and since he returned resided in Shannon. He is survived by his widow.,