1,300 AIRMEN ANNUALLY

Evening Star, Issue 23383, 28 September 1939, Page 10

1,300 AIRMEN ANNUALLY

NEW ZEALAND'S FIRST OVERSEAS WAR EFFORT MEN TO IE SENT AS SOON AS TRAINED [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] September 27. “ New Zealand’s first overseas war effort is to provide 650 pilots and 650 observers and air gunners every year while the war fasts. These are to be despatched immediately they are trained.” Tho Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, informed the House that this decision was reached at tho Defence Conference some months ago, and preparations had commenced, but war ■ ca.me before the plans were completed, with the result that they were faced with the task of speeding up the provision for training centres, not only to provide air forces for the defence of New Zealand, but sufficient to meet the promise to the Imperial Government. This work was in progress at New Plymouth, where a large sum of money was being spent; at Taieri aerodrome, where buildings and, equipment for the personnel nad to be provided; and also at Mahgere, Ohakea, ahd Whehuapaf. It was estimated that the cost of-mobilis-ing the-Territorial Air Force was £75,000. The Defence Department had taken over all civil planes throughout New Zealand for the training of the personnel which was to be sent overseas, this involving a purchase price of £125,000. The regular Air .Force establishment was being enlarged at an increased cost of £150,000, while additional expenditure on buildings and equipment for Air Force stations was £700,000, making a grand total of £1,050,000. The training of personnel at railway workshops was a{so being undertaken. Britain could turn out any amount of planes if New Zealand could provide trained pilots, observers, and air gunners. This would be our contribution, and Sir Kingsley Wood bad declared that New Zealand was making a great contribution in providing 1,300 pilots, air gunners, and observers for the Royal Air Force. By next duly New Zealand would he sending away these trained men at the full rate, but in November they would be able to send the first contingent of airmen overseas. Although it was a big job, New Zealand would redeem its promise to the Imperail Government and endeavour to exceed the number mentioned.