N.Z. AIR SERVICES STAFFING AND RECRUITING QUESTION

Grey River Argus, 6 October 1948, Page 5

N.Z. AIR SERVICES STAFFING AND RECRUITING QUESTION

P.A. WELLINGTON, Oct. 5 'me vote for the Air Department was mseussea in the House. Mr T. P. bhand (Nat. Manoorough) said there was u very tonsideraoie stall of senior oiricexs in the department. He hated to have to say of the service, to which he belonged, that there were far too many "Empire builders” in it. Hon. F. Jones regretted that the member lor Marlborough saw nt to attack the officers, who were not in a position to get up ill the House and themselves. The Minister said tnat personally, he did not think anyone would cavil at the number of ofiicers in the Air Force. The establishments were kept under review and savings made when necessary. Mr Jones also replied to Messrs F. Doidge (Nat. Tauranga) and M. Oram (Nat. Manawatu) who criticised’the service of Tasman Empire Airways, rhe Minister said that the New Zealand and Australian Governments had all along, been in accord so .tar as the service was concerned. The Governments involved had decided to purchase Solents for the service, and recent reports on the Solents were very good indeed. . Mr Jones said that Sir Frederick Tymm’s report on many subjects, including South Island airports should oe available before the House rose. Answering questions raised by members concerning aero clubs and the A.'i'.C. Mr Jones said that he hoped that the Government’s present policy would provide a nucleus of young men who in the event -of war, would provide a vanguard of trained men for service with the air force, that despite the money the GovernHowever, it had to be admitted ment had snent on assisting with training, the response had not been what was hoped for, and if an emergency should arise there would be a demand for the services of trained men from the last war who were still available. . , Mr Jones answering an inquiry by Mr W A. Bodkin (Nat. Central Otago) said that legislation would be introduced this session dealing with the charter and taxi air services.