2100 APPLICANTS FOR 24 VACANCIES

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 64, 2 April 1937, Page 9

2100 APPLICANTS FOR 24 VACANCIES

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Youth of N.Z. Rushing Air Force flHOICE TO BE MADE

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WELLINGTON, Last Night. What the Minister of Defence describes as an avalanche of applicatiohs has been received in response to the Government's advertlsement of vacancies for twelv8 short service commissions in the Eoyal Air Force with training in England, seven for training in New Zealand, four for pilot ofhcers in the Royal New Zealand Air Force and one for a permunent commission in the Dominion for an engineer officer. Although the vacancies total only 24 no fewer than 2100 applications have al,ready been received and the closing date is not till April 5. "It has been obvious for a long time," said the Minister, " that the youth of New Zealand are keenly inter'ested in aviation, but no ono could have •realised till now how alluring flying has become and how intense the enthusiasm for it is. The replies hold promise of satisfactory results from the Government's policy of aviation expansion. "The New Zealand Air Force at present comprises 21 officers and 170 other ranks, but provision has been made for the steady butilding up of the sorvice. The force will require at least 70 additional pilots during the next two years and it is hoped in addition to provide opportunities for those able to devote pnly spare time to flying. It is to be regretted that on numerical grounds alone there will be a great deal of inevitable disappointment for applicants. The utmost care will be taken in the selection, and I am confident the highest possible standard of fitness and ability will be secured for training as military air pilots at Home and in New Zealand."