THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto : Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1924. AIR DEFENCE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4779, 21 November 1924, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto : Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1924. AIR DEFENCE.

Little progress has been made in aviation in New Zealand, but it is pleasing to learn that there are over 100 officers of the air force reserve who keep themselves qualified by means of refresher courses. Aviation has suffered many setbacks. Accidents have been many, and will continue so for years to come. It is the penalty a nation must pay for progress, and Britain, in some sections of aeroplane construction, is ahead of other countries.. One ofl the greatest aviation experts in England last month declared that in two-seater light aeroplane competition Britain was two years ahead of any other nation. The British Air Council has recently given prizes amounting to several thousands of pounds. Light two-seater aeroplanes, driven by a small engine, have been proved to be practicable, and schemes for forming aeroplane clubs are being pushed on by the Air Ministry. A Boy Air Scouts’ organisation is taking shape in England to develop an early “air sense” among lads. What is intended is that air scouts, affiliated to the Boy Scouts’ Association, shall be brought directly into touch with flying through the medium of light aeroplane clubs. Boy air scouts will handle and look after machines on the ground. They will have practical lectures from experts ; and, by beingassociated daily with flying, will acquire a love for the air. Aeroplanes are being freely used as means of transport throughout Europe and America. Tests are being made and data collected for air services from England to Australia. Experts have recommended that the large dirigible which recently crossed from Germany to New York in 80 hours should be used for conveying mails between New York and London. It is true a few experiments have been made in New Zealand. A comparatively small sum of money has been spent in encouraging aviation, but this Dominion must keep abreast of the times. The whole question of defence lias been brought before the public by Lord Jellicoe in the course of his farewell addresses. After a great war there is invariably a tendency to let down the defensive forces of the Empire. New Zealand has never yet faced its full national responsibility in the matter of defence. The Dominion cannot rely absolutely on the naval defence provided. Every part of the British Empire should do its fair share in the maintenance of naval forces adequate to police the seas, hut it should also assist in the development of air defence.