THE THIRD ARM OF SERVICE

Taihape Daily Times, 15 February 1918, Page 3

THE THIRD ARM OF SERVICE

By the passing of the Air Force Bill the Imperial Parliament markeG a new stage, not only in .the History of the nation's armed forces, but also in the history of aviation. Britain has always had two fighting services, the navy and the army. Now there is to be a third service, to be called the Air .Force. It is established by the Air Force Bill. Prior to this legislation the British Cabinet of 23 members contained five Secretaries or State—for Foreign Affairs, Home Arfairs, the Colonies, India, and Warbesides the First Lord of the Admiralty. Under the Air Force Bill another has been appointed. The powers oi the Air Board, which ceases have been transferred to an Air' Council, of which the new secretary in tUo Cabinet, Lord Rothermere, is president. He will administer the Air, Force and the defence of the realm by air. The status of the Air Council will be like that of the Admiralty or the Army Council—that is to say, Its powers over the new arm will be the same as those exercised by the Admiralty and the Army Council over the naval and military arms of the nation. The Bill also provides for the transference by Order-in-Council to the Air Council of such property and rights from the Admiralty 0 r the Army Council as may be agreed upon. Members of the navy or military forces may be transferred to the Air Force for th e period of the war or for a period not over four years with the consent and the approval 0 T the Ad miralty or Army Council. Finally. provision is made for the raising of an Air Force Reserve and an Auxiliary Air Force The new Act win continue in force for the same period as the Army Act, which for centuries has I had to be renewed every year.