AIR DEFENCES.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 388, 20 March 1937, Page 8

AIR DEFENCES.

Interest in Government’s Proposals. Wellington, March 18 Further consideration is to be given to the activities of aero clubs in relation to the Government’s proposals tor the development of avilation. The conference which was opened on February 26 last between representatives of New Zealand aero clubs and’ the Minister of Defence and departmental experts will be resumed to-morrow at Parliament House. The Minister of Defence, Hon. F. Jones, said to-night that the conference 'would discuss the question whether the 'activities of the clubs could be dovetailed into the scheme for training pilots for service and commercial aviation. The subject would be thoroughly discussed with a view to securing the best possible service of aero clubs throughout the Dominion. Wing-Commander ;R. A. Cockrane, a British expert, would attend the conference and discuss technical questions.

The Minister also said young men of New Zealand were demonstrating keen imprest, in tlhe air defence proposals, and already numerous communications had been rceived with regard, to commissions In Royal New Zealand Air Force. It was clear many applications for appointment would have to be considered. Twelve candidates for th? Royal Air Force would be selected without delay, as those appointed would be trained at Wigram prepara, tory to their Waving for the United Kingdom, shortly latter Christmas. Moreover, four candidates would be required for the Royal Air Force itself, also an engineer officer with bachelor of engineering degree of the University of New Zealand.

The 12 candidates' would receive a course of training at Wigram, and later another 12 Candidates would b” selected for the second course of training which would start at. Wigram in July. From then onward the intake would be 12 every three moffius. The maximum in training would be 24 at Wigram, -with two complete courses each year.