AIR FORCE SERVICE.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 397, 2 April 1937, Page 6

AIR FORCE SERVICE.

INTEREST IN N.Z. | Amazing Response. Press Association —Copyright. Wellington, April 1. i What the Minister of Defence describes as an avalanche of applications has been rec: ived in response to the Government’s advertisement of vacancies for 12 short service commissions in* the Royal Air Force, with training in England, seven for training in Nw Zealand, tour for pilot officers in. the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and one permanent commission in the Dominion for an engineering officer. Although vacancies number only 24, no fewer than 2100 applications have already been received, and the closing date is no.t until April 5. “It bias been obvious for a long time,” said the Minister, Hon. F. Jones, “that the youth of New Zealand is keenly interested in aviation, but no one could -have realised until nov.' how alluring Hying has become and how intense the. enthusiasm for it is. Hhe replies hold promise of satisfactory results- from the Government’s policy of aviation, expansion. *‘The New Zeiajapd Air Force at present comprises 21 officers and 170 ether ranks, but provision has been made for a steady building up of the service. 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 d.evote on’y spare time to flying. It, is to be regretted that on numerical grounds alone there will be a great deal of inevitable disappointment for the applicants. The utmost care will be taken in the selection. - 1 am conf.dent that men of the highest possible standard of fitness-and ability will be secured for training as military air pilots in Britain .and in. New;