AIR TRAINING CORPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 March 1942, Page 2

AIR TRAINING CORPS

ADVANTAGES OE COURSE STRESSED VALUE IN COMMERCIAL LIFE. MASTERTON TOWN UNIT IN VIEW. The value and advantages of the course for boys joining the Air Training Corps were emphasised tosay by Flight Lieutenant D. C. Inglis, area adjutant for the Air Training Corps. Flight Lieutenant Inglis is visiting Masterton in furtherance of the establishment of a town unit locally. “'The course provided,” said Flight Lieutenant Inglis, “is of tremendous value to the boys in later life, both from a physical standpoint and from the tuition received, which opens up possibilities in commercial undertakings. The subjects included m the course are of great value in enabling those taking it to qualify for positions in commercial life. Moreover, the drill and discipline given effect a great improvement in the general bearing oi the boys. The physical training included in the course is under the direction of the Physical Welfare Department and there is full provision for the development of the team spirit in sport, by the holding of inter-squadron competitions. No boy taking the course could fail to benefit in more than one way. For those who wish to continue flying after the war there are many possibilities, as air services will greatly expand once hostilities cease.” Flight Lieutenant Inglis pointed out that the Air Training Corps had been established to provide New Zealand boys and young men with a foundation in service and educational subjects that would fit them, for entry into the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The consent of parents was necessary before a boy could join the corps and was again necessary before he could join the Air Force. Completion of the Air Training Course entitled the trainee to entry into the Royal New Zealand Air Force, subject to the consent of his parents and physical litness. This course, which was a most interesting one. took the place of any pre-entry training in the case of boys up to 18. The boys eligible to join the corps were those from 16 to 18. Wairarapa College had established a College unit and it was hoped to set up. in addition, a town unit, which offered personal tuition instead of that by correspondence. All accepted candidates would be provided with uniforms. Among the activities of the unit would be a model aeroplane building club, which in the case of Masterton, would be run in co-operation with the Model Aero Club. Visits to service aerodromes were also included. Two of the uniforms worn by members of the Air Training Corps are al present on view in one of the windows of the W.F.C.A.. Ltd.. Queen Street, where they are attracting considerable attention.

Boys between 16 and 18 years of age who wish to join the corps are asked to communicate with Mr H. A. R. Dunderdale or Mr E. K. Eastwood, Perry Street, Masterton.