CIVIL RESERVE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 40, 17 February 1939, Page 8

CIVIL RESERVE

DOMINION’S AiR FORCE THE ENGINEERING SECTIONS [ Per Press Association.J WELLINGTON, Feb. 16. “As a result of an analysis of the applications received for enrolment in the ciivl reserve of the Royal NewZealand Air Force, it is gratifying to learn that the general calibre and qualifications of those who have applied for inclusion in the register fully justifies Cabinet's decision towards the end of last, year to form a civilian section of the air force reserve,” said the Hon. F. Jones, Minister of Defence, in a .statement today. "The present scheme involves the compilation for use in a national emergency of a register containing the names of those citizens whose qualifications fit them for service in the ground organisation essential to the effectiveness of the air force. The training of members of the reserve in peace time is not contemplated, although certain groups may at a laterstage be afforded the opportunity ot receiving instruction so that their members may be able, if and when called upon, lo adapt their civil professions or trades to air force requirements at short notice. Actual flying experience or tuition does not come within the scope of this scheme. "In order that the Air Department may be able to assess the ability of individual members and thus decide the positions which they might be capable of filling, two qualified men have been appointed, one for each island, to interview members of the reserve in the engineering sections.. "One of the objects of the scheme is to ensure that, if the men have to oe called up in an emergency it can be done with a minimum of interference to industry. For this reason it is proposed, subject to the convenience of the employers, that interviews should be held at the place of employment. This will enable the department to assess the possible consequences of a man’s withdrawal on the works concerned and thus ensure that in an emergency an undue number are not taken from any one shop or industry. The co-operation ol employers will greatly facilitate this phase of the scheme. “In the meantime it is not proposed to interview applicants for the professional, administrative and clerical appointments. Further enrolments are still desired from among men m the engineering profession and in the allied trades of fitters, welders, motor mechanics, sheet metal workers. electricians and the like. When it is realised that for every one man in the air at least eight are required on the ground, the need for an adequate number of ground engineers and staff being available will be appreciated. “Aero clubs throughout New Zealand are carrying out valuable training work with the assistance and cooperation of the Government and the numbers of men with flying experience are increasing rapidly.”