AVIATION PROGRESS.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19888, 18 May 1936, Page 12

AVIATION PROGRESS.

AID FOR AERO CLUBS. QOVBRNIHINTB POLIOY. (By Teler *apb—Pr*i* Association.) WELLINGTON, Saturday The establishment of an air ministry In New Zealand, an Increase in the Government subsidy to aero clubs and the importation of a batch of new machines for distribution to culbs were requests made by a deputation representing the New Zealand Aero Club which waited upon the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. M. J. Savage, and the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F Jones, this evening. Mr Savage assured the deputation that the Government would not do less for aviation than had been done in ihe past and more than likely a good deal more. The case for the deputation was submitted bv the president of the New d V -o Club, Mr C. Wetastein. The deputation urged that £IO,OOO should he allotted for trainees and renewals on the following basis: £4O for each of tlie first 10 pilots trained within the age limit: £25 for the remainder; £lO for the first 30 renewals and £5 for extra renewals. Good Work Recognised. Mr Jones pointed out that olubs had done better last year by way of subsidy than in any previous year. It j might be true that aero clubs could : train pilots cheaper than the Govern- j ment. but it had to be remembered the Government received no assistance from trainees themselves, whereas clubs received from them between £4O and £SO. He thought that if the Government - established a training school it could train pilots just as well. The question of increasing the subwas wrapped up with the policy : defence, continued the Minister. No doubt splendid work had been done by i.cr.t clubs in the training of pilots. ll*' did not think the deputation would be dissatisfied in 12 months at what the Government had done for aviation. The question of increasing the subsidy was a matter for the cabinet. “ [ do not think there will be any reason to regret the aotion the Government will take In regard to aviation," said Mr Savage. Aviation was going to play a revolutionary part in the next few years. One thing; was certain and that was it would play a bigger part In the military sense than ever before. A decision as to what the Government intended to do would be reached as soon as possible, and lie < hoped to be able to give their representations a reply at an early date.