AIR DEFENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20737, 22 February 1939, Page 8

AIR DEFENCE

DOMINION’S POSITION APPEAL TO BRITAIN RELEASE OF NEW ZEALANDERS (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Tuesday The Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, said in an interview this evening that the recent decision to increase the strength of the Royal New Zealand Air Force by the formation of detached flights at Hastings New Plymouth and Invercargill was ’ being pushed forward as rapidly as possible. Permission was being sought from the local aviation authorities concerned for the use of aerodromes and for the erection of the necessary hangars and instructional buildings. It was expected to have the buildings completed in time to house the aircraft and equipment which had been ordered from overseas. Shortage of Instructors “One of the major difficulties in the present rapid expansion of the Air Force is the provision of a competent personnel for flying and technical instruction.’’ said Mr Jones. “At present the Government is negotiating for release from the Royal Air Force of a few of the many New Zealanders serving in the United Kingdom on short service commissions. The Air Council has been most helpful and an order calling for applications for service in New Zealand has been published in the orders of thp Royal Air Force. “The training of mechanics in New Zealand is being accelerated. Two hundred airmen for the regular air force were enlisted early this month. These airmen, the majority of whom are for technical trades, will do a two months’ recruit course and will then commence their initial technical training, which will take from six to twelve months, according to the trade.” Pushing Ahead The Minister emphasised * the fact that in spite of every effort it would be some time before these units would be in a position to accept for training the many enthusiastic volunteers who were anxious to commence their training immediately. “The date on which this will be possible depends on many factors, j some of which it is difficult to con- | trol,” said the Minister, “but they can | rest assured that the Air Department is pushing forward with all speed, and immediately the date is definite the widest publicity will be given and applications will be called for enlistment.”