DOMINION AIR FORCE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20951, 2 November 1939, Page 9

DOMINION AIR FORCE

TRAINING OF STAFFS CO-ORDINATION SCHEME MINISTER GIVES DETAILS (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday Air Force training in the Dominion is so thoroughly in operation that the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, today was able to give a number of details regarding methods of instruction and the use of training centres distributed throughout the country. The whole scheme of instruction is being well co-ordinated toward the end of effectively training air staffs and ground personnel. “Including the instructional staff there are over 1700 men engaged in Air Force training,” said the Minister. “This number is being increased every day because we have no difficulty in securing a good type of recruit.” The Weraroa training centre is being used for the ground training of observers and air gunners who afterward go to the spacious new aerodrome at Ohakea, near Bulls, to finish their training. Wireless personnel is being trained at Christchurch and armament training is being conducted at Wigram, Christchurch. Administrative personnel, which is being trained at Christchurch, comprises equipment assistants and other officers who will go to other centres after they become efficient. The Flying Side “On the flying side ground training starts at Weraroa,” Mr Jones explained. “Elementary flying training is also being done at Taieri, where 38 recruits are receiving this instruction. “The training at Wigram for the flying personnel is more advanced and 30 men there are in the intermediate stage and 21 are undergoing advanced flying training. The latter, at the end of November, will be available for duty wherever needed. “Schools for the training of mechanics are in operation at the railway workshops at Otahuhu, Hutt and Addington. A fourth school will commence at Hillside on Friday. Upon completion of their mechanical training the men are drafted to the various centres for the ground work needed in maintaining machines in efficient flying condition.” New Plymouth is being utilised as a second elementary training school for flying personnel and Woodbourne aerodrome, near Blenheim,, is covering the same course as that provided at Wigram. “The instructors available are quite adequate for ‘.his extended scheme of tiffining,” the Minister added, “and everything is working smoothly. The necessary buildings are being pushed on rapidly.”