The Waikato Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1939 YEW ZEALAND’S AIR EFFORT

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20993, 21 December 1939, Page 6

The Waikato Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1939 YEW ZEALAND’S AIR EFFORT

Predictions that aircraft would take a most important part in this war will certainly be realised. An indication of the extent of the Empire’s effort in the air was given by the New Zealand Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, who for the first time disclosed the probable extent of the Dominion’s financial commitment under the Canadian training scheme. For the period of the recent agreement, three years, New Zealand’s share of the cost of the Canadian scheme is expected to be over £7,000,000. In addition, training and expansion of the air force within the Dominion is to proceed vigorously at a probable cost of £5,000,000 in the first year, £4,700,000 in the second year and thereafter £3,000,000 each year. Therefore if the war lasts for three years, New Zealand’s expenditure on the air force alone is expected to be about £19,700,000. Besides a contribution in other man-power, New Zealand will provide for the defence of the Empire a steady stream of pilots who will receive their most advanced training in Canada, where they will join airmen from other Dominions in the most ambitious air development scheme in history. Millions of pqunds are being poured into that great project by Britain and the Dominions, and the effort may provide one of the deciding factors in the war. Germany cannot hope to compete against such gigantic resources, and it seems that she is not prepared to compel a large scale attack from the air by attempting extensively to raid Britain and France. The longer she delays such an attack the more confident the Allies will become in their ability to meet any opposition. Mr Jones expects that within 15 months the Air Force personnel in New Zealand will be doubled and that in the same time the number of New Zealand pilots serving overseas will be trebled. There are no half-measures about the Air Force effort. The service is being expanded as quickly as machines can be made available and men can be trained to fly them. Already large numbers of New Zealand pilots are on active service, and they have gained a high reputation for technical ability, courage and endurance. Apart from those who will man New Zealand’s own defences, the Government undertook in agreement with the British Air Mission to send 1300 pilots, gunners and observers overseas each year. At the moment, 500 technical and 300 flying personnel are in training, and activity- is being extended rapidly. Although the cost of the war in the air will fall heavily on a small population such as that of New Zealand, Britain is making a magnificent contribution which will serve to soften the blow. Britain has undertaken to provide the greater part of the aeroplanes and equipment for the initiation of the Canadian scheme, and to make good all wastage and replacements. She will also provide the instructors and the pay, pensions and allowances from the date of embarkation for England. Mr Jones estimates that this will mean relief to the extent of £3,000,000 for New Zealand alone. While this great organisation is being built up in Canada the home defences of New Zealand will not be neglected. The training of large numbers of men in the Dominion and their equipment with up-to-date machines will automatically provide New Zealand with an adequate aerial defence force.