THE AIR FORCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 40, 26 November 1938, Page 2

THE AIR FORCE

PROGRESS IN NEW ZEALAND.

TRAINING OF YOUNG MEN. GUARDING AGAINST EMERGENCY. (Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, November 25. The progress of New Zealand’s air defence programme was commented on generally by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) in an interview today with a representative oi the “Otago Daily Times.”

The Minister outlined the various phases of activity being undertaken by the Air Department, and emphasised that everything possible was being done to equip New Zealand with-an effective air force in the event of emergency. Air Jones said it was by no means certain yet when the Territorial squadron of the New Zealand Air Force would he established in Dunedin, although it was proposed to have one squadron in each of (he four centres. The camp ol tiie Wellington Squadron, at present being held at Blenheim, was an outstanding success, and it was hoped that as soon as possible squadrons would be in active operation throughout New Zealand. “One difficulty with which we have to contend in Dunedin, as in other cities, is that of’finding suitable accommodation Dor a squadron,” the Minister said. “Then there is also the question of finding the requisite number of pilots and aircraftsmen, and since there are eight or nine aircraftsmen to one pilot, it will be seen that the formation of a squadron of this kind cannot be accomplished in a few days. AYe are also faced with the problem of finding a hangar site at the Taieri aerodrome. This will have to he considered in conjunction with the proposal for the extension of the aerodrome which will involve closing for the entire length of the aerodrome the east-west road running alongside of it, and the taking of at least 50 acres on the opposite side of the road. The aerodrome was rather small now, considering the large types of ’planes coming into use, but when it was extended and equipped with special direction-finding apparatus which had been ordered, it would he vastly improved.

Size of Aerodromes. Since it. was essential that pilots trained in New Zealand should have experience of the heavier types of ’planes, it was necessary that aeiodtomes should he sufficiently large to enable them to manoeuvre safely, Air Jones stated. He added that of the 250 additional aircraft ordered from England, it was expected that just over 100 would be delivered in New Zealand in batches within the .next year or so. These were second-hand machines, out were perfectly satisfactory for training, and in. event of any emergency they would provide the Dominion with an air force until more modern machines could be obtained. Among tiie first types to arrive in New Zealand would be the Fairev Gordons and more Vickers Viidebeests, which would be purchased very much below original cost, on similar terms to those on which. 29 Blaekbujvu Baffins were secured earlier.

“We are still .hopeful that the first of the 30 Vickers Wellington bombers we have ordered will he delivered about the end of the next year,” the Minister said. “It is claimed that these are faster machines, and possess a. longer range than the Vickers Wellesleys which recently made a. recordbreaking-; long distance flight from ismalia (Egypt) to Darwin, so that by the time the full complement of 30 ’planes is here, our air force should he well equipped with) bombers. They will lie flown from England to New Zealand by Dominion airmen who are to he sent to Great Britain for special training.”

Special Reserve. TU© Minister said that the 5000 men wanted for the special Aiir Force Reserve had been signed up for service in any emergency, but the Air Department was anxious to linvp more men, such as motor mechanics and fitters and turners, and lists were still being kept open. In addition, arrangements were being made with the Railways Department, for the establishment of instructional schools in connection with the workshops in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Steps would be taken as soon as possible to construct suitable buildings at the four workshops where apprentices nearing the end of their terms would receive about five months’ instruction on the repair and maintenance of aircraft engines and air frames. Instructors and equipment would be provided by the Air Force, and the objective would he to turn out 160 young men a year trained as aircraft, ground engineers to form the civil reserve essential to meet the Air Force requirements in time of war.