COURSE FINISHED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 35, 21 November 1939, Page 3

COURSE FINISHED.

“PASSING OUT” AT WIG RAM. INSPECTION BY MINISTER. (Per Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, November 20. The first Neve Zealand pilots trained at the Wigram Flying Training School since the outbreak of the Avar presented a smart and efficient bearing at their passing-out inspection to-day. rJ.Ventyone in number, they \vere typical of the young NeAV Zealander Avho is much in demand by the Royal Air Force, and avlio has been acquitting himself Avitli credit- in engagements with Hitler’s Nazis.

The inspection was carried out by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), avlio Avas accompanied by the Officer Commanding the Wigram Station (Wing-Commander G. S. Hodson), Squadron-leader R. A. Anderson and Wing-Commander K. L. CaldAvell, avlio Avill shortly take command of the No. 2 Flying Training School at Blenheim.

The officers passing out AA’ere: Acting-Pilot-Officers J. H. Arkwright, M. E. F. Barnett, E. V. Best, G. R. Brabyn, E. C.’ J. Cameron, I'. H. Denton, J. Duigan, D. V. GilmoUr, A. G. L. Humphreys, L. D. Losby, M. H. Macfarlane, D. H. McArthur, R. M. McKay, J. E. S. Morton, G. G. H. Newton, G. N Parker, C. A. PoAvnall, H. A. Outvam, D. M. R.olpli-Smith, ,T. S. Shorthouse and R. C. E. Scott.

Acting - Pilot Officers Arlnvright, Brabyn, McKay and Newton Avill he retained in Noav Zealand for duty Avith the Royal Ncav Zealand Air Force, Avliile the others will leave shortly for England to join the Royal Air Force. .Tn congratulating the officers, the Minister said Ncav Zealand pilots were building up a splendid reputation, and from reports on the results of the examinations which the officers of the No. 7 course at Wigram had > ndergone they had paid close attention lo their instructors. Their success Avas Hie more meritorious since their course had been considerahlv shorter than usual.

They still had much training ahead of them before they could lie classed as fully qualified, hut the Minister said he Avas confident that they xvould acquit themseh r es Avell. It might so happen that their services Avould he required in active operation, and there again the Minister felt sure that they Avould measure up to the standard set by other NeAV Zealanders in the service of the Empire.