ROYAL AIR FORCE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19889, 28 March 1930, Page 10

ROYAL AIR FORCE.

HOW TO JOIN UP. NEW ZEALAND APPLICANTS. (FROM OUB own COSBIBPOHDSNT.) LONDON, February 20 On October 26th, 1929, an article by Mr E. Mowbray Finniss on the subject or the choice of a career appeared in tlie Supplement of the '•Now Zealand Herald." In that article the writer stated:

"Boys who arc insistent upon joining this Service (tho Air Service) should consider the Imperial Air Force, particulars of which can be obtained from Harrison and Son, St. Martin's lane, London, W.C.2.*' It is difficult to know where the writer of the article got the idea of applying to this firm. Messrs Harrison ana Son are printers who do a certain amount of printing for the Air Ministry. As a result of the statement in the newspaper Messrs Harrison received . ten applications from men and lads in New Zealand, and they naturally sent the letters on to the Air Ministry. The latter approached Major T. M. Wilkes, New Zealand Liaison Officer at the Minsbry, and asked if something could be done to stop any applications for information being sent to the printing firm. Major Wilkes telegraphed to headquarters at Wellington, and no doubt a notice remedying the mistake was published. Those who have ambitions to join the Boval Air Force may be reminded that all information can be obtained from the Director of New Zealand Air Services. Wellington. Apnlications for entering the Royal Air Force permanently as an air craftsman apprentice or as a cadet (for subsequent commissioned rank) are confined to Great Britain and Ireland. Anybody in New Zealand who wishes to beoome an air crafcsman apprentice or a cadet must apply through his own Government for nomination

The cadet is first medically and educationally examined in New Zea<land. If approved, he comes to Eng. land and spends two years at Cranwell College. At the end of that time he is again medically examined to see if he is fit for flying.

Short Service Commissions. Men who wish to obtain a short service commission have to apply in person in London. Officially the Director of New Zealand Air Services has nothing to do with these commissions, but it is understood that he is ready to advise men in the matter. If he should find that the men's qualifications are all right, they have a better opportunity of being accepted when they, arrive here. In any case, the Director of New Zealand Air Services will have in stock the Air Ministry's Pamphlet 13, which gives the regulations for entry on Short Service Commissions. These regulations should be carefully studied before a candidate goes to the expense of a journey to England. A strange thing seems to happen to many of the men \vho arrivo in London to apply for Short Service Commissions.

"They com© here and report," said Major Wilkes, "and then they knock about London and promptly catch colds. When they come up for medical examination they cannot be passed, but have to wait until they get rid of the complaint. Th«re aire six ,who are suffering from colds now and whose medical examinations hare been delayed."