DEVELOPMENT OF AIR FORCE

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22717, 23 May 1939, Page 8

DEVELOPMENT OF AIR FORCE

Heavy Expenditure ' By Government

MECHANISATION

OF ARMY

Modern Infantry

Equipment

[THE PRESS Special Service.]

WELLINGTON, May 22. The steps taken by the Government to build up the defence organisation were outlined by Mr Savage. He also explained that New Zealand was involved not only in the defence of its own shores, for its responsibilities toward the Commonwealth extended far into the Pacific.

“Last year,” said Mr Savage, ‘The three Chiefs of Staff visited islands to the north of New Zealand to study their strategic effect on the defences of this country. Last month we held in Wellington a Pacific defence conference, and the recommendations of this conference, -with New Zealand s views upon them, are now before the Governments concerned.

“'Shortly after taking office the Government established a Council of Defence to deal with all matters of defence policy, and under this council we set up an organisation for national security. This organisation is useful for civil purposes as well as for defence. It has plans capable of use in dealing with disasters of a civil nature, such as earthquakes or epidemics; but its main work lias been in connexion with (he preparing of the country for a wartime emergency.

“If such a disaster came, I can confidently say that New Zealand would not be paralysed because of any lack of preparedness. There would be no general disorganisation because the Government had not planned to meet any such situation. Care is being taken to ensure that the country will not lack essential supplies for the people or for the armed forces. “The organisation for national security has, in short, prepared plans for the reorganisation of New Zealand's civil and military life. If war broke out to-morrow a fairly efficient machine would immediately be brought into action. When the Government assumed office, the territorial force was found to be in a very weak state, much below establishment. The Labour Government set to work to train leaders. In the regular forces men have constantly been sent to England for instruction. The territorial force has been built up in the last two years to over its full establishment at 9500 men. Mechanisation of the army has been proceeding as rapidly as time and finances will allow. The artillery is now completely mechanised, and leeway is being made up in providing the latest mechanised infantry equipment. "It"is in the Air Force (hat the greatest advances have been made. When wc assumed office we had nothing but out-of date machines, no ammunition—indeed, no semblance of an Air Force. The 1937-40 programme has involved an expenditure of nearly £3,7a0.000. We now have a separate Air force. New military aerodromes are bring established in both islands. The training schools at Wigram and Hobsonville have been extended. We have active territorial air force units in the larger centres, and we have a civil reserve of the Air Force, including 5000 artisans prepared to help in the defence of the country. Next year, when the programme is completed, (here will be no t less than 180 aeroplanes, including 30 Vichcrs-Welling-tou bombers. These are machines of the latest type, and some are now being delivered in England prior W being flown to New Zealand. In the year before the present Government brought down its first budget, defence expenditure was £ 1.100.000: in_lhc last three rears wo have spent just on £ 6.500,000, including £1,500,000 on aerodromes,"