FLY-PAST BY R.N.Z.A.F.

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28930, 25 June 1959, Page 12

FLY-PAST BY R.N.Z.A.F.

Schoolboy Takes Part

(New Zealand Press Association/ PALMERSTON NTH., June 24. A Palmerston North youth, Bryan Stretton, today became the first schoolboy to take part in the Royal New Zealand Air Force fly-past at the official opening of Parliament in Wellington. A corporal in No. 10 Town Squadron of the Air Training Corps, Palmerston North, he was selected from two other cadets, considered the keenest in the squadron. He lives at Glen Oroua and is in the fifth form at the Palmerston North Boys’ High School. Aged 16. he has been in the corps for three years. The eight Vampire jet aircraft from the R.N.Z.A.F. station, Ohakea, took part in the salute. Flying in two box formations, they dived over Parliament Buildings at the precise moment the guard commander gave the order, “Present arms.” The flight was commanded by Flight Lieutenant C. W. Rudd. Cadet Stratton flew in the only two-seater trainer in the formation, flying in the second group of four aircraft. The jet was piloted by Flying Officer R. Branks.

It is hoped that a report or intermediate schools and departments. being prepared for the New Zealand Council for Educational Research by Mr J. E. Watson, will be ready for publication toward the end of next year. The first volume will deal with the schools as they are and the second will inquire into their place in the changing pattern of education in New Zealand, the council's annual report says.