PASSING-OUT PARADE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29504, 4 May 1961, Page 16

PASSING-OUT PARADE

Wigram Ceremony

Members of No. 32 aircrew course at the R.N.Z.A.F. station at Wigram were told by the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Air Commodore R. J. Cohen) yesterday that they were passing out from a school which had a tradition recognised throughout the world. Air Commodore Cohen was speaking at a parade for JI graduates who received their wings and brevets from him yesterday morning. A large group of civilians watched the ceremony. It was almost 24 years ago since members of the first course passed out from the flying training school at Wigram, Air Commodore Cohen said. Since then the school had turned out many thousands of trainees and graduates. In the military field, but particularly in air forces. New Zealand's contribution was out* of all proportion to its size, he said. “You have only to think of the Royal Air Force and the large number of New Zealanders who occupy key posts in it.” Air Commodore Cohen said that technical development was moving along at such a pace now that unless one’s foundation was sound it would be nearly impossible to keep up with it. Earlier during the parade four Harvards flew past low in box formation as the executed the general salute. Later as the squadrons marched off the parade grounds the Harvards roared overhead again to execute a series of rolls.