TEACHING AUSTRALIANS TO FLY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3161, 13 August 1917, Page 7

TEACHING AUSTRALIANS TO FLY

' ' ——6— CADETS IN. ENGLAND. ' Mr. 'Andrew Fisher, Australian High Commissioner, accompanied by Colonels Griffiths , and Reynolds. recently visited "the Australian' Flying .Cadets' quartered in colleges at Oxford, ' where 13G riro undergo'in'g a practical course.. The men have been chosen from the ranks, and all were picked' for their physique. and youth. They mostly possessed considerable me- ■ chaiical knowledge. Tho training hafl been very thorough in all departments of aeroplane work. So keen are tho students that they have been able to complete the course in lialf the usual time. Tho majority of the instructors are British, though thero are several 'Australian instructors who gained experience in various battle arenas. The consensus of opinion among British instructors is that Australians are peculiarly fitted for airwork, and.make first-class fliers. All speak in high terms of the men's exemplary conduct during training.' After, daily study 'in the workshops, the men are compelled to indulge in athletics, the University authorities providing the fullest facilities. Wiethe technical course is completed, the men are drafted into the various aerodromes in Britain to' undergo flying tests. Some hundreds have already passed to the final stage. An interesting. feature of the instruction consists of : a scale model of a famous war paliont, whereon, by electrical .means, mimic shells.- burst over the ground ! from a high ' gallery, enabling him to accustom himself to the appearance of trench systems, and acquire knowledge of aerial photography. Mr. Fisher visited the various colleges, aad saw the men at work.

The corps entertained Mr. Fisher ■at dinner in the hall of Queen's College. Mr. Fisher, in a speech, said that he /was glad to meet Australia's latest arm of the service, which was proving that Australia was able to keep in line in every new venture. He was delighted to hear the encomiums passed on their conduct. Tjpon them rested Australia's reputation in competition with the men from all parts of the Empire.' He hoped that the name Australia would long be their inspiration. He looked to them to bring to the air service that initiative and boldness which had'hitherto characterised their part in the war.

The. Red Cross should certainly benefit as a result of the two 6plendid dancefecitals to be given by .the pupils of Miss Estelle Beere. Tho performance will be given 1 in the Opera House under vicei regal patronage on' Saturday, August ' 25, and Monday, August 27, and _ each dance will be new. A feature will bo "The Romance of the Forest" (an idyll), fir,d Mr. Eugene Ossipoff will' contribute songs. Music will be by the -Bloy Trio.