THE AIR FORCE

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 15, 12 October 1933, Page 10

THE AIR FORCE

Its Responsible Task

PROTECTION OF NATION

The Air Force was the youngest branch of the Imperial /Services, but. it was also the most important, said Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P., proposing a toast at the reunion of the South African Veterans’ Association last night.

“I don’t want to strike a note of apprehension.” Mr. Samuel proceeded, “but it seems to me that the nation must keep its Air Force up to efficient strength, no matter what happens to the other branches of the service. There are signs of unrest all oyer the world. We have had interpationql gatherings for the purpose of stabilising world peace, but the further we go the more ominous seems the future. I believe that the weight of keeping tlie nation intact and of keeping our flag flying will fall on the shoulders of the Air Force.” Colonel R. Evatt responded to the toast.

Colonel F. B. Mabin read a number of apologies for absence, including one from his Excellency the GovernorGeneral, Lord Bledisloe, who said that while the prospect of identifying himself in person with the South African War Veterans’ reunion appealed strongly to his personal inclinations, he much regretted that other arrangements already made for the date precluded his attendance.

Mr. Ernest Hogg called for a moment’s silence for absent comrades. Other toasts honoured were “The R.S.A. and Kindred Associations.” proposed by Mr. R. J. H. Aldrich, and replied to by Colonel A. Cowles, and “Sister Associations.” A number of musical and vocal items were given, the programme being arranged by Mr. Ernest Short.