AIR MINISTRY

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 196, 16 May 1936, Page 12

AIR MINISTRY

Aero Club’s Requests To Ministers INCREASED SUBSIDY More Machines For Training Pilots The establishment of an Air Ministry in New Zealand, an increase in the Government subsidy to aero clubs, and the importation of a batch of new machines for distribution to clubs were three requests made by a deputation representing the New Zealand Aero Club which watted upon the Prime Minister. Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, and the Minister of Defence, Hon. F. Jones, last evening. .Mr. Savage assured the deputation that tlie Government would not Jo less for aviation than had been done in the past, and more than likely would do a good deal more. The request for an Air Ministry seemed to be unanswerable and unavoidable.

The case for the deputation was submitted by the president of the New Zealand Aero Club, Mr. C. Weinstein. The club, he said, was firmly of opinion that an Air Ministry was vital both to military aud civil aviation hi this country. Practically no extra expenditure would be involved. Proper development of aviation was only possible under the control of a Minister of Air. Direct control by one body was essential. The deputation urged that £lO,OOO be allotted for trainees and renewals on the following basis: £4O for each of the first ten pilots trained within the age limit; £25 lor the remainder; £lO for the first 30 renewals; and £5 for the extra renewals. Given a favourable decision at an early date, the clubs could reduce flying fees ami guarantee a satisfactory number of new pupils. A number of new pupils who were at present keen and anxious to fly were excluded from training owing to the cost. It had been proved all over the world that aero clubs could train pilots at a figure well below what Governments could train them for. It was a measure of economy for the Government to assist clubs to the utmost. New Aeroplanes Needed. Mr. Weinstein urged the importation of at least six machines for immediate distribution, to be followed by at least six more a few months later to re-establish the equipment of the clubs to full strength. The need for new machines was as urgent as the need for an increased subsidy. Appreciation of the progress made with aerodrome expansion was expressed by Mr. Weinstein. It was hoped that the plans for the equipment of aerodromes witli radio control and special meteorological services would soon eventuate, and thus further advance thp safety factor in flying. The deputation appreciated the Government's genuine efforts to assist the aero club movement. Replying, Mr. Jones pointed out that the clubs had done better last year by way of subsidy than in any previous year. It might be true that aero clubs could train pilots cheaper than the Government, but it had to be remembered that the Government received no assistance from the trainees themselves, whereas be understood tlie clubs received from between £4O and £5O. Ho thought if the Government established a training school it could train pilots as well. There were young men ttuab.e to afford between £4O and £5O. mid he would like lo see something done for them. Tlie question of increasing the subsidy was wrapped up with the policy of defence. No doubt splendid work bad been done by aei'o clubs in the training of pilots. He did not think the deputation would be dissatisfied iu 12 months’ time at what, the Govern ment had done for aviation. The question of increasing the subsidy was matter for Cabinet. Facilities for Training. “I do not think there will be any reason to regret the action the Government will take in regard to aviation.” replied Mr. Savage. His sympathies, lie added, were along the Hues-of Hie formation of an Air Ministry, the details of which required hammering out. The Government understood and admired the enthusiasm of the clubs for aviation, mid the Government’s job would be to make them more enthusiastic. The Government's job was to have our own men trained in New Zealand, and to provide the faciliitos for doing that. Aviation was going to play a revolutionary part in the next few .rears. One tiling was certain, and that was it would play a bigger part in a military sense than ever before. Tlie Government was not going to do less for aviation than had been done in the past, and it seemed that, it would do a good deal more. A decision as to what It was intended to do would be reached as soon as possible, and he hoped to be able to give the deputation’s representatives some reply at. an early date. It. seemed to him that the policy of an Air Ministry was unanswerable and unavoidable. He would say no more than that.