THE AIR FORCE PROGRAMME

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 235, 3 July 1939, Page 8

THE AIR FORCE PROGRAMME

The Government’s decision to extend the present programme of training in military aviation so as to produce 220 qualified pilots each year, and to increase the facilities and equipment so that, in the event of war, New Zealand could send 1300 pilots and technicians overseas annually, is a tribute to the value and enlivening effect of the recent visit paid to New Zealand by the British Air Mission. In a statement'issued last Thursday, the Minister of Defence disclosed that the Mission had recommended, first, the creation in this country of manufacturing capacity for the production of aircraft, and,, secondly, the expansion of training facilities “with a view to increasing the output of-fully-trained flying personnel for the Air Forces of both countries in peace and war.” It is yet to be made clear whether the Mission named the particular annual quota decided upon,.and what, if any, obligations have been undertaken by New Zealand in the matter. The Minister contented himself with saying that complete agreement had been reached between the two Governments, and that Britain had agreed to increase the grant paid under the present scheme. But whatever the details of the new scheme may be, the effort should meet with public approval. It implies a proper recognition of this country’s responsibility in relation to Empire defence; and, if successful, will be a contribution of considerable value. The question now at issue is the implementation of the proposals. Seemingly the Government is fully confident, .and, as far as recruiting is concerned, there is justification for this attitude. \ In the past few years there has been no difficulty in obtaining young men of excellent stamp for training either as pilots or technicians, and the class of trainee sent to England for short-term service has more than once been made the subject of favourable comment overseas. It is to be hoped that there is equal reason for confidence regarding the equipment available for training. This is a matter of two-fold importance, for. apart from the supply of pilots to Britain, there is vital need for an up-to-date air defence force of our own. If New Zealand is to be secure against possible aggression she must be more than simply a nursery and training-ground of pilots. She must herself be a power in the air. . > On May 17 it was announced by the Minister of Defence that from 1937-38 to 1940-41 the Dominion would spend. £3.698,590 on air defence. Referring to the procuring of military aircraft, he said that six up-to-date Wellington bombers would soon be flown from England to New Zealand, and that four other flights, each of six machines, would be brought to New Zealand within the. next 12 months, together with more than 100 smaller aircraft, which would be used for both training and reserve purposes. On the face of it, this appears to be a satisfactory beginning, and should allow time for the establishment of an assembly and part-manufacturing aircraft industry. The country, however, would welcome a clearer assurance that no effort is being spared in obtaining the latest, high-efficiency types. Speaking in the House last Thursday, an Opposition member, Mr. Hargest, stated that iio aeroplane in the South Island had a speed better than about 125 miles an hour. It is a disturbing thought that the aircraft in hand are obsolete by comparison with today’s standards abroad.