AIR FORCE STATIONS VISITED

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 136, 5 March 1941, Page 5

AIR FORCE STATIONS VISITED

Hobsonville And Whenuapai

INSPECTION BY SIR CYRIL NEWALL (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, March 4. Royal New Zealand Air Force stations- at Hobsonville and Whenuapai were visited for the first time this morning by the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall. .His Excellency, who was accompanied by the Chief of Air Staff, Air' Commodore Saunders, was attended by Wing Commander Bevan, Military Secretary and Comptroller, and Captain Holland-Martin, A.D.C. Running at high speed, a new Air Force patrol launch conveyed the viceregal party from the city to Hobsonviile in a few minutes. As his Excellency stepped ashore, to be met by the officer commanding the stapon, Wing Commander Burrell, a flight oi five aircraft swept overhead in tight formation and. throughout the GovernorGeneral’s visit light training machines landed and took off in endless succession as the normal day’s work continued.

Accompanied by his suite and the head of each successive department visited, his Excellency set a smart pace and, in the course of the morning walked a substantial distance. Waiting motor-cars were waved aside, his Excellency preferring to walk between the various blocks of buildings.

Aircraft of many and varied types, some bearing “serviceable” labels, and others in various stages of assembly or repair, were inspected in; the hangars. Sir Cyril displayed an expert interest in' all the stations had to show and visited workshops, instrument rooms, stores, mess rooms and various quarters. He 'saw flying training in progress.

Sir Cyril did not confine his attention to heads of departments. A number of men busy on their normal work had the distinction of being met on their z own ground by a marshal of the Royal Air Force. His ■ Excellency spoke with men engaged in all manner of technical duties, displaying an intimate knowledge of their work and the-equipment at their disposal. His eye for flying equipment was equally keen and the technical details of certain recent new fittings were discussed fluently with an Officer specializing in the work. A- similar inspection was made by his Excellency at Whenuapai later in the morning. He was met by the oflicer commanding. Squadron Leader Seabrook, and, after inspecting the guard he made another round of hangars, workshops and quarters, including the station hospital. His Excellency had luncheon in the officers’ mess before returning to the city by motor-car.