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Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 124, 21 February 1944, Page 4

There will be general endorsement of the tribute paid by the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) to the work accomplished by the Air Training Corps since its formation in this country some two years ago. This organization has stood, nationally, in similar relationship to the Royal New Zealand Air Force, to that existing between the cadet formations of certain secondary schools and the Army. It may be said, however, that the preliminary training given to young Air Training Corps members can be even more valuable and important than in the case of the military cadet system, inasmuch as the science of aviation is a complex, specialized study in which an early beginning means substantial advantage. That the Corps has justified itself is suggested by the record of almost 3000 former members now enlisted in the R.N.Z.A.F. It may be expected that, as time goes on, the great majority of air force enlistments, apart fi'om those for certain servicing and other special departments, will be drawn as a matter of course from the junior organization. Flying is a business of youth, and the air-minded boy, who reaches Service age not merely air-minded but also partly air-trained, represents a splendid national asset. The announcement that it is now possible to revise and improve the training syllabus of the Corps will be welcomed. A frequent past criticism voiced by young and eager members had concerned the concentration on theoretical instruction and the scarcity of opportunity for practical experience. No doubt this has been unavoidable in view of the tremendous pressure of training and expansion in the Air Force, but seemingly it is now possible to provide greater opportunity fur Corps members to visit air stations and enjoy to a greater extent that sense of participation and doing for which youth invariably craves. The result should be a strong upsurge of interest in the Corps and a healthy expansion of recruitment.