AMERICA’S AIR DEFENCE

Evening Star, Issue 19062, 3 October 1925, Page 10

AMERICA’S AIR DEFENCE

COMMANDER RODGERS'S EVIDENCE NO PROPER ORGANISATION. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. NEW YORK, October 2. (Received October 3, at 12.65 p.m.) Commander Rodgers, giving evidence before the Aircraft Inquiry Board, said that, despite defence, the Navy Department insisted on vital changes, in which it was necessary to recommend a separate promotion list, aviation budget, and strong air development. Ho attacked tho activities of the various Navy Boards, saving they confined their work to talk. ,( 1 wore out six pairs of trousers,” bo said, “serving on one of these boards. All they did was to talk —then nothing came of our talk.” Ho advocated the upkeep of the Hawaiian fortifications, but an increase in tho Aj.r Force. There was something vitally wrong with the Navy Department, however. It was not a matter relating to the recent accidents or the personal efficiency of any officer in the department. The navy was not organised on scientific principles, which the introduction of tho airplane made absolutely necessary. Until real organisation was established aircraft would not work with the maximum of efficiency.—A. and N.Z. Cable.