BLOW TO HOPES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21603, 4 January 1945, Page 4

BLOW TO HOPES

ACTIVITIES STOPPED AIRMEN FROM CANADA Keen disappointment that they had been unable to go ahead with their task in Canada because of the decision to discontinue the Empire air training scheme was expressed by a large number of the New Zealand airmen who arrived at Auckland this week. Their regret was tempered by the knowledge that their departure from Canada was the outcome of greatly improved Allied air power and by the excitement of returning home for a period of leave that they had not contemplated a few months ago. When arrangements were made for their return to New Zealand the men were in all stages of training. Some had graduated and were ready to leave Canada for operational training. Others had been in Canada only about six months and returned as leading-aircraftmen with very little training behind them. , Some Work on Alaska Highway The men who had gained their wings were more happy about their position than those who had reached Canada more recently. They felt they had accomplished something and that their time had not been wasted They also were confident that they would be able to perform useful service when conditions allowed. Some of the men, it was stated, had done scarcely any training during their stay of six months or more. The stations were apparently filled, and many of the trainees were posted to “useful duties” in various parts of Canada, and they remained in this capacity until shortly before .the time for their return. These men were reluctant to refer to the duties they carried out, but it was stated that a number of them worked on the Alaska Highway. They realised that there was no alternative for them under the conditions that had arisen, and their chief regret was that they had lost so much time in.their training programme. Questions About Future Many of the men were apprehensive about their future, in view of the existing supply of trained air crews. The trained men hoped to be given further training and to be posted to operations, but they expected a long wait. Whatever their reactions to the change in policy there was no doubt about their impressions of Canada and the United States. They spoke appreciatively about the hospitality of the people of the two countries, and of the well-organised facilities available for the entertainment of servicemen. The men spoke highly of the lavish entertainment provided for them and other servicemen in' the United States, but their comments in no way detracted from the warmth of the welcome they received in Canada. The United States had greater resources for entertainment, and, as one airman put it, New Zealanders were more of a novelty in that country. In Canada, the friends they made went to surprising lengths to make them at home. Canada has a special attachment for a dozen or more of the men who returned, because they are now married to Canadian girls.