N.Z.’S STEADILY DWINDLING AIR RESERVES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22891, 10 March 1949, Page 4

N.Z.’S STEADILY DWINDLING AIR RESERVES

(QOMMENT on the deterioration of New Zealand’s air force potential contained in the annual report of the Gisborne Aero Club presented by the president, Mr. G. A. Nicholls, at the annual meeting last night gives cause for serious concern. The fact is emphasised that only a small percentage of wartime-trained pilots would be available today in the event of an emergency, for the reason that most of them are now too old for combat duties. And there are few coining on to take their place. At the Outbreak of the Second World War aero-club trained pilots performed an invaluable service. Without their help the rapid expansion of the R.N.Z.A.F. would have been impossible, but what is the position at the moment? Mr. Nicholls estimates, with authority, that New Zealand is worse off for reserves of clubtrained pilots than in 1939. The explanation is not far to seek. Whereas before the war aero clubs were granted subsidies by the Government, at relatively small cost to the taxpayer, these same organisations have since had to fend for themselves. Most clubs, with no alternative, have had to make flying activities self-supporting, or as nearly as possible, and the result has been high fees beyond the reach of most young people. Last year the Gisborne Aero Club lost one shilling for every hour flown, despite its comparatively low overhead expenses. Every aero club in New Zealand is stated to he losing money. It is true that the Government is making a grant for the training of A.T.C. cadets, but instead of this being an assistance to clubs, most of them, if not all, are carrying out this work at a loss.

Gisborne has had an aero club of its own on an active basis for exactly two years. In addition to providing facilities for, young people to fly, it has frequently demonstrated its value in providing a community service Avhich would otherwise not exist. It is ready to provide an even greater service should a major emergency arise, and therefore must be preserved. The Borough Council has given an excellent lead in fostering the club’s Avork, but more assistance and encouragement are required. The State has an obvious responsibility to such, organisations Avhich can contribute by defence training to the national Avell-being but this should be given Aveight by constant representations, and impetus by the force of example of citizens themselves in the encouragement of local interests.