SCHOOL UNITS

Grey River Argus, 17 September 1941, Page 4

SCHOOL UNITS

N.Z. Air Training NO OBLIGATION TO JOIN AIR FORCE. P.A. * WELLINGTON. Sept, 16. Hon. F. Jones to-day gave further information regarding the development of the Air Training Corps, and in particular of school units. The Minister pointed out that, although the Air Training; Corps must be regarded. as an extension of the preeducational training scheme, any boy joining his school unit was under no obligation whatsoever to link up with, the Air Force at the conclusion of training in the school unit. This fear. Mr Jones stated, had led a few parents_tp withhold consent to their jk>ys enrolling with school units. He wished it to be clearlv understood that there was no such obligation, although, naturally.. he was hopeful that a fair.proportion of boys would later link up with, the Air Force. Of 61 schools communicated with, 32 had already indicated that units would be formed Some were proposing to make a beginning this coming term. The failure of many of other schcjpls to reply favourably was due to the fact that the school was so small that too few toovs between the ages of 15 and 18 were available. The total strength of the units already offered would he between 1400 and 1500. Some of the main decisions .which nad already been arrived at in regard to school units of the air training corps were: (a) Enrolment to be open to boys between 15 and IS who had obtained their parents’, written consent; (b) a distinguishing badge would be provided for all members of the unit; (c) the minimum number reauired.in anv school for the formation of a unit would be 25; (d) the programme of work would be much on the same lines as for tho Air Training Corps. Units_established in the larger towns would include physical training, air force history and organisation, Morse signalling, elementary air navigation, recogniton of aircraft, and kindred subjects; (e) a certain amount of equipment would be provided to make the instruction practical as "well as theoretical; (f) arrangements would be made for a short instructional course for future officers of air training corps, such course to be held during the next school holidava