N.Z. AIR DEFENCE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 96, 6 April 1934, Page 9

N.Z. AIR DEFENCE

Training of Recruits TORPEDO-BOMBERS ORDER By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, April 5. A party of 15 young men selected from about 600 applicants from various parts of New Zealand arrived at the Hobsonville Air Base, where they will be trained as fitters. The recruits, whose average age is about 23, will be permanently attached to the Royal New Zealand Air Force. They have been engaged as part of the Government’s policy of strengthening the defence forces of the Dominion, particularly the Air Force, and their appointment brings the staff at Hobsonville to a total comparable with that at Wigram. The announcement was made last month that the Government had ordered 12 Vickers Vildebeest torpedo bombers fitted with Pegasus engines. It was then stated that the first two of the machines would be shipped in June. Although no definite allocation of the 12 new machines has been made, it is expected that one flight of four will be stationed at Hobsonville and the second flight at Wigram, with two of the remaining four craft in reserve at each base. In accordance with the usual Air Force practice it is planned to tiain the recruits enrolled at Hobsonville so that they will be able to assist in assembling the new machines allocated to Hobsonville. CENTENARY AIR RACES N.Z. Entrant Discussed By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, April 5 The proposal that New Zealand should outer a machine for the Melbourne Centenary air races was further discussed at a meeting of Auckland business men. It was reported that a number of leading newspapers had agreed to support the scheme ‘‘lt is quite obvious we can launch the campaign with a fair measure of success, but we must have a reply from the Government first,” Mr J. A. Allum said. ‘‘lf the Government is prepared to give a lead, I think we can rely on the general public for the remainder of the £lO,OOO required.” It was decided to ask the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates to make an announcement by next Thursday concerning the attitude of the Government. MR. ULM'S RETURN FLIGHT Day Earlier Than Intended By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, Apijl 5. Cabled advice that Mr C. T. P. Ulm has decided to make the return flight to Australia a day earlier than previously intended, was received by the Vacuum Oil Co. to-day. The message stated that the aviator would arrive at New Plymouth on Wednesday morning as has been planned, and would go to Ninety-mile beach that day. The return flight would be made on Friday instead of Saturday.