TRAINING CORPS

Hutt News, Volume 15, Issue 20, 15 October 1941, Page 5

TRAINING CORPS

$ On Saturday last about IHO Air Force cadets from the Hutt Valley attended the parade of the Wellington Squadron of the Air Training Corps at Rongotai Air Force Station. The object of the parade was to bring the squadron together for drill, marching, assembling into (lights and to meet Commandant Nicholls, wiio was recently appointed to command the corps throughout New Zealand.

The establishment of the Air Training Corps brings New Zealand into line with Great Britain and other nations of the British Commonwealth in an endeavour to make our youth air-minded, not only in war but in peace time, and to provide a background for those lads who are interested in Hying.

Modern aviation commands a very wide field of occupations. Pilots and navigators are essential, but so too, are mechanics, riggers, wireless operators, radio mechanics and other technicians, in order to maintain an efficient air service. The Air

Training Corps aims at giving preliminary training in this wide field, together with discipline and physical training, which are, so necessary today. Young New Zealanders are quickly seizing the opportunity which has been presented to them.

It is hoped that before long the Hutt Valley will have its own squadron, for which a minimum of 200 cadets is required. About 120 iave already been accepted and nave begun clasess at the Hutt Valey High School on Tuesday and Thursday between 6.30 and D p.m. Drill, lectures, and physical training are being carried out and great en-' thusiasm is being shown by the cadets. Badges have been issued, and it is expected that uniforms will | be issued to every cadet by the end of this month. The following points are given for the benefit of any boys who anticipate joining the A.T.C.: — I (a) The age is from 16i to 18A years.' (b) Parnts' consent is necessary, j (c) The passing of a medical ex- [ uuination is necessary. (d) Cadets are exempted from Territorial training, as long as they are members of the A.T.C. (e) There is no obligation placed jpon the cadet to join the Air Force when his training with the A.T.C. la completed. i (f) Each cadet attends one night paifrdi) per week with an occasional "Saturday parade. Any boys interested in the Air prainijig Corps should apply at" Hutt valley High School between 6.30 ind 7 p.m. on Tuesdays or Thursdays.