CRITICISM OF AIR FORCE.

Kaikoura Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 65, 21 August 1944, Page 2

CRITICISM OF AIR FORCE.

REPLY BY SIB R. CLARK-HALL. 44 You will find in England that whether the wearer carries the words 4 New Zealand’ on his shoulders, or 4 wings’ on his chest, or is njerely a simple aircraft hand or W.A.A.F. carrying out some dull, monotonous job, he can be proud of his uniform and is regarded with a certain amount of respect and admiration,” said Air Commodore Sir Robert Clark-Hall, addressing successful trainees at a Royal New Zealand Air Force passing-out ceremony at Wigram on Thursday. 44 At this moment, that is unfortunately not the case in this country,” Sir Robert Clark-Hall continued. 44 It has got to such a stage that we are subjected to sneering and insulting remarks levelled at us in the streets, trains and trams. Requests have even been received that civilian clothes may be worn in towns when off duty.

f 4 This lamentable state of affairs has been chiefly brought about by numerous letters which have appeared in various newspapers. Doubtless there are defects in our organisation, but most of the criticisms are either grossly exaggerated or quite untrue. Most of these letters have, I strongly suspect, been writtten by people who wish neither to work nor to fight. 4 4 The war is not, as many people seem to think, practically over. The R.N.Z.A.F. has still a large and important part to play in it. I trust that our personnel realise this, and also understand that the responsible people who matter fully realise that practically all of them are working hard and

loyally. There is an old Eastern proverb which I sometimes like to remember, namely: 4 4 The dog barks, but the caravan, goes on.”