DOMINION’S DEFENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 253, 23 September 1935, Page 2

DOMINION’S DEFENCE.

CIVIL BRANCH PROGRESS. DEFENCE ACTIVITIES. WELLINGTON, Sept. 20. The progress of civil aviation in New Zealand is noted in the annual report of the Defence Forces, which was tabled in the House of Representatives by the Minister of Defence (Hon. J. G. Cobbe). Statistics show that there are 316 pilots holding private licenses and 56 with commercial licenses. As at May 31, there were 44 licensed aerodromes, 81 aircraft and 64 ground engineers.

It is stated that an attempt was made to engage a specially qualified official to take charge of the aeronautical inspection branch, but, owing to the heavy demand for inspectors in England,'due to increased aircraft pro. duction. no suitable application was received. It has been decided to give a local graduate preliminary instruction at an air force station and later to send him to England for specialist training. In aero clubs throughout the Dominion 113 pilots received training and qualified for private licenses, while £3456 was paid to clubs as subsidy for pilots trained and licenses renewed. The section dealing with air defences records that all aircraft expected during the year could not be delivered from England. However, two flights of service aircraft arrived and were being erected under expert supervision. Extensions are still being carried out at the Hobsonville air base and at Wigram aerodrome.

The report also states that the antiaircraft armament and equipment ordered in 1934 is expected to arrive in the Dominion late this year. Plans for modernising the coast defences are now so far advanced that it is hoped to have the major works completed by next year. In connection with military activities, the report states that good results have attended the system of interchange of officers with Australia.