R.A.F. COMMISSIONS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 159, 7 June 1937, Page 9

R.A.F. COMMISSIONS

NEW ZEALANDERS DRAFTED. SHORT SERVICE POSTS. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, June 0. Arrangements have been completed between the Government and the Imperial authorities for further New Zealanders to bo drafted for shortservice commissions in the Royal Air Force. This announcement was M**de in an interview yesterday by- the Minister of Defence (Hon. F. Jones). “We have received advice irom the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs,” Mr Jones said, “that the Air Council is willing to accept further candidates from New Zealand tor sliort-service commissions in the Royal Air Force, and Cabinet lias approved of groups of 12 candidates being selected at from four to sixweekly intervals. These men will be selected from applicants who have already been interviewed by the selection committee in connection with the original selection of 25, and it is not anticipated that applications for further candidates .will be invited until about the end of this year.” Mr Jones stated that the Royal Air Force authorities were very pleased with the class of men already sent from New Zealand, and had inquired from the New Zealand Government whether any more young men could be sent to England for training. As a result of the arrangement which had now been entered into, some 75 men would bo sent forward from the Dominion this year in addition to the number who would customarily be drafted into the Royal Air Force. After spending four years in the Royal Air Force, during which time they would receive a thorough allround training, successful candidates would be able either to remain in England or to return to New Zealand. If they stayed in England they would join the Royal Air Force Reserve or receive permanent commissions, but if they returned to New Zealand their fare would be paid by the Government and they would join the Royal New Zealand Air Force Reserve.

The Minister emphasised the value of the scheme, not only to the Royal Air Force but also to air defence in the Dominion. New Zealand would be assured of having a regular supply of young men going forward for training in England, and on their return they would assit in building up an excellent reserve of pilots which would lie invaluable in time of need.