AERO CLUBS HELPED
GROWTH OF MOVEMENT. . GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE. An outline of the port the Governnient had played in fostering aviation in tlic Dominion was given by Hon. F. Jones (Minister of Defence) when lie spoke at t Jig Milson Aerodrome, on Saturday and opened the Middle Districts Aero Club’s new clubhouse. Aero club flying was not commenced in New Zealand until 1928, and during the nine years between 1928 and 1937, the Government provided subsidies to aero clubs totalling'£2l.ooo, and loaned to various clubs 30 aircraft, said the Minister. In 1937, the Government ?introdueed the scheme for training pilots in the Civil Reserve and for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the elementary training being undertaken through the aero clubs movement. “Tn the two years this scheme has been operating the aero clubs have received £18,336, and in addition more than £29,000 has been advanced to aero clubs for the purchase of aircraft,” Air Jones said.
“To state the position in another way, in the nine years preceding 1937 the aero club movement received in subsidies £21,000 from the Government and 30 loan aircraft. In the two years since, the movement has received direct financial assistance exceeding £77,000 and for the current year the figures will bo very much greater,” Air Jones continued.
“During 1937 and 1938, the aero clubs were training 100 pilots for the Civil Reserve and 50 Air Force candidates. They are now being paid to train 150 candidates for the Civil Reserve and more' than 300 for the Air Force,” he said. “It will lie seen that the Government has a keen appreciation of the value of the aero club movement for defence purposes. The Government recognises, however, that the movement has a wider significance in the life of a. local community. It provides facilities for young men and young women, not only to learn flying, but also to secure the advantage of social amenities such ns the facilities available in this excellent clubhouse.”
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Bibliographic details
Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 205, 31 July 1939, Page 11
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328AERO CLUBS HELPED Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 205, 31 July 1939, Page 11
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