The Times SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1937. Defence and Civil Aviation

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 258, 30 October 1937, Page 4

The Times SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1937. Defence and Civil Aviation

Parliament has debated considerably this week on aviation bills, dealing with civil aviation and air defence. Although separate issues, the two are nevertheless inter-related; particulariy does this apply to civil aviation as a reserve for defence aviation—a fact well appreciated by all great air nations. The Minister for Defence outlined proposals for the development of both branches of aviation. Speaking of civil aviation, the statement was made that the trans-Tasman service would probably be inaugurated by January 1. This will give connection with the Australian-imperial airways service to Britain. When is added to this the trans-Pacific service from America, the Dominion will have two air connections with the “great world.” Internally, radio beacons are to be installed at a cost of £35,000 on our main air routes. These will provide constant communication between ground and air, and increase greatly the safety of flying.

Civil aviation has a two-fold value, as a service of communication in normal times and as a defence reserve force in time of a crisis. A fleet of powerful, swift passenger ’planes can x-eadily be converted to defence purposes. For this reason, civil aviation should be fostered, and in our case it is worthy of heavy subsidisation, on the distinct understanding that its fleets are available should war threaten the Dominion. Subsidies would enable air transport concerns to operate fast, powerful machines that they could not profitably operate were the service to be run on its returns from passengers and freight alone. The population of this country is insufficient to wai'rant a large number of first-class machines being operated commercially, but companies subsidised could and would willingly utilise such valuable craft. Their doing so would be most advantageous to our defence strength. It is not only a matter of machines; we would, too, be provided with a highly trained personnel. Training in a club Moth scarcely fits a pilot to handle a three-engined bomber capable of 200 m.p.h., or to “dog-fight” in a 300 m.p.h. fighter. The Minister of Defence has, howevei’, announced a training scheme designed to build the Air Force up to a strength of 900 officers and men. At present it is but 300. Some machines, second-hand, are being brought out, but the speed of these is not mentioneej. That is unfortunate, for any bomber not capable of 200 m.p.h., or fighter incapable of 270, is, frankly, quite out-of-date. In the air, quality means speed, and quality is paramount over mere numbers. A great difficulty that must be met is the securing of suitable machines. Britain is at present fully employed building her own vast air force, and this will occupy some years to come. Australia is establishing a factory to supply her own force and, it is understood, will also supply South Africa and New Zealand. It will, however, be some time before ’planes can be expected to be available to this Dominion from that source.

During the debate Mi 1 . W. P. Endean advanced the suggestion that consideration should be given to building our otvn ’planes. The idea merit*! the utmost consideration. Admittedly, the project would be an expensive one, both as to first cost and per machine of output. The technical difficulties are also great, but withal, there is much to be said in favour of the proposal. Supplies would be assured in time of crisis and a first-class repair depot would be available. New Zealanders have shown remarkable aptitude in the air and with adequate training become pilots of the finest grade. Natural skill is not, however, sufficient without intense training in craft of the very latest type. Whilst congratulating the Minister of Defence on the proposals announced, which will add greatly to our air strength and so to the country’s defences, regret is felt that further information has not been given. How numerous a fleet is it proposed to build the force up to, and of what types of machines and of what speed, power and armament? These facts have been told the peoples of Australia and South Africa by their Ministries and we trust they will shortly be made available here.