Recruits For The R.A.F.

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 41, 18 February 1938, Page 7

Recruits For The R.A.F.

150 From New Zealand in Coming Year

PINE TYPE OF YOUNG MAN OFFERING

Per Prese Association. DUNEDIN, Last Night. It is likely that, during the coming year, as many as 15U young men will go forward from New Zealand to join the Royal Air Force. This statement was made to-day by the Minister oi Defence (Hon. F. Jones), who satd that 80 young New Zealanders had been scut forward during tho past year and were ko highly thought ox in England that that number would be almost doubled this year. “The Royal Air Force is anxious to have as many young men as we cau scud forward," tho Minister said, “and the terms offering are so attractive that there should not be difficulty iu finding enough men. Their fares to England are paid by the British Government after we have selected them with a view to physical and educational requirements, and on arrival iu England they are, if found suitable, drafted into the Royal Air Force on short-scrvice commissions of five years. “Tho type of men going forward from New Zealand may be judged from the fact that, of 8U who were selected to travel to Engluud last year, only one was found to be unsuitable lor the Royal Air Force." It was desirable, the Minister said, thut more of those sent to the Royal Air Force should return to New Zealand than was tho present, us their experience and would be valuable in this country. It seemed that conditions in Englaud were more attractive than those at present offering in New Zealand, but with the expansion of both military and civil aviation in tho Dominion there would bo opportunities for more airmen. The main difficulty at present was u shortage of ground engineers, but it was hoped that, within the next two years, New Zealand would have enough of these to meet all its requirements, both civil and military. DEMONSTRATION AT RONGOTAI PLANNED WELLINGTON. Last Night. The Minister in Charge of Aviation (Hon. F. Jones) stated to-day that he had approved of an Air Force display being held at Rongotai on May 26. The display is intended to illustrate the progress made to date in the expansion of the Royal New Zealand Air Force since the announcement of tho programme 12 months ago. As a result of the display the officers hope a considerable financial contribution will be received towards the re creational funds of the Air Force.