Expansion of New Zealand Defence Forces

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 175, 27 July 1939, Page 8

Expansion of New Zealand Defence Forces

GOVERNMENT PLANS OFFICERS TO BE AUGMENTED AND ’PLANES PURCHASED Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 26. The Alinister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, announced to-day that provision had been made for tlie rapid expansion of the defence forces of New Zealand and tho personnel of the regular forces would be increased from 430 to COO at an initial cost of £12,000 and at an estimated annual expenditure of £45,000. At the same time tho peace establishment of officers of tho New Zealand Staff Corps and Royal New Zealand Artillery would be lifted from 96 to 140. The Minister was also anxious to raise the facilities for training air force pilots to the maximum efficiency wita the least possible delay. To this end an arrangement had been made to establish two full-scale flying training schools, and with this in view the Alinister lias obtained authority to use the services of a number of officers of tlio Royal Air Force, who will be sent to New Zealand on loan for two years. These include one w-ing commander, two squadron leaders, one flying instructor, one engineer officer and 24 litters. An expenditure of £15,000 is involved in this arrangement.

Six Airspeed Oxfords are to be purchased at a cost of £50,000 to augment the machines of this type already iu use in New Zealand. In addition £IIO,OOO will be spent on the purchase of other types of aircraft from the United Kingdom. The creation of the new Royal Air Force station at Blenheim is estimated to cost £94,000 and accommodation required for the territorial air force at Whenuapai involves another £26,000. Additional hangars needed at Wigram mean an expenditure of £67,000, which is already approved.