THE AIR ARM

Northern Advocate, 31 July 1934, Page 6

THE AIR ARM

LACK OF FINANCE NEW PLANES AEEIVING. COMMISSIONS TO 01. CBS. (From Guv Pnrlinmentnry Special.) WELLING TON, This Day. The lack of finance provision for the complete development of the air arm of New Zealand’s defence forces is again referred to in this year’s report to Parliament of the General Officer Commanding the Military Forces, Major-General Sir William Sinclair Purges?.

According to his report, the expenditure for the year ended on March 31 last, exclusive of £10,012 as part payment for new equipment, was £38,048, which was not sufficient to maintain the existing equipment in serviceable condition. As a result, certain essential repair work had to be temporarily postponed. Increased demands for military and naval co-operation wore fully sustained, and in some cases it had been possible to arrange for air co-operation. The two flights of Yickers-Yilde-bceste land planes ordered under the Government’s reorganisation and reequipment scheme would be delivered before the end of the year, and as the plant and specifications of the additional hangars, workshops and quarters required had been completed, constructional work would start immediately. It was hoped to maintain the five Bristol Fighters in serviceable condition for at least two further training periods, pending their gradual replacement by advanced trainer aircraft.

It was indicated that the policy of granting commissions to Aero- club pilots would be continued, and a limited number of vacancies would be filled by competitive -examin vtion, At present 40 per cent of the 7.5 officers who comprised the New Zealand Air Force received their initial filing training in the local aero clubs. On. the other hand, there was an increasing number of officers in the Dominion who had completed five years’ engagements with the Boyal Air Force, and provision had to be made for refresher training for them. The awakening interest in the possibilities of air transport was expected to lead to some tangible progress. The total number of -civil aviation licenses at May 31, was 422, and 100 new pilots were trained by the clubs during the year. A modified form of assistance to aero clubs was under consideration, this to include a grant to the clubs on account of pilots who renewed their licenses, on the condition that loaned aircraft became the property of the club after completion of a. certain number of flying hours.

In connection with aerodrome developments, the scheme provided for the establishment of a chain of landing grounds. The national, importance of the project warranted special financial consideration, as distinct from current Defence expenditure. A number of sites had already been inspected and surveyed and several major works were ready ro be proceeded with.