N.Z. To Spend £19,700,000 In 3 Years On Training Pilots

Northern Advocate, 20 December 1939, Page 3

N.Z. To Spend £19,700,000 In 3 Years On Training Pilots

[Per Press Association. Copyright ]

WEDDINGTON. This Day

THE CONTRIBUTION TO BE MADE BY NEW ZEALAND TOWARDS THE EMPIRE TRAINING SCHEME WAS EXPLAINED BY THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE (MR. JONES) LAST NIGHT. Mr. Jones said that, briefly, the scheme involved the coordination of,the training of many thousands of pilots, air observers and air gunners throughout the Empire, as well as the provision of great quantities of aircraft and other equipment. New Zealand, Mr. Jones said, was to make full use of its own resources to complete as much training as possible within the country. Available personnel in excess of local training resources would complete their training in Canada. ! Reference was made by the Minister to the financial obligations which New Zealand Was undertaking in augmenting the Empire’s air power. He said that New. Zealand’s share of the Canadian training scheme would, during the period of agreement, a little over three years, cost about £7,000,000 sterling. In addition, the Dominion would be required to meet the cost of its local effort. This was'estimated to amount to approximately £5,000,000 in, 1039-40. £4,700,000 following year, and thereafter £3,000,000 a year.

Personnel Doubles in 15 Months

Within 15 months it was expected that the air personnel in New Zealand would be doubled 1 and that during the same period the number of New Zealand airmen serving overseas would be nearly trebled. The Dominion’s war effort in the air to date was* also discussed by Mr Jones.

“A good deal has appeared in the Press about the Empire training scheme, which is briefly the co-ordin-ation of training of pilots, air ' observers and air gunners throughout the Empire,” said Mr Jones. “New Zealand is to play its part in this Empire-wide organisation, making full use of its own resources to complete as much training as possible within this country.

Large Establishment Here.

“This will call for a large Air Force establishment within the Dominion, armed with modern aircraft, which will greatly increase the strength of our local air defence.

“We are particularly suited to undertake this additional training within New Zealand,, as the expansion programme which was approved in 1938 visualised the provision of a big wartraining organisation. “This was considered and approved by the .British Air Mission which visited this country early this'year. “Much of the preliminary organisation and work was already in hand on the outbreak of hostilities.

1300 Trainees Yearly

“Under this scheme, in addition to providing for the defence of the Dominion, the New Zealand Government agreed, in the event of war, to provide and train 1300 men as pilots, observers and air gunners each year. “The work which was done during the last three years in establishing new stations and training schools, the provision of aircraft and the equipment and training of personnel has proved a most important factor in the rapid expansion of the air force during the first few months of the war.

“Expansion has proceeded and is proceeding most satisfactorily, and today the strength of the air force is over four times its peace time strength. “We have under training over 500 technical and nearly 3£)o flying personnel. Elementary Training Provision “The necessary equipment has been considered and provision -made for elementary training aircraft, for youths in New Zealand.

“Some of these aircraft are already in the Dominion, and others are on the way to meet immediate needs. “The De Havilland Aircraft Company, which recently commenced operations in Wellington, will be in a position during the coming year to fulfil our local requirements. “Training aircraft cannot yet be manufactured within the Dominion, and Great Britain has undertaken to augment the supply of these aircraft from overseas sources. “I may say here that the present aircraft position within the Dominion is satisfactory- “ Supplies have come to hand at earlier dates than anticipated. “Advanced training and service aircraft will alsp be obtained from overseas sources and Great Britain has guaranteed delivery of the machines required.

Tribute to Brito in's Aid

“I would like to pay a tribute to the immense assistance the United Kingdom Government is rendering to us in putting into effect this vast training organisation,” Mr Jones added. “On the equipment side, Britain has undertaken to provide free of cost the greater portion of the aircraft and engines for the initiation of the scheme, and has undertaken to make good all wastage, replacements and spares for the aircraft and engines originally contributed free.

“Great Britain also offers to provide the necessary instructors to supplement those who can be provided within Now Zealand.

“Not only this, but Britain also pays the cost of pay and allowances and pensions at Royal Air Force rates from the date of embarkation for England of all personnel. “This represents a direct assistance to this country of over £3,000,000.

500 Serving Overseas Today

"The pay of trainees in Canada will be at Canadian rates until completion of service training and this ic a charg against the Canadian scheme. “New Zealand accepts responsibility for all pay and allowances while the personnel are serving in New Zealand.” ,

Reference was made by Mr Jones to New Zealanders who are now serving in the Royal Air Force. In all, there were approximately 500 New Zealanders serving overseas today. Some of these served with the air force during the last war, and notv hold senior appointments. In the last war, Mr Jones said, New Zealanders achieved an unrivalled reputation in every theatre in which they participated, and in this war glowing reports had been received of their activities.