LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16233, 19 May 1916, Page 7

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

SUGGESTED AVIATION SCHOOLS. [by telegraph.—PßESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Thursday. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. Leave of absence was granted to the Hon. Sir Henry Miller for the remainder of the session, on the ground of ill-health. The Hon. C. H. Wigram (Canterbury) moved a resolution in favour of the Government establishing a school of flying in preparation for the formation of an aviation corps, for the purposes of national defence. The mover outlined the progress made in the development of air machines' usefulness in war times, and claimed that a fleet of aeroplanes would add very much to the security of the Dominion. He referred to the efforts made in Australia to provide for an aviation corps, and expressed the hope that the Government would see its way to provide for two schools in New Zealand. The Hon. S. T. George (Auckland) did not agree with the Government dealing entirely with the matter, but thought it might be asked to subsidise aviation schools in different parts of the Dominion. The motion was in the right direction. The Hon. Dr. Collins (Wellington) supported the resolution. The Hon. W. Earnshaw (Otago) opposed the motion, and said it would involve* a wicked waste of money. The Hon. J. Barr (Canterbury) approved the attitude of the mover. The Government should take up the subject before private interests became involved. Sir F. D. Bell said the Government had as much a3 it could undertake at present. After consultation with the Minister for Defence, he could not give any hope that practical steps in the direction indicated by the motion could be taken. The energies of all concerned must be devoted to the great issues at present at stake. The motion was carried. The Council adjourned until May 31.