AERIAL DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23205, 26 November 1938, Page 16

AERIAL DEFENCE

EQUIPPING THE FORCE THE PROBLEM OF TRAINING 100 YOUNG MEN A YEAR MINISTER EXPLAINS PLANS [by TELEGRAPH riIKSS ASSOCIATION*] DUNEDIN, Friday The progress of New Zealand's air defence programme was commented on generally by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, in an interview to-day. The Minister outlined various phases of activity being undertaken by the Air Department, and emphasised that everything possible was being done to equip New Zealand with an effective air l'fcrco 111 the event of an emergency. Mr. Jones s;iid it was by no means certain yet when a territorial squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force would bo established in Dunedin, although it was proposed to havo one squadron in each of the four centres. Tho camp of the Wellington sqiiadron at present being hold at Blenheim was an outstanding success, and it was hoped that as soon as possible squadrons would bo in active operation throughout New Zealand.

"One difficulty with which we havo to contend in Dunedin, as in other cities, is that of finding suitable accommodation for tho squadron," tho Minister said. "Then there is also the question of finding the requisite number of pilots and aircraftsmen, and, since there are eight or nine aircraftsmen to one pilot, it will be seen that the formation of a squadron of this kind cannot be accomplished in a few days." Vickers Wellington Bombers "We are still hopeful that tho first of the 30 Vickers Wellington bombers we have ordered will be delivered about the end of next year," the Minister said. It is claimed that these are faster machines and possess a longer range than tho Vickers Wellesleys, which recently made a record-breaking longdistance flight from IsnValia to Darwin. "By the time the full complement of .'3O aeroplanes is here," the Minister added, "our Air Force should bo well equipped with bombers." The Minister said that 5000 men wanted for the special Air Force Reserve had been signed up for service in any emergency, but the Air Department was anxious to have more men, such as motor mechanics and fitters and turners, and the lists were 4 still being kept open. Instruction for Apprentices

Arrangements were being made with the Railway Department for the establishment of instructional schools in connection with the workshops in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, Mr. Jones added. Steps would be taken as soon as possible to construct suitable buildings at the four workshops, where apprentices nearing the end of their terms would receive about five months' instruction on the repair and maintenance of aircraft engines and air frames.

Instructors and equipment would be provided by /the Air Force and the objective would be to turn out 100 young men a year trained as aircraft ground engineers to form a civil reserve essential to meet air force requirements in time of war.