CIVIL RESERVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23274, 17 February 1939, Page 12

CIVIL RESERVE

DOMINION MB FORCE

GROUND ORGANISATION APPLICANTS' QUALIFICATIONS £bY TELEGHAPH —I'KESiS ASSOCIATION'"] WELLINGTON, Thursday "As a result of an analysis of applications received for enrolment in the civil reserve of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, it is gratifying to learn that the general calibre of the qualifications of those who have applied for inclusion in tho register fully justifies tjio Cabinet's decision toward the end of last year to form a civilian section of tho Air Force Reserve," said tho Minister of Defence, tho Hon. F. Jones, in a statement to-day, Tho present scheme involves the compilation for use in a national emergency of a register containing the names of those citizens whoso qualifications fit them for service in tho ground organisation essential to tho effectiveness of tho Air Force.

"Tho training of members of the reserve in peace time is not contemplated, although certain groups may at a later stage bo afforded an opportunity of receiving instruction, so that their members may be able, if called upon, to adapt their civil professions or trades to Air Force requirements at short notice. Actual flying experience or tuition does not come within tho scope of this scheme. Interviewing Members

"In order that tho Air Departmentmay be able to assess tho ability of individual members, and thus decide the positions which the;; might be capable of filling," continued the Minister, "two qualified men 1) ifcve been appointed, one for each island, to interview members of tho reserve. In tho engineering sections oni> of the objects of the scheme is to ensure that if men have to bo called up in an emergency it can bo done with a minimum interference to industry. For this reason it is proposed, subject to the convenience of employers, that interviews should be held at tho place of employment. This will enable the department to assess the possible consequences of a man's withdrawal on the works; concerned and thus ensure that in an emergency an undue number are not la,ken from any 0110 .shop or industry. The co-operation of employers will greatly facilitate this phase of tho scheme. "In the meantime it is; not proposed to interview applicants for professional, administrative and clerical appointments. Further enrolments aro still desired from among men in tho engineering profession and in tho allied trades of fitters, welders, motor mechanics, sheet metal workers, electricians and tho like. Need for Strong Force

"When it is realised that for every one man in tho air at least eight aro required on the ground, the need for an adequate number of ground engineers and staff being available will be appreciated," said Air. Jones. "Aero clubs throughout New Zealand are carrying out valuablo training work with tho assistance and co-operation of tho Government, and the numbers of men with flying experience are increasing rapidly."