THE AIR FORCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23507, 18 November 1939, Page 13

THE AIR FORCE

SERVICE APPLICANTS AUCKLAND DISTRICT MEN COMMITTEE BEGINS WORK For tlio .first time since tho outbreak of war, tho Koval New Zealand Air Force selection committee is interviewing Auckland candidates for warservice entry as airman pilots, gunners and observers. There arc 326 applicants to be interviewed and the committee, consisting of Group-Captain T. M. Wi Ikes (chairman), Mr. E. Caradus, educational officer, and FlightLieutenant A. C. McArthur, will be engaged in tho city until next Thursday, after which it will go to Whangnrei. *

The Auckland visit is being made as part of a New Zealand tour, during which it is expected that about 1700 candidates will be interviewed. The procedure followed yesterday, when the committee began its Auckland duties in tho Rutland Street Drill Hall, wa6 to interview every applicant who had been asked to attend and send tlioso regarded as suitablo on to a medical board. A High Standard About four applicants were interviewed every half hour in order thoroughly to examine their qualifications, and the stamp of young man attending was consistently high. The committee began its work at 9 a.m. and continued until 6 p.m. To-day the hom-s will be from 9 a.m. until noon, but next iveek tho committee will resume the longer hours. The medical examinations were also started yesterday. Beginning at 6.15 p.m. in the Auckland Territorial Squadron's headquarters in St. Paul Street, the board examined about 25 of those sent on by tho committee. The same course will be followed next week, although special arrangements will bo made to take country applicants for their medical examination during the day. Age Limits Tho age limits for pilots are from 18 to 28 and for air gunners and air observers from 18 to 32. Few of those selected will bo asked to report for training until after the New Year, the Civil Reserve having in the meantime supplied vacancies. Ground and preliminary training will bo undertaken in New Zealand and the men Mill then probably be included in the Empire training scheme.

PRAISE FOR CAMP PAPAKURA FACILITIES COMMENT BY MR. PARRY BUILDING OF SWIMMING BATH "I should say that any experienced military man or civil engineer would unhesitatingly bestow praise on all responsible for tho laying-out of tho Papakura camp," said the Minister of Internal Affairs, tho Hon. W. E. Parry, who, with Colonel N. W. McD. Weir, Officer Commanding the Northern Military District, visited tho camp yesterday. The situation of tho camp, the drainage system carried out within its area, the accommodation and facilities provided for the personal comfort and convenience of the men of the force, attracted the notice of Mr. Parry. "Down south," the Minister stated, "much has been said of the Papakura camp, and tho praise given it is well merited."

The provision being made fox a swimming bath and recreation area for the men at the camp were matters the Minister inquired into and discussed with those concerned in their construction.

LEAVE WITHOUT PAY HARBOUR BOARD EMPLOYEES [from OUR own* correspondent] "WHANGAREI, Friday "Thero is no reason on earth why any employee should have his military pay made up to his present salary," said Mr. K. Stevens, at the meeting of the Whangarei Harbour Board, when the policy of the board regarding employees who were serving in the military forces was being discussed. Tho board decided to grant leave without pay to employees who enlist in the forces.

ENLISTMENTS IN NORTH NEARLY 300 MOMS REQUIRED [from our own correspondent] WHANGAREI, Friday Recruits for the military forces aro joining at the rate of about 12 a week in the North Auckland area. Although there was quite a number on the rolls when the first echelon went into camp, during the past two weeks some of these men have been drafted into the force and 12 more will be leaving next week. There are now only 53 fit men left for the second echelon, while 339 are required from the area. There are also 40 recruits who have not 3 - et been before the medical board.