TRAINING AIRMEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23512, 24 November 1939, Page 9

TRAINING AIRMEN

- EDUCATION NEEDS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE CLASSES BEING FORMED FINE TYPES OF YOUNG MEN The establishment of classes in certain centres to provide instruction in mathematics ami elementary science for Air Force candidates who have fallen short the university entrance standard was discussed yesterday bv the Minister of Defence, the Hon-. F. Jones. He mentioned that the Air Force Selection Committee, comprising Group-Captain T. M. Wilkes, chairman, Mr. E. Caradus. senior inspector of secondary schools and Director of Educational Services, and Flight-Lieutenant A. C. McArthur, N was at present visiting North Island centres. "Fine types of young men have presented themselves before the committee in the centres already visited and they will, I feel certain, compare most favourably with those from other parts of the Empire," Mr. Jones said. "Most of those applying are up to the educational standard required for pilots and observers. Two Essential Subjects "A certain proportion, however, fall short of the university entrance standard, a very necessary one in the essential subjects of mathematics and of elementary science, if any sound knowledge of navigation and of other aeronautical problems is to be obtained. Their other qualities are, however, such that they . would be a decided acquisition to the personnel of the Air Force." The Minister said that he had for some time been concerned about this group. He was anxious to afford every opportunity to candidates suitable in other ways, but of lower educational standard than that deemed necessary, in order that they might qualify as pilots. Mr. Caradus, in his dual capacity, had been making inquiries into the educational standard of tho various candidates and had also been making arrangements for the establishment of classes to provide suitable courses of instruction in mathematics and in elementary science in all centres in which a reasonable number of candidates, otherwise suitable, was available. "Already it has been decided to establish such classes in Palmerston North, New Plymouth and possibly in Wanganui," Mr. Jones continued. "Similar arrangements will be made in other large towns. Correspondence Courses "Suitable candidates unable to attend such classes will be instructed by correspondence from headquarters. The instruction given will be on the lines of a syllabus already drawn up and designed to meet the special requirements of the Air Force. Young men will thus be able to bring themselves up to the necessary standard in their spare time, while waiting to enter the training schools." Before the classes actually commenced, an effort would be made to pay a brief visit to towns in which classes were being established in order that other applications might be considered and opportunity thus afforded to some of them to join the classes. The Minister said ho wished to express his appreciation of the willingness shown by post-primary teachers in all classes of schools to co-operate with the Air Force in the training scheme. We felt sure that, in consequence of their work, many excellent young men, previously ineligible on account of a somewhat lower educational standard than that deemed necessary, would be added to the personnel of the Air Forces of the Empire.

GOOD RECRUITING HAMILTON GROUP AREA SECOND ECHELON QUOTA [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON. Thursday The number of recruits who liavp enrolled in the special military force in the Hamilton group area has reached 1413, and of this number 4.30 have been accepted for service. Already 376 officers and men from the area are in camp. There are still 791 to be 'medically examined. It is expected that no difficulty will be experienced in filling the area's quota of 443 non-commissioned officers and men for tlie second echelon. Maori enlistments in the area number 88. Sixtv have been examined, 33 having been passed fit for service, and of this number 10 are in reserved occupations. EMERGENCY SCHEME BIRKENHEAD MEETING A public meeting was held at Birkenhead on Wednesday night for the purpose of organising the district in case of an emergency. The Mayor, Mr. E. J. Osborne, presided. It was decided to notify each resident of the borough of the particulars of the scheme and committees will be appointed at another public meeting. Messrs. A. Hadfield, J. Prickett, E. J. Sinel, N. Stewart, J. Boatwood, J. Maedonald. L. Hayman, W. Payne, and X. J. Campbell were appointed sub-wardens to be in charge of special defined areas. PAY OF VOLUNTEERS SUBSIDY OPPOSED [BY TELKOKAI'H —OWN COIIKF.SrONDENT] OPOTIKI, Thursday The question of whother soldiers' pay should be subsidised by local bodies and others came up for discussion at the month I v meeting of the Bay of Plenty Electric-Power Board. The engineermanager, Mr. J. D. Dicker, considered that private employers were not in a position to subsidise payments; the Government was not doing it, and it would not be fair for the board to do it. Mr. S. Maxwell said it would he most unfair if the soldiers' pay was subsidised. It was a policy that should not he adopted by any board. Mr. l'\ Burt considered that there should not he any difference in the pay of those offering their services. The board was unanimous in the opinion that employees' pay should not be subsidised.