DEPARTMENT OF STATE CREATED

Southland Times, Issue 23336, 21 October 1937, Page 6

DEPARTMENT OF STATE CREATED

ADMINISTRATION OF AVIATION LEGAL STATUS GIVEN TO AIR FORCE (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, October 20. Full legal status is given to the Royal New Zealand Air Force under the terms of the Air Force Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives today by Governor-Generals Message. A second measure, the Air Department Bill, which was also introduced today, provides for the establishment of a department of State to control both military and civil aviation. The Bill gives power for the raising and maintenance of an air force along the lines which are being followed at present. The general scheme of organization provides for a regular air force, an air force reserve and a territorial air force, all three branches of the service being constituted in accordance with the customary procedure. Certain members of the defence forces who are at present serving with the air force in the Dominion are deemed to be transferred and the practice by which minors may enlist in the Air Force is regulated. Provision is contained in the Bill for the establishment of an Air Board, which will be charged with the administration of the Air Force and which will also act in an advisory capacity in civil aviation and its co-ordination with measures of defence. The board will consist of the Minister of Defence as president, three officers of any of his Majesty’s air forces appointed by the Governor-General and holding office during his pleasure and an air secretary, who is to be appointed under the Bill. The Controller of Civil Aviation in the Dominion is also to be associated with the board and is to be regarded as a member. PAYMENT OF PENSIONS The Bill provides for the payment of gratuities and of pensions in the event of death or disablement of members of the Air Force, but it is expressly stated that the Workers’ Compensation Act will not apply when members of the Air Force are involved in accidents arising out of their employment. The usual powers for the maintenance of discipline and the making of regulations are contained in the Bill. The measure establishing an air department is to have retrospective application dating from April 1 of this year. The department will be in charge of the administration of the Air Navigation Act and the Air Force Act after the latter becomes law.. The air secretary to be appointed under the Air Force Bill will be the chief administrative officer of the department, which will have the duty of advising the Government on all matters affecting aviation. The appointment of the Controller of Civil Aviation is legalized. Expenses already incurred in the administration of the Air Force during the current financial year are validated. A further provision is that the department has to submit an annual report to Parliament. Both Bills were read a first time.