AIR SQUADRONS IN CENTRES

Southland Times, Issue 23676, 26 November 1938, Page 6

AIR SQUADRONS IN CENTRES

PROBLEM OF FINDING ACCOMMODATION ENLARGEMENT OF TAIERI AERODROME (United Press Association) DUNEDIN, November 25.. 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 today. The Minister outlined the various phases of activity being undertaken by the Air Department and emphasized that everything possible was being done to equip New Zealand with an effective air force in fne event of an emergency. Mr Jones said it was by no means certain yet when a territorial squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force would be established in Dunedin, although it was proposed to have one squadron in each of the four centres. The camp of the Wellington squadron at present being held at Blenheim was an outstanding success and it was hoped that as soon as possible squadrons would be in active operation throughout New Zealand. “One difficulty with which we have to contend in Dunedin, as in other cities, is that of finding suitable accommodation for the squadron,” the 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. We are also faced with the problem of finding a hangar site at the Taieri aerodrome. This will have to be considered in conjunction with the proposal for the extension of the aerodrome, which will involve the closing for the entire length at the aerodrome of the east to west road running alongside of it and the taking of at least 50 acres on the opposite side of the road.” DIRECTION’’FINDING APPARATUS The aerodrome was rather small now considering the large types of aeroplanes coming into use, Mr Jones said, but when it was extended and equipped with the special direction finding apparatus which ; had been ordered it would be vastly improved. As it was essential that pilots trained in New Zealand should have experience of the heavier types of aeroplanes it was. necessary that the aerodromes should be sufficiently large to enable them to manoeuvre safely. t Mr Jones stated that of the 250 additional aircraft ordered from England it was expected that just over 100 would be delivered in New Zealand in batches within the next year or so. These were second-hand machines, but were perfectly satisfactory for training and in the event of any emergency they would provide the Dominion with an %ir force until more modern machines could be obtained. Among the first types to arrive in New Zealand would be Fairey Gordons and more Vickers Vildebeests, which would be purchased very much below the original cost on similar terms to those on which the 29 Blackbum Baffins were secured earlier. "We are still hopeful that the 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 the Vickers Wellesleys which recently made a record-break-ing long distance flight from Ismailia (Egypt) to Darwin, so that by the time the full complement of 30 aeroplanes is here our ait force should be . well equipped with bombers. They will be flown from England to New Zealand by Dominion airmen who are to be sent to Great Britain for special training.” AIK FORCE RESERVE The Minister said that the 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 still being kept open. In addition, arrangements were being made with the Railway Department for the establishment of instructional schools in the workshops in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. . 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.