INSPECTION OF AIR STATIONS

Southland Times, Issue 24376, 5 March 1941, Page 8

INSPECTION OF AIR STATIONS

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S INTEREST (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, March 4. The Royal New Zealand Air Force stations at Hobsonville and Whenuapai were visited for the first time this morning by the Governor-General, Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Cyril Newall. His Excellency, who was accompanied by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Commodore H. W. L. Saunders, was attended by Wing Commander Humphrey Bevan, military secretary and comptroller, and Captain C. J. Holland-Martin, A.D.C. Running at high speed an Air Force patrol launch conveyed the Vice-Regal party from the city to Hobsonville in a few minutes. As his Excellency stepped ashore, to be met by the officer commanding the station, Wing-Commander H. B. Burrell, a flight of five aircraft swept overhead in tight formation and throughout the Governor-General’s visit, light training machines landed and took off in endless succession as the normal day’s work continued. Accompanied by his suite and the head of each successive department visited, his Excellency set a smart pace and in the course of the morning walked a substantial distance. Waiting motor-cars were waved aside, his Excellency preferring to walk between the various blocks of buildings. EXPERT INTEREST Aircraft of many and varied types, some bearing “serviceable” labels and others in various stages of assembly or repair were inspected in the hangars. Sir Cyril displayed expert interest in all the stations had to show and visited workshops, instrument rooms, stores, mess rooms and various quarters. He saw flying training in progress. Sir Cyril did not confine his attention to the heads of departments. A number of men busy on cheir normal work had the distinction of being met on their own ground by a Marshal of the Royal Air Force. His Excellency spoke with men engaged in all manner of technical duties, displaying an intimate knowledge of their work and equipment at their disposal. His eye for flying equipment was equally keen and technical details of certain recent new fittings were discussed fluently with an officer specializing in the work. A similar inspection was made by his Excellency at Whenuapai later in the morning. He was met by the officer commanding, Squadron Leader Seabrook, and after inspecting the guard he made another round of hangars, workshops and quarters, including the station hospital. His Excellency had luncheon in the officers’ mess before returning to the city by motor-car.