TRAINING COMPLETED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21530, 18 December 1939, Page 12

TRAINING COMPLETED

AIK FORCE RECRUITS PASS OUT OF DEPOT By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON. December 17. In brilliant sunshine an Impressive military ceremonial to mark the passing out of the second batch of trainees was held at the Royal Air Force training depot at Weraroa, Levin, this afternoon. The salute was taken by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, who afterward addressed the men. He was accompanied by the actlng-Chief of the Air Staff, Group Captain L. M. Isitt. It was th'e first time the full ceremony has been held in New Zealand. One was to have been held on November 19 when the first batch of recruits completed their training, but it had to be abandoned because of rain. To-day's ceremony was larger than that originally planned, as the station has since been expanded to a full wing. About 200 men paraded under the command of Squadron-Leader T. W. White, officer commanding the station. Keen interest was shown by the public, and there was an attendance of about 3000. many of whom had driven up from Wellington. After watching the parade a large number inspected the buildings and others listened to selections played by the Air Force Band from Wellington.