AERO CLUBS TO ASSIST THE STATE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 66, 19 March 1937, Page 8

AERO CLUBS TO ASSIST THE STATE

CONFERENCE TO RESUME INTENSE INTEREST IN DEFENCE ROYAL AND N.Z. AIR FORCES -—— I MANY APPLICANTS REQUIRED I Per Press Association. 1 WELLINGTON, March 18. [ Further consideration is to be given to the activities of aero clubs in relation to the Government’s proposals for the development of aviation. A conference, which opened on February 26 last, between representatives of New Zealand aero dubs and the Minister of Defence and departmental experts, will be resumed to-morrow at Parliament House. The Minister (the Hon. F. Jones) said this evening that the conference would discuss the question of whether activities of various dubs could be dovetailed into a scheme for the training of pilots for service and commercial aviation. The subiect would be thoroughly discussed with a view to securing the best possible service of nero clubs throughout the Dominion. Wing-Commander Cochrane would attend the conference and discuss technical questions. The Minister also said that young men of New Zealand were demonstrating a keen interest in the Government’s air defence proposals, and, already, numerous communications had been received with regard to commission* in th? Royal Air Force <ind the Royaf New Zealand Air Force. It was dear that many applications for apnointment would have to be considered. Twelve candidates for the Roval Air Force would be selected without delay, as those annoint?d would be reouired to leave In May for England. In addition, seven candidates would be trained at Wigram preparatory to leaving for the United Kingdom shortly after Christmas. Moreover. four candidates would be reo”ired for the Royal New Zealand Air Force itself, and also an engineer officer with a bachelor of engineering degree of the University of New Zealand. Those 12 candidates "'ould receive a course of training at Wigram. Later, another 12 candidates would be selected for a second course of trainin", which will start at Wigram in July. From then onward the intake would be 12 every three months. The maximum in training would be 24 at Wigram with two complete courses each year. The Minister emphasised that all applications should be sent direct to the Director of Air Services. Defence Department. Wellington, and not to the Minister.