ROYAL AIR FORCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 133, 7 June 1937, Page 8

ROYAL AIR FORCE

Further New Zealand Candidate? ARRANGEMENTS MADE [Per Press Association. 1 DUNEDIN, June 6. Arrangements nave been completed between tne Government and tne Imperial authorities for further New Zealanders to be dratted lor short service commissions in the Royal Air Force. This announcement was made in an interview yesterday by the Minister ot Defence. “We have received auvice from the Secretary of State lor Dominion Affairs,” Mr Jones said, “that the Air Council is willing to accept further candidates from New Zealand for short service commissions in the Royal Air Force, and Cabinet has approved of groups of 13 candidates being selected at from four to six-week-ly intervals. These men will be selected from applicants who have been already interviewed by the selection committee in connection with the orignal selection of 25, and it is not anticipated that applications for further candidates will be invited until aoout the end of this year.” Mr Jones stated that the Royal Air Force authorities were very pleased withe class of men sent from New Zealand and had inquired from the New Zealand Government whether any more young men could be sent to England for training. As a result of the arrangement which had now been entered into, some 75 men would be sent forward from the Dominion this year in addition to the number who would customarily be drafted into the Royal Air Force. After spending four years in the Royal Air Force, during which time they would receive a thorough allround training, the successful candidates would be able either to remain in England or to return to New Zealand. If they stayed in England they would join the Royal Air Force Reserve or receive permanent commissions, but if they returned to New Zealand their fare would be paid by the Government and they would join the Royal New Zealand Air Force Reserve.

The Minister emphasised the value of the scheme, not only to the Royal Air Force, but to air defence in the Dominion. New Zealand would be assured of having a regular supply of young men going forward for training in England, and on their return they would assist in building up an excellent reserve of pilots which would be invaluable in time of need.