AIR TRAINING CORPS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 61, 15 March 1943, Page 4

AIR TRAINING CORPS

HIGH STANDARD REACHED SCOPE FOR FUTURE YEARS (P.A.) Wellington, March 14. Cadets of the Air Training Corps were commended for their efficiency, discipline and bearing by the Chief ol the Air Start, Air-Commodore R. V. Goddard, C.8.E., at his first official inspection of squadrons ot the Wellington Wing on Saturday. He was accompanied by Air-Commodore J. L. Findlay, commanding the Central Group, 1 ., and Wing-Com-mander G. A. Nicholls, Commandant of the A.T.C. The band of the R.N.Z.A.F. took part in an impressive parade. Approximately 500 officers and cadets were on parade, and at the conclusion of his inspection, Air-Com-modore Goddard addressed the cadets, expressing his appreciation of the efiort they were making. “Boys and men who turn out in their spare time for the good of the cause, and for the interest they have in it, do themselves good and do the whole community good,” said AirCommodore Goudard. Referring to the entry of cadets into the R.N.Z.A.8., he said that at present ooys were joining at the age of 18. “It may be that the regulations will be altered and that young men will not be under any military obligation until later—but you will still be able to join the Air Force, if you wish, and it your parents consent. You have the choice between continuing training for a civilian trade, or profession, and possibly earning more money, or joining tne Air Force. “1 think you snould remember that there are real advantages in joining the service which may De more valuable to you than anything else. Flying service helps you gain two of tne most important assets for a happy lift—character and comradeship, in the Au Force you will develop selfrespect, self-reliance, and sell-control. Those qualities will be good for the rest ol your lives. 1 would ask you a:id your parents to bear this in mind when the time comes to choose.” Describing the success of cadets who had entered the R.N.Z.A.F. AirCominodore Goddard said: “I believe we have had no rejections of Air Training Corps cadets at the initial training wing stage, and 1 am confident that we shall get an excellent fly,ng standard. It is probable that the strength of the Air Force will nave to be kept up for a long time. “Even if the war ends before some of you younger cadets are engaged in war flying, there will still be plenty of scope for you. The work of estab-

lisffing peace and good order in the world will be done, I feel sure, under the protective wing air power, and I hope,” concluded Air-Commodore Goddard, “that many of you will, in the meantime, have become good airmen serving New « Zealand in the R.N.Z.A.F.