RED TAPE METHODS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume L, Issue 14699, 2 September 1915, Page 4

RED TAPE METHODS.

TYINOUP ATI AVIATOR.

MAN WHO WAS WITH VILLA.

.Bed tape methods are, hq doubt, very dear to tne departmental heart (says the Sydney Sun), but they ate often vexatious to, the individual, aud/ih time of war probably disadvantageous to the Stale. So, at any rate, thinks Mr \V. Knox Martin, an American aviatcr, who arrived by the Manama, and who failed in his effort to enlist at the Victoria Barracks. lip is desirous of giving his services as ail airman, and sought Australian Flying Corps. But departmental method* decree;! that this could not be done in Sydney. Tlie applicant, would have to go to/Mblbourne, ho ‘was told, and see the .Minister for Defence. Mr Martin possesses an aviation license from the Aero Club of America, granted tp"hlwl"’.li» 18(10. Hi' liasjbeeh ’practising aviation’ in various' parts of North and South America, ho says, for about four years, and as ah aviator took part in the Mexican, insurrection. - "J.. was/’ lie said, ."With Gfchesal; ViTlh.fob three and a half months, as chief aviator, and took part in the air raid made on a village outsidS the city of Chihuahua. I have been dowii through South America, and have given exhibitions jn,. Venezuela and Colombia. One of my demonstrations was given before President Gomez. General Villa gave •me the rank of captain in the Mexican army, and I only left there cn account of the trouble with the United States. Having had practical experience of tjbht kind, I thought I would-he of somt Service in the present war, and consequently T am anxious to enlist in the Axistfalioii Flying Corps. I went to the Victoria Sari racks, but could get' np satisfaction there. I was told to write to f the Minister-f#t Defence, and that probaljly I Wculd thch bc fixed' uri. ; It■Beems,.idwever, that, :! will Ire obliged to - undertake the es-mmss of a trio to Melbourne ' before anything can bo done.”

Mr Martin has a friend with him, also a native of the United States, who is a trained motor mechanic, and ho also i« anxious to enlist.