DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

Waikato Times, Volume 120, Issue 20889, 22 August 1939, Page 5

DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

GOVERNMENT OFFICES PLANS FOR DECENTRALISATION NATIONAL FITNESS CAMPAIGN -United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON. Aug. 20 Plans for the gradual decentralisation of Government offices are under consideration. They are not essentially connected with the precautionary measures for a national emergency, although it is recognised that a wider distribution of administrative activity would have a great advantage from that point of view, as well as relieving congestion. The National Fitness Council, since its inception up to last March, lias made 789 offers or grunts amounting in ail to £1.468,302 for schemes and projecls such as playing Acids, swimming baths and social recreative centres. These grants affected 589 towns and villages in England and Wales. Progress In Aviation It is revealed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowling. Commander-in-chief of the Fighter Command, that 53,000 men. 1300 aircraft, lio guns, 700 searchlights and 100 balloons were engaged in the recent air manoeuvres in England. *• We are making very rapid progress," said Sir Hugh, “ not only with regard to the performance and armament of aircraft, but also in the matter of scientific discoveries tending to aid defence. “ The rapidity with which the Air Ministry's scientists are producing one invention on top of another is astonishing. Sometime* it becomes almost embarrassing because we must keep our methods of defence fluid, in order to incorporate each new device as it materialises. “ Successful defence depends mainly upon happens to ttie enemy when lie is intercepted, and I cun confidently say l am satisfied in that respect." Former Minister as Soldier The former Secretary of State lor War, Mr Alfred Duff' Gooper, has rejoined the Grenadier Guard* as a subaltern. He is the third former Secretary for War again to become a soldier on the active list, the others being Maj - General Lord MottiaUmc and Mr Winston Churchill, both of whosu •arved in the Great War.