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14. EDUCATION The resources of the Education Branch have been concentrated almost entirety on the various aspects of training—preparation for aircrew and technical training, educational preparation for promotion examinations, and general service indoctrination of recruits. Suitable progress has been made in all these aspects, but the most difficult task is preparing for aircrew and technical training. The educational standard of recruits is still causing concern, so that preparation for the specialist aeronautical and aircrew training must be preceded by a revision of the general education of the recruits. The staff of education officers was increased by the appointment of further qualified teachers with Service experience to short-service commissions in the R.N.Z.A.F. The activities of these officers are augmented by the occasional employment of part-time teachers. A satisfactory standard of library service has been maintained on all stations. This has been greatly assisted by the addition of W.A.A.F. librarians, under training, to the staffs of station libraries. Further recreational facilities have been maintained in hobby, entertainment, and sports clubs. The co-operation of the Education Department, Technical Correspondence Schools, Civil Technical Colleges, and Rehabilitation Department has been received in catering for the resettlement needs of personnel. The service rendered by these organizations is much appreciated. As the Air Force has a large resettlement problem, the development of satisfactory schemes for rehabilitation into industry has an important effec on the welfare and efficiency of the Service. 15. ACCIDENTS PREVENTION During the period under review there occurred twenty-one reportable accidents. The majority of these occurred during training and were typical of this class of flying. Five aircraft were destroyed as a result of these accidents, but no injury was caused to personnel. An examination of all R.N.Z.A.F. aircraft accidents appears in the report of the Inspector of Accidents. 16. PUBLIC RELATIONS Reports on the work performed by the R.A.F. Research and Inquiry Service were received regularly throughout the year, and 373 next-of-kin were notified of the results of investigations on individual cases. In addition to routine and special press releases, a contract was entered into with the magazine New Zealand Flying for the publication of Service news. Liaison has been established with the National Film Unit, and a film covering the activities of the R.N.Z.A.F. Forest Patrol has been taken. Other coverage of similar-nature is under consideration. Arrangements were made for the acceptance into private homes over the Christmas period of a number of ex-R.A.F. personnel now serving with the R.N.Z.A.F. 17. HISTORICAL RECORDS The first draft of the R.N.Z.A.F. history is nearing completion with two and a half chapters still to be written. As sections of the draft are completed they are distributed for use within the Service as an interim history. The historical sections at Air Department and in London have written popular histories of the work of New Zealanders in Bomber, Coastal, Fighter, and Middle East and South-east Asia Commands, which will be published this year.

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