CADET TRAINING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 236, 5 October 1937, Page 6

CADET TRAINING.

Though disapproval has been expressed of the decision of the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, to disband the artillery and Lewis gun sections of secondary school cadet corps, it is probable that the matter was discussed from all angles by the responsible officers of the Department before the announcement was made, and that there is good reason behind it. The Minister has stated his policy in piecemeal fashion, and it is impossible for the public even to guess his general plan, but he has made it clear that the defences of the Dominion are to be put in order and brought up to a state of efficiency into line with armament and equipment overseas. Apparently his officers have decided that the increased votes which will be required for defence can be better spent than upon specialist training of eadets. These lads will bo the future officers and men of the forees, but the groundwork of every corps is discipline and physique, nnd these can perhaps be best developed by infantry drill. If specialist training is required there is so much to be learned in this department of the service, including signalling, Morse telegraphing, battalion drill and first aid worfc, that there need be no suggestion of monotony if a full use be made ot the opportunities afforded.