SEA CADETS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19941, 30 May 1930, Page 19

SEA CADETS.

A FLOURISHING CORPS. CONTROL OF NAVY LEAGUE PROBABLE. It is probable that within a short while the control of the New Zealand Sea Cadet Corps, formed in October of last year by Lieutenant-Colonel K. B. Smythe, will be handed over to the Navy League. The corps is an entirely voluntary one compraed of boys of between 12 and 16 years of age, and at the present time has a roll number of over 60. Its objects are stated not to be militaristic, but the development of the physical and moral qualities that combine to form a manly character. Similar corps are in active operation in England under the control of the Navy League, but the Christchurch Corps is the first of its kind in the Dominion, [t has been enthusiastically supported, and has now grown to proportions difficult for effective management by the volunteer officers in charge. It has lacked, too, for adequate financial support, and so far it has not been possible to purchase uniforms for the corps. Under the control of the local branch of the Navy League it is felt that the work of elementary tuition in seamanship could bo more effectively carried out. With this object in view a number of members of the Navy League visited the headquarters of the corps, the Canterbury Rowing Club's boatsheds, last evening, inspected the cadets, and were shown the various activities engaged in by the boys. The visitors were much impressed with the showing of the members of the corps. For some time the Navy League has urged the Government to form a sea cadet corps from volunteer members of the military cadots. So far nothing has been done, or will any decision bo reached until the future of the military training system has been decided upon. If such a unit were formed under the present system of compulsory service, it would he an excellent preliminary training for the Royal Naval Volunteer Rcservo, hearing to it the same relation as do the night training cadets to the territorial units. At- present many boys in the sea cadet corps have to do military cadet training as well. While this reflects credit upon the keenness of the lads, it is considered that many others are prevented from joining owing to the difficulty of attending the parades of two organisations.

The Navy League strongly supports such movcmonts as that initiated by Lieutenant-Colonel Smythe, but it may not make any decision until the attitude of the Government is ascertained. It is felt by the Navy League that the naval side of the defence system is at present being neglected. The question of taking control of the New Zealand Sea Cadets will be considered at the next meeting of the local branch of the League.