SHIRLEY B.H.S. CADETS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29673, 17 November 1961, Page 14

SHIRLEY B.H.S. CADETS

Objectors Are Excused

The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) will be informed that parents objecting to military training may have their sons excused from cadets at the -Shirley Boys’ High School. Last evening the society wrote to the Board of Governors urging that cadet training be abolished on grounds reported in similar letters to other schools with boys. There was a long silence before board members would comment. “My impression is that cadet work is more concerned with physical training and disciplinary control than with preparation for war,’’ said the chairman (Mrs L. R. Hartley). “It certainly did us no harm as boys.” said Mr E. F. Wilde. “The physical aspect is goed and the discipline is tops.” The school prospectus said: “Sports and cadets: These are compulsory. Parents wishing to have boys excused must claim exemption with the application for Enrolment,” the headmaster (Mr C. V. Gallagher) reported. He thought that reasonably met objections on ” conscientious groupds. Parents generally approved. "I have some sympathy with the Quakers’ views, but my feelings are not strong.” said Dr. C. J. Wilkins. “My own cadet training was innocuous because it was so feeble. I don’t know how things are now, but I think working together in cadets is helpful. It is certainly not warlike.” “The important point is that the conscience of parents on this question is respected at this school,”, said Mr D. W. Rutherford.