CADETS IN SCHOOLS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30369, 19 February 1964, Page 6

CADETS IN SCHOOLS

Army Uniforms

Criticised

"There are only two sizes —too big and too small.” said the presidenit of the Christchurch Returned Services' Association (Mr A. S. Farrar) on Monday evening when the executive discussed the School Cadet Corps—and its uniforms. It would be far better if a school had a cadet corps of one or two platoons fully equipped and clothed than a whole school half equipped, Mr Farrar said. “But everything depends on the enthusiasm of the headmaster ” The Sea Cadets and the Air Training Corps cadets were limited in number at any school, but tile Army grabbed the lot and then did not equip them properly, said Mr F. W. K. Humphreys. “There is nothing to encourage them in the Army,” he said.

"No, you won’t get enthusiasm if you don’t clothe them and equip them,” Mr Farrar agreed.

“If you don’t get guidance from the headmasters you don't get enthusiasm from the kids or anyone else,” said Mr T. H. McCormick.

Mr Humphreys then moved that the association considered that any cadet scheme to be effective must ensure that the cadets be properly equipped and uniformed to give them a pride in their service.

"And that has not been the case in Christchurch,” Mr McCormick added. “No.” Mr Humphreys said. “I talk about the times I see the boys in ragtail and bobtail kits, but I qualify that by saying I am talking about the Army cadets only. “We will do something along those lines,” said Mr Farrar.