THE SCHOOL CADETS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 143, 16 December 1908, Page 2

THE SCHOOL CADETS.

MINISTER OF EDUCATION VISITS THE CAMP. The Alinister for Education (the Hon. Geo. Fowlds) visited the school cadet camp at Johnsonvillo yesterday. For a •week the lads, about 230 in number, had been trained in military manoeuvres, not of a very exacting character, but sufficiently comprehensive to make the boys appreciate and value the training they were undergoing. Skirmishing was carried out, and on Monday the camp was divided into rival forces, and a front of five miles maintained while a defence and attack movement was gone through. The Minister and his party were received by Colonel Robin, C.8., Major Hughes, D.5.0., Major Burlinson, and Captain T. W. M'Donald. After the boys had marched past, Mr. Fowlds delivered a brief address. He said ho was delighted at the smart appearance of the cadets, and hoped their camp would result in perfecting their preparation for the defence of their country if they over had to undertake that duty. The people were proud of ithe cadets, and of the interest they took in their work, because if the necessity arose in years to come they would not only be willing to defend their country, but would be able to do thei™ part effectively. When the cadets left school he hoped they would attach themselves to some volunteer company. The experience they had gained at school would have a good effect on them, and would tend to make the volunteer movement more efficient. Discipline had a good effect, and he emphasised the point that physical training was good, both morally and mentally. After commending the- boys for their good behaviour while in camp, tho Minister said the people of New Zealand were not jingoes, but every one should be imbued with the spirit of patriotism tha'fc would make sacrifices for tho defence of homo and country. It was no use waiting till the enemy was at the door ; the people had to be fitted by previous training to do their duty. The boys would be better citizens because of the training thoy got as cadets. Major Burlinson thanked the Minister for attending, and assured him that the camp had been very beneficial <to the boys. He also thanked Colonel Robin for the interest he took in the battalion. Cheers were then given for Mr. Fowlds and Colonel Robin,