SEA CADET CORPS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 29, 4 February 1939, Page 10

SEA CADET CORPS

ROUSING OF YOUTH

DISCIPLINED DEMOCRACY

"I do not think" there was ever a time in the history of the Empire when it was more necessary to show that youth can be inspired in the same degree, if not by the same methods, as those in the great youth movements on the Continent," said Earl Beatty; chairman of the London executive of the Navy League, in his address at the Concert Chamber, last night Earl Beatty was speaking at the time on the development of the Navy League Sea Cadet Corps in England, a movement which 'he advocated should be fostered in New Zealand.

"I am sure," Earl Beatty continued, "that if put in the right way voluntary training can be just as successful as compulsory training,. and it is our object to rouse the youth of England and the Dominions in support, of disciplined democracy, for we insist, from first to last, that discipline is the necessity in youth training., (Applause.) And I would say in passing with regard to the Sea Cadet Corps that we are the only youth movement in the whole of the Empire that puts that in the forefront of our policy. I feel that there is much to be done with young men and boys, to imbue them with that right spirit of patriotism and loyalty to their country, and to give them that right spirit of,. service which is so essential if we are to survive.

"I believe there is great scope for the Sea Cadet Corps' movement in this country, and I very much hope that the ' Government' Will give it recognition, as the Government has done in England. (Applause.) Government recognition means much to those who give their time voluntarily to look after the boys, and it means much also to the boys themselves." Earl Beatty added, before a film "Youth at the Helm", was shown illustrating the valuable and .interesting training those in the Sea Cadet Corps in England receive, that if he was fortunate enough to be able to come back to New Zealand he hoped he would see a whole string of Sea Cadet Corps' at the main ports throughout the country, TRIBUTE TO R.N.V.R. Before Earl Beatty began his address/the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop), referring to Earl Beatty's intention to make particular reference to the Sea Cadet Corps, said he felt certain that all he had to say in connection with that movement would fall upon ears anxious to hear and ready to help. Oi all the various activities for voluntary j defence in this country and particularly in this city, there was no branch of the services characterised by a greater enthusiasm, a greater drive, and under better leadership than the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. (Applause.) So-he felt-certain that anything that was ancillary to that- development, as the Sea Cadet Corps was, would meet with ready and active support when the programme was put before them. - _ , The Mayor welcomed Earl Beatty and Countess Beatty on behalf of Wellington citizens, and a welcome to New Zealand was extended by the Minister I of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). Both expressed the hope that the Earl and the Countess would be able to make another visit to New Zealand, . the Mayor suggesting the Centennial Exhibition period as a suitable time. About 500 were present, and for his address Earl Beatty. was accorded a vote of thanks moved by .Sir Charles Norwood, president of the Wellington branch of the Navy League.