OFFICER CADETS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 42, 18 August 1942, Page 3

OFFICER CADETS

ADDRESS BY G.O.C.

".'■ Another .group of trainees from the Officer Cadets -Training Unit of the School of Artillery was marched out this morning and was formally inspected by Lieutenant-General E. Puttick, Chief of the General Staff, at a parade at Kilbirnie Park. Major E. R. Wirikler, Commandant of the Artillery ■ School, met General Puttick on hhis arrival, at the parade ground, Later the General addressed the men on their duties and responsibilities. The New Zealand Army, he said, was a citizens' army, and the public were very interested in it. As officers they would come more in the public eye. The Army still had many faults, due to the situation that existed before the war; and to the rapid expansion that had been made since, but they were very much better off than they were in December last. "The public these days have relatives and friends in the Army/ said General Puttick, "and some are inclined to think they know a great deal about the Army. We have a critical public, but their knowledge of military matters is'not very great, and they are apt to make hasty judgments on questions on which they have not sufficient knowledge. That will always be so in conditions where the formation of an Army gives rise to considerable hardship and inconvenience in the general life of the community. So you must not be disheartened if you find yourself being 'shot at.' . "There is always a loud-voiced minority in any community, but because tHere seems to be a lot of discussion about various things in the newspapers it does not follow that those- are the opinions of the vast majority. "Criticism must make you aware of the importance of ensuring to the utmost of your ability efficiency; in your own sphere." . General Puttick emphasised the importance of getting to know the. qualities of the men and using them in military work.' "Always remember," he said. "tbatVvery man under your command can do .something better than you can—whether it is robbing an orchard or auditing a balance-sheet." CO-OPERATION OF SERVICES. J He referred also to the need for cooperating with .the other services. He himself did his best to see that the proper spirit of co-operation existed between them all. He had heard of stupid friction and childish criticism on the part of grown men "I dare say some of you here today have taker, part in some form of criticism or, other." he said. "I am askimr you to cut it out, and try to get others to cut it out, too. All ■our fighting services must 'click." There may come a time when the Army will welcome the fact that the Navy is around or thai the Air Force is overhead. Let us be. broadminded. Instead of looking for apparent inequalities or injustices, let us box on together." j