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SEA CADETS

FORMATION URGED ADDRESS TO NAVY LEAGUE “ The English are like ostriches which hide their heads when they do not want to see something,” remarked Commander Harding, of Christchurch, in the course of an address to members of the Otago branch of the Navy League, at the annual meeting held in the Somerset Lounge yesterday afternoon. Mr J. Sutherland Boss (president) was in the chair.

The turning of a blind eye to' the scuttling of the Gorman fleet after the war by the British was instanced by Commander Harding as an example of this ostrich-like trait. Similarly, merely not thinking of war would not avert it and was only a form of camouflage. Camouflage was all very well in its place, but the trouble to-day was that they were up against Central European States which were “ dictatordriven.” Though sooner or later the decadence of dictatorships must be expected, the questions of importance just now were: Who is going to use the massive armaments in Europe and will they abide by their treaties? These could not be answered with certainty just now.

The vulnerability of London, went on the speaker, was being met by the establishment of machinery and the personnel trained in its use. The latter was most important, and New Zealand could do its bit toward helping the Motherland _in any future struggle by the training of personnel. Provision was being made on the mechanical side in England—ships were being built—but there must be the men to man them, It was in this connection that the Sea Cadet movement of the Navy League could give invaluable help by providing partly-trained men for the Empire. Commander Harding said that during the last year 19 new corps had been started in England.

“ The Sea Cadets take boys of 12 and upwards and put them into, uniform, give thorn a modicum of training and_ drill and in particular inculcate discipline,” said the speaker in outlining the work carried out. “ To-day the Government was cutting down the school cadets. It is spoon-feeding the boys, and this can be counteracted by such an organisation as the Sea Cadets.” He then went on to say that boys liked discipline. They were taught, not only to take orders, but also that it was not degrading to do so. Above all, discipline was instilled. The training consisted of bends and hitches, elementary training, and camps. The speaker strongly urged the formation of such a corps in Dunedin. First, they would have to obtain the services of a man able to spare the small amount of time necessary each week to take charge. Sea cadet training was invaluable in civil life and later in life, maintained Commander Harding. “No boy wants to be spoon-fed,” went on the commander, “ or wrapped in cotton wool. They want an outlet for their spirit of adventure and to do the things that men do. All this helped to develop ■ self-reliance and initiative.”

:In the event of a corps being formed in Dunedin, the speaker urged his listeners not to wait for recognition from the Government before starting operations. The movement had the goodwill of the Navy, which did what it could to help. “ I can assure you that there is no finer thing than to see your own corps of Sea Cadets drilling in preparation for any possible trouble.” remarked Commander Harding in conclusion.

Commander F. Fraser, officer commanding the Otago Division, R.N., V.R;, offered the use of a hall. boat, and qualified instructor.

A short discussion arose over tho relative merits of Sea Cadets and Sea Scouts, and it was pointed out that while _ Sea Scouts were a non-military organisation, the Sea Cadets were subject to military discipline all the time. The speaker was accorded a vote of thanks for his address.

Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19380513.2.27

Bibliographic details

Evening Star, Issue 22956, 13 May 1938, Page 3

Word Count
632

SEA CADETS Evening Star, Issue 22956, 13 May 1938, Page 3

SEA CADETS Evening Star, Issue 22956, 13 May 1938, Page 3

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