HIGH SCHOOL CADETS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6203, 7 October 1921, Page 3

HIGH SCHOOL CADETS.

INSPECTION BY GENERAL RICHARDSON.

AN ENCOURAGING ADDRESS

An inspection of the High Scliopl cadets was made yesterday by Briga-dier-General Richardson, G.O.C. Defence Administration. The cadets were drawn in two half companies, under Captain Grist,' 0.C., and Lieuts. Dunphy and Ashton. After advancing in, ceremonial order and giving the salute, the cadets gave a display of physical drill, all the work being remarkably well performed, and reflecting great credit upon the instructors. Subsequently, at the request of the rector, Mr E. Foote, General Richardson briefly addressed the company. In opening his remarks, the General paid a tribute to the work of the boys. He had, he said, been impressed with the efficiency and smartness of the cadets, whose exhibition, in bis opinion, was quite equal to those he had seen given in England by companies representing some of the largest schools. He had not 6een on this occasion the work of a few specially trained cadets, but the whole company at work and the average merit was very good indeed. This was, m his opinion, due to the efficient school organisation, and the instructional staff. Military work, he said, was not always looked upon with favor, but lie wanted to impress upon them that they were training as citizens who should be prepared to do their part for the Empire. Referring to the recent war, he said it,had been pitiful to see English men and boys offer thenservices without having had any military training whatever, and it had to be remembered to-day that the Empire, which had been built up by their forefathers, must be kept together ire the future by the strength of its generations. They would he called upon to do their part in the future and it was for this reason they were now being trained and educated tliat they might be fitted for their task. Referring to ( the difficult task which had been carried out by Lieut.-Colonel Freyberg, and which had earned him the V.C., General Richardson said tliat this New; Zealander had not volunteered for the work for liis own glory, but for the credit of New Zealand, and, as he had learned afterwards, l'or his old school. He might, he said, now be addressingboys who, in the future, would be called upon to distinguish themselves, and they would then realise the benefit of the training which they were now receiving. The military authorities were not trying to promote war, but to so : train the young- men of the country' that, if a.t any time their services were required, they would be prepared. The principles which were being taught them while at school would be applied in. time of need. In concluding, the General expressed liis regard for the good of the school and for the future careers of its pupils. Mr Foote, in .thanking General Richardson for his impressing address, called for three cheers, and these were heartily given by the boys. Colonel R. H. Potter, Commanda-nt of the Northern district, after explaining the re-adjustment of defence organisation to the boys, also complimented them upon their display, which, he said, had not been bettered by any school cadets-'under his command. During the afternoon, the General inspected a parade of D Squad, 4th Waikato Mounted Rifles, and later participated in the Cook memorial celebrations. „ ,