SEVEN MILES OF BOYS.

Northern Advocate, 6 October 1913, Page 3

SEVEN MILES OF BOYS.

v * "" The "Sydney Sun," referring to the recent parade of cadets in Melbourne, says that the most significant feature of "the seven miles and,a half of khjaki-clad Australian boys was the fact that 18,433 pairs of boots were clean, 18,433 puttees were neat and dapper, and 18,433 brass numerals were polished." The feature, of course, was a very important one, and one, perhaps, to which the New Zealand authorities are not giving all : the attention it deserves, but there were other features of the parade which seem to have made <sl profound impression upon the spectators. "This has been one of the finest eights within the Empire," said Mr I* S. Amery, a Unionist member of the House of Commons, who happened to be present with other British parliamentarians. "I wish that the House of Commons had seen it to-day. If it had, we would have compulsory (service in .Great Britain within two years. Who could oppose it after today?" The point about the boots and puttees is that they bore evidence to the value of a military training in teaching lads habits of cleanliness and tidiness, and inspiring them with a proper spirit of self-respect and a sense of responsibility. Cleanliness is not "next" to godliness, but a part of godliness, and the boy who keeps his boots brushed is on a fair way to become a good citizen.