THE CADET CAMP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13702, 19 March 1908, Page 3

THE CADET CAMP.

APPRECIATION EXPRESSED

REPORT BY COLONEL LOVEDAY.

At the Board of Education meeting yesterday Mr. J. D. McKenzie moved: (1) "That, tho Board is fully satisfied with the success of tho first encampment of Auckland school cadets, hold at Papakura during the first week of March, with tho efficient work performed by tho officers, and with the orderly bearing and discipline displayed by tho cadets under instruction thereat. (2) That the Board records its hearty appreciation of the labours of all who assisted in the work of tho camp. (3) That this resolution bo communicated to Lieutenant-Colonel L. W. Lovoclay, commanding officer, to Major James Robb, commanding the First Battalion, to Major William Kay, commanding the Third Battalion, and to the chaplain.-, and medical officers who visited the camp. : ' Tho mover expressed appreciation of the manner in which tho camp had boon conducted, and said the experience at tho camp should convince head teachers and parents that, there was no danger, but very great benefit, arising at such camps. Mr. G. J. Garland seconded the motion, and commented upon the excellent discipline shown. He declared that it was school work to have such camps, and hoped every school cadet would have the opportunity of going into camp next year. The camp reflected the utmost credit upon all concerned. Mr. O. T. Barriball cordially supported the motion. The Chairman (Mr. L. .L Bagnall) regretted that he had been unable, owing to absence from town, to visit the camp, but he was exceedingly pleased to see the excellent, reports furnished of the conduct of the camp. He honed to see the camps continued. But such camps could only lie- successful if carried out in the most careful manner, and there was a danger, if anything like loose discipline or control was allowed, of very serious harm resulting, but the Board would see that everything was done to prevent any danger of that kind arising. The motions wen:- then carried unanimously. In a report furnished to the Board, Lieutenant-Colonel Loveday, officer commanding New Zealand Public School Cadets, says:—"l must make special reference to the manner in which all the officers (both adult and cadet) carried out their duties. This was the more notable from the fact that the proportion of officers was far below the number required for tiro rank and file in camp. Tho non-commissioned officers deserve all praise for the manner in which they carried out their respective duties. Thanks to Colonel Wolfe, the camp was supplied with a most competent instructor in Starf-Sergeant-Major Cheater, who was most indefatigable in carrying out his duties. I cannot speak too highly of the able, zealous, and self-denying efforts of Major Robb and Major Kay, who performed many extra duties which were forced upon them through the paucity of officers in camp. It, is, to hit mind, more than a matter for regret that the officers of the Second Battalion did not take part in the camp. "The Colonial Ammunition Company's silver cup for the combined districts of Hawke's Bay and Auckland, which had been won by Sergeant-Bugler John William Morgan, of the Onehunga Dist-rct High School Cadets, was publicly presented to him on parade. " A sovereign was given by a gentleman (who does not, wish his name to be known) for the best kept tent during the week. This prize was won by the Onehunga District High School Cadets. I cannot close this report without thanking the members of your Board for tho assistance they gave mo towards the holding of the camp, considering the antagonism shown by certain headmasters to the Board's wish for holding the camp, and my hope is that .the next camp will lie a larger one, as there is no question that the holding of these is the greatest factor in the proper training of the cadet.