JUNIOR CADET SYSTEM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16268, 29 June 1916, Page 9

JUNIOR CADET SYSTEM.

RE-ESTABLISHMENT urged.

EDUCATION BOARD'S PROTEST.

A strong protest against the abolition of the junior cadet system from public ,o ,° was voiced by the chairman of the Auckland Education Board at yesterday's meeting. In moving a resolution to the effect that the Government again bo urged to re-establish the junior cadet system "in the public schools, Mr. Garland" said he should like to remind them that for many .■•ears, up to January of 1913, the boys of the public schools had been receiving tlio first rudiments of military training. At that time the Hon. James Allen, then Minister for Education, issued a letter to education boards abolishing the junior ca et system. It came as a surprise to the i board and to every board in New Zealand; but the letter went further than being only a surprise. It was intended as a thrust against the officers in charge of the cadet movement. Speaking of the benefits derived under the cadet training, Mr. Garland went °" . lam of opinion that 90 per cent, of the parents would agree with us as to tlie good this system accomplished in our schools. This system of Swedish drill is costing thousands of pounds a year. Is the money being well expended? No money was expended on the cadet system, which cost practically nothing."* Members: No! Mr. Garland spoke of the benefits conerred both by the Swedish drill and the boy scout movement, but, in the opinion of authorities who had investigated the whole matter very carefully, lie said neither could take the place of tho cadet system. .

_ The motion was supported by Mr. McKenzie, who said that while lie thought a personal tone should not be used in the discussion, he was very much in sympathy with the motion.

"It was this system that produced the Anzacs," he faid, "and I earnestly hope it may be restored to the boys of the Dominion."

The mot was carried.