COLLEGE AS BARRACKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16550, 28 May 1917, Page 3

COLLEGE AS BARRACKS.

EXPERIENCE AT WAXGAXUI. The heidma'ter of Wanganui College says in his report on the temporary conversion of the college into a barracks :— " The effect on the school was in all re- , spects satisfactory. The suspension of « school work did not prove serious with reference to the boys' .studies. The punctilious insistence on smartness in appearance and action, which is 'always associated with military inspection, left a noticeable impression on the minds of the cadets. The barracks had a most marked influence in increasing the keenness for the ordinary military weekly drill. The fact that for two yeans this had been conducted without arms had caused it to become somewhat perfunctory and devoid of interest. The use of arms and the ap--1 plication of the oi<littary parade ground - movements to approaching and attacking J a position, and to other movements of the | , same nature as in actual warfare, gave an edge to the whole conception of paradeexercises. It revolutionised the attitude of the ordinary boy towards drill, and military enthusiasm is now great. Thus while the general effect on the school lias been distinctly good, the barracks has largely changed the attitude of the boys towards military duties. To my knowj lodge it has caused several boys to desire ' to take an active part in the defence , forces and to aspire for commissions in . them."