MILITARY TRAINING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22202, 31 August 1935, Page 14

MILITARY TRAINING

COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS AN ALTERNATIVE URGED The recent action of Wesley College, Paerata, and other colleges in providing an alternative to military training in schools was the subject of discussion at the annual conference of the New Zealand Leaguo of Nations Union in Wellington. The Auckland branch submitted the following remit: "That, as it believes that widespread military training of youth is not conducive to the development of the Leaguo of Nations and tho practice of co-operation as tho normal relations between nations, the conference congratulates Wesley College on its action with regard to military training and urges that other schools provide similar alternatives."

Moving the adoption of the remit, an Auckland delegate said an alternative to military training would make the position of minorities in schools much easier. This would give discipline and drill and leave out the moro war-like elements in military training. A further remit on similar lines was also discussed: "That the Dominion Council ask the branches to consider the question of military training in secondary schools with a view to formulating a League of Nations Union policy." The Dominion president, Rev. F. H. Wilkinson, suggested that in place of the two icmits the following resolution be adopted: "That the Dominion Council ask the branches to reconsider national emergency services in schools in lieu of military service." It was decided to refer the question to branches for further consideration next year.