HOW TO CREATE SOLDIERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11956, 1 February 1901, Page 2

HOW TO CREATE SOLDIERS.

TO THE EDIIOIt. Sra,—Tho serious nature of the wnra in the. Transvaal and China, has no doubt awakened lis to the necessity of being fully prepared for even greater emergencies in tlio future. Hitherto we have been in tlio habit of considering tlio question solely as one of preparedness on our part to combat successfully any attempt by foreign Powers to effect n,landing or occupation of our country. Last year has. given a different colouring to tho mattor, and has shown us that our voluntary efforts to assist our mother country have been fully appreciated. We may therefore consider it our duty to continue to support the mother country in all future wars of any extent. How to prepare for granting such support and at the same time effectively protect our own shores is a problem whioh has already caused a deal of discussion. I do not propose to enter into the question of armament, drill, etc., from a technical point. I wish merely to call attention to my viows respecting the most important question of all—tho rearing of tlio men who are to uphold our honour. The sorviees of our various contingents in South Africa place it bright and untarnished before the whole world. I consider our public schools the best means of implanting the true instinct of a sotdior and citizen's love of country. Recently we have had tho grand institution of national flags in many of our public schools. No doubt this will have a. good effect in many eases, but there will bo hundreds in the future, ns in tho past, who will pass through the schools without having their better nature awakened. To remedy these matters I would suggest that it be an instruction through our education boards to have our principal flags painted on the inner walls of our schoolrooms, and a series of lessons on the subject introduced into the school boohs, Should this courso be adopted, say, to begin with the Third or Fourth Standard, it would mean that our hoys would be caught at tho average age of 11 years, which I consider from observation as tho most susceptible period, and certainly the very best time for awakening their desire to be considered of some use in tho interests of their country. If this statement is misdoubted by anyone I ask them to tako tho trouble to question any schoolboy of iho age mentioned as to his knowledge of the present war. I venture to say thqy will l:o fairly astonished. If there is tho martial spirit among ourschooloys, does it not seem the correct thing lo further cultivate it during tho remainder of (heir term at fchool? Then let instruction begin with lessons respecting our fiags, and continue, them with exercises and drill, until the Seventh Standard is readied. Now comes the question of continuing the good work done by the public schools. After passing the Sixth or Seventh Standard our boys are considered eligible for work. Generally'speaking, the inajority'avail themselves of their privilege at orce. In many cases, I regret to say, the change from school to work means to them the throwing off of homo influence and restraint. As our eight hours' system gives plenty of leisure time, they soon gather in numbers of an evening in the various localities. In consequence of passing so quickly from school routine to perfect freedom, it is no .wonder they often fall into errors of thought and deed, and cause the frequent letters in your columns under the heading " What shall we do with our boys? " In reply lo this, I would say, " Make men of them " by comnelliug all youths of sound constitution from 15 lo 19 years of a?e lo attend drill one or two nights a week, - with monthly or quarterly parades.

Of course, I am aware there are many dotails which would require much consideration; but this letter should call attention to the real " germ " which should he cultivated for our future defence. Such a system would almost for a certainty he confined to infantry corps, from tho fact that growing lad? would bo incapable of handling artillery. The present war has demonstrated most c'enrlr that tho rifle in competent hands is the most deadly of all weapons, suul tiie.e is r.ot the least doubt that the average lad would soon become proficient in tho use of it. After reachins; the age of 19 year* they could retire from tho service or join tho volunteer corps, as found preferable to themselves. Those who retire would always bo available in case of emergency. The officers would probably bo selected from the volmitfer corps. The trainin;; ,'ccoived from c .chnol dnvs to the border of manhood, and the knowledge of .their competency, would go a long way to assure sueee?? in action. A few remarks in conclusion respecting the value of such a system on the welfare of the colony. I believe the system would be welcomed by' four-fifths of the parents throughout tire colony as conclusive to the welfare of their children. Among tlin working clasei the effect would hr. elevating physically and morally. We would heir l"-s of inn evils of smoking, drinking, and gam Ming among young men. If correct in this surmise, it must be conccded that jf

young men are improved physically and morally the effect must follow throughout. Hence wo may expect it to bo shown in improved intelligence being brought to bear on all departments of trade and manufacture. Lastly, there should be no-objcction raised on the question of compulsion. As youths according to law are responsible to parents until tho ago of ?,1 years, their parents aro justified in lending them to the State. There would be nn hardship to the youths, as the system would not encroach on the time necessary for tho t study of their respective trades and occupations; rather would it help them to apply a clear intelligence to their work. As they obtain perfect froedom at the age of 19 years, they will have amplo time to consider the graver responsibilities of life before entering on them. A desire to call attention to what I consider our best recruiting ground is my plea for asking tho insertion of this letter in your columns.—l am, etc., Number 29.