CADET TRAINING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23352, 18 November 1937, Page 8

CADET TRAINING

WORK OF SPECIALIST SECTIONS “OF NO EDUCATIONAL VALUE” REPLY TO HIGH SCHOOLS BOARD “This is quite contrary to the opinion of experts,” said Mr F. H. Campbell at the monthly meeting of the Otago Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools Board yesterday when a letter from the Minister of Education (Mr P. Fraser), in reply to a communication from the board, was read, stating that there were no advantages to be gained from the carrying out of the work of the specialist sections of the cadet corps and no educational advantages accrued from an intimate knowledge by the boys of military mechanism. It was decided to point out to the Minister that the board believed the matter was worthy of more consideration. In his letter to the board Mr Fraser said:- “While recognising the necessity for the most efficient military defence of our country, a task in which the Government is very earnestly engaged at the present time, I am informed that there are no military advantages to be gained from the carrying out of the work of the specialist sections of the cadet corns. I am personally convinced that no educational advantages can possibly accrue from an intimate knowledge of military mechanism by the boys. In my opinion, much more benefit can be derived from the substitution of intelligently-directed physical education. The extent of the success of such physical' education would, of course, be conditional on the directive ability, efficiency and understanding of those in charge of the instruction. I have no doubt that the principal and his staff will be able successfully to surmount any disadvantages which they may c<pnceive as resulting from the decision in question. It does not require much imagination to see many ways in which the new situation created by the directions from the military authorities can be turned to much greater advantage for the boys than the particular training under consideration.”

“Cannot the board do anything more about this? ” asked the chairman (Mr J. C. H. Somerville), “We should express our regret to the Minister that he has made this decision,” Mr Campbell said. “ It is quite contrary to the opinion of experts. The special training at the Boys’ High School has been of great benefit and has brought out portion of the characters of the boys that would otherwise have remained hidden. I cannot see how specialist sections are going to be detrimental to the boys.” Bishop Fitchett: There must be some educational value. Mr Somerville said that while none of them wanted war, if such an eventuality should arise the boys with special training would be more fitted to play their part. A resolution was then passed covering the board’s decision. v