CADET TRAINING.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 13701, 7 June 1912, Page 4

CADET TRAINING.

(Per United Pross Association.) AUCKLAND, June 6. The value of training applied to cadet* came in fur some criticism at the Education Commission. Mr. Milues, Principal of the Auckland Training College, said that the work done oy the cadets did not appeal to him lailicnlariv as a form of physical training. “It is a good thing,” he said, “to have the lads organised, but the work done consisted of too much marching up and down in lanes and forming fours.” He proceeded to say that once the recruit work was learnt the drill became too much of a mechanical process, while such exercises as were employed were in many cases arrived at without any due regard to the special requirements of the children. They were invented for soldiers and by soldiers, who had no knowledge of a child’s needs and limitations. Mr. Lamb, president of the Auckland Count 17 Teachers’ Association, did not agree with the view put forward by Mr. M dues. He maintained that the work consisted of some! lung more than marching and forming fours, for the lads wore subjected to wholesome discipline. Good habits were also formed by bovs through the work, such as neatness and efficiency. Then the hoys took part in skirmishing, and were taught to advance over country and take cover. All this constituted an excellent training. Mr. End mail. Principal of the Tlmme* High School, was of opinion that military training in connection with cadets was apt to overshadow real good physical training. What was wauled in schools was a more natural system <if building up the physique of the children. He referred to the value of teaching methods of deep breathing, and considered that more attention should be paid to gymnastics.