MLITARY TRAINING.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15192, 12 April 1917, Page 8

MLITARY TRAINING.

"BARRACKS" AT COLLEGIATE SCHOOL. SOLDIERS IN THE MAKING. To-day Major J. L. Sleeman, I G.C, "Director of Military Training, assumed the duties of Commandant at the Wanganui College, which for fourdays has been converted into a "barracks," so that the boys attending may be put through a course of military instruction. In 1913 the experiment was tried by the Defence authorities of allowing the cadets at Wanganui College to hold a "barracks" for four days under very capable instructors. The result of this "barracks" was so satisfactory, both to the Defence authorities and to the cadets themselves, that it was resolved to hold two similar "barracks for Wanganui College and Waitaki Boys High School. Experience has taught that if compulsory cadet service in schools is to be of great use to the State the boys must be interested m military work ; also that this interest cannot'be altogether created by weekly parades only. A camp, or an efficient substitute, is required in addition. Outside the schools cadet companies are able to send their non-commissioned officers to be instructed at schools set apart for the purpose, but these schools are frequently held at times at which it is impossible for the college cadets to combine. - Under the present system it is not possible to provide camps for the cadet corps, and consequently anything which will improve the efficiency of these companies without expense to the State, is of the utmost value. This has been realised by the authorities of the two colleges mentioned, with the result that the proposed "barracks" will be held almost entirely at the expense of the schools concerned. The services of the Director of Military Training (Major J. L. Sleeman, 1.G.5.), who was one of the original founders of the Officers' Training Corps in Knglaud. were applied for by the headmasters of both schools as commandant. ■ The programme of training will consist of instructional exercises and manoeuvres, particular importance being attached to individual training ar.d a high standard of disciplne. The scholars will pass into the hands of the military authorities at 6 a.m. each day, and be under rigid military discipline until 9 p.m., when thev will again pass under the command of the school authorities.