CADETS AT ROYAL REVIEW: REPORT ON THE MOBILISATION OF THE CADETS FOR THE ROYAL REVIEW AT CHRISTCHURCH ON THE 24th JUNE, 1901, BY CAPTAIN L.W. LOVEDAY, COMMANDING THE BRIGADE.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1901 Session I, A-06b

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1901. NEW ZEALAND.

CADETS AT ROYAL REVIEW: REPORT ON THE MOBILISATION OF THE CADETS FOR THE ROYAL REVIEW AT CHRISTCHURCH ON THE 24th JUNE, 1901, BY CAPTAIN L.W. LOVEDAY, COMMANDING THE BRIGADE.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Sib,— Wellington, Ist July, 1901. I have the honour to inform you that in accordance with the directions contained in your letter of the 27th May last, to proceed to the mobilisation of the various corps of cadets in the Volunteer Districts of Wellington, Nelson, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, I communicated with the various secretaries of the Education Boards and officers commanding corps in the abovenamed districts on the 23th May, as follows :— " Premier desires me to ascertain the number of all ranks of cadets in connection'with the schools in your district, distinguishing those in uniform and those not, with a view to their proceeding to Christchurch. Minimum height, four feet six inches, excepting boys who are officers or non-commissioned officers. The information is required immediately so as to arrange for transport, housing, and rationing. These will be found by Government." Similar requests were sent to officers commanding cadet corps already established in connection with the State schools and otherwise. As the time at my disposal was limited I was unable to visit the various districts, but managed to get to Wanganui, Napier, and Christchurch. At the two latter places I inspected several cadet corps, with pleasing results. While at Christchurch, I arranged, through the instrumentality of Mr. Hardy, M.H.R., who is a member of the Education Board, for the quartering of the cadets at the Normal School, which was readily placed at my disposal by the Board, and from the measurements made by Mr. D. Schofield, the officer in charge of the Public Works Department there, and to whom I am indebted for making all arrangements for the comfort of the cadets, there would have been ample space to have quartered the number which had been notified me up to that time; but on my return to Wellington I found this had increased considerably, and I feared that I would have some difficulty in procuring extra sleeping accommodation in order to carry out your wish to "Let them all come." But, thanks to Mr. Schofield's energy, the difficulty was got over, as he procured the consent of the Chairman of the East and West Schools Board for the use of their schools, with the approval of the Education Board, and thus all ranks were comfortably housed. The rationing, however, had to be carried out at the Normal School, to which place the cadets marched for their meals. These were served in relays of about seven hundred at a time. I tasted the food, and found it wholesome and well cooked. The following was the bill-of-fare, which I considered more satisfactory than the scale of daily rations which had been adopted prior to my arrival at Christchurch, which consisted of 31b. meat, I£lb. bread, 1 lb. potatoes, lib. vegetables, &c.—too much for any cadet. Rations served to Cadets at Normal School. Breakfast: Bread, coffee, jam and marmalade, butter; meat—sausages, stew, steak, chops, and tripe. Lunch: Bread, tea, jam and marmalade, butter, cheese and biscuits; meat—cold mutton and beef. Dinner: Bread, tea, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and onions; meat—roast beef, corned beef, and roast mutton. Copies of the following orders were sent to officers commanding corps, with directions to issue a copy to every one of his command for their guidance : — Memorandum for Officers Commanding Cadet Corps. A copy of the orders, sent herewith, is to be given personally to each cadet who is proceeding to Christchurch for his guidance, so that he cannot plead ignorance regarding any of them. The Eailway-pass is to be filled up by the officer in charge of the cadets, and to set forth the number of first- and second-class tickets which will be required—the former for officers, and the latter for the rank and file. I—A. 6b.

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The Parade State Form is to show the detail of the various ranks mentioned therein, and it must tally with the numbers given for railway-passes in order that the counterfoils in the Railwaypass Book may be filled up ; and is to be handed to the undersigned by the officer in charge on arriving at Wellington, and by those from Canterbury, Otago, and Southland at Christchurch. Officers Commanding will provide themselves with a memorandum-book for noting orders, &c, therein. L. W. Lovbday, Captain, Wellington, Bth June, 1901. Organizing Officer. The following were the orders referred to in the above memorandum : — Orders for the Cadet Corps proceeding to the Beview at Christchurch. Date op leaving Headquaetees. Coeps proceeding by train to Wellington and Christchurch will leave their respective headquarters on 19th June, at such time as the local railway authorities may fix. Those coming by steamer to leave on the day fixed by the local agents of the Union Steamship Company. Discipline. Strict discipline must be observed, and officers and non-commissioned officers are specially enjoined to see the same is carried out, and to report any breach thereof to the senior officer present. Enteaining. All corps proceeding by railway must be at their respective railway-stations, with their baggage, at least half an hour before the time fixed for the departure of the train. A fatigue party will be detailed, under the command of a non-commissioned officer, to place the corps' baggage in the train. The remainder of the detachment will stand in line (standing easy) until they are marched off (in single file) into the carriages set apart for them by the railway authorities. After entering the carriages, arms and accoutrements will be carefully stowed away, either in the nettings or under the seats. As soon as this is done each one must sit down. A noncommissioned officer, or a senior cadet, must be told off to each carriage, and he will be held responsible for the discipline of those under his charge, and he will see that no cadet quits the carriage when the train stops at any station, unless by permission of the officer commanding his corps. Cadets are on no pretence whatever to be allowed to stand on the carriage platform while the train is in motion, nor to congregate there while the train is standing at any station or siding. If this order is not strictly observed, the guards are to be requested by the non-commis-sioned officer in charge to have the carriage-doors locked. On arrival of the train at any station perfect silence must be observed, and no noisy demonstrations of any kind must be allowed during the time the train is in motion. At stations where the train stops for any length of time the cadets will be allowed to leave their carriages; but this must be done in a quiet manner, as also when returning to the carriage. Cadets must not make a noise or run about the platform of the station while waiting for the train to start again. On arriving at any railway-station where a change of carriages is necessary each cadet will remove his arms, &c, into the carriage he is to occupy. This will be done under the instructions of the non-commissioned officer in charge, who will particularly see that the change is made quickly and quietly. Aeeival at Termini. On arrival of the train at its terminus, cadets will quit their carriages and fall in on their markers as quickly as possible, excepting the party looking after the baggage. The non-com-missioned officers in charge of these will march their respective parties to the baggage-van, take delivery, and then proceed to see the baggage placed in the wagons provided for the purpose, and accompany it to the place of destination as a baggage guard. What to bring. Every cadet must provide himself with a pair of blankets, a change of underlinen, a tin plate, pannikin, knife, fork, and spoon, hair brush and comb, a towel and some soap, and means for cleaning his boots (if preferred, a number can bring enough brushes, &c, to suit their party). A neat parcel is to be made up of the above-named articles. (This can be done by utilising the blankets for the purpose, or packing the whole into a sack.) Each package is to have the rank and name of the owner, thus, — Private J. Jones, [Name of oorpe here] written legibly, and affixed in such a way that it cannot be easily lost. Unless this is done great inconvenience will be caused, and probable loss of the package. Great-coats should also be brought, which can be worn when necessary. Embarkation. Each corps will be marched on to the steamer in single file, and immediately proceed to the quarters allotted to it. The baggage will be distributed as soon as possible, so as to enable each cadet to make his bed (if necessary). If deemed necessary the baggage may be distributed on the wharf, and taken on board by its owner.

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Duties on Boakd. A guard, consisting of one officer, one sergeant, one corporal, one bugler (who will sound all the calls), and fifteen cadets, will be detailed beforehand by the senior officer to take up their duties directly they get on board, who will also detail-one captain and one lieutenant to take up the respective duties of captain and subaltern of the day. These officers will be responsible for the discipline of the cadets. They will also visit the sentries during their tour of duty, in order to see that they are acquainted with their orders, and are carrying out the same. Every care is to be taken that the cadets do not in any way impede the officers of the vessel in their duties, nor are they on any account to climb the rigging, or to commit any nuisance about the vessel. Latrines only are to be used. On the reveille sounding each cadet is to rise, and, after washing and dressing himself, he will proceed to pack his kit ready for disembarking. The great-coat, if the weather is fine, is also to be packed up ; if wet, then the coat is to be worn. A new fatigue party is to be detailed for looking after the baggage, and on disembarkation it will act as a baggage guard. On arrival at Christchurch it will accompany the baggage-wagons to the place appointed for assembling the troops. DISEMBAKKATION. On arrival at Lyttelton each corps will disembark and form up on its markers (in column right in front), and await further orders. Obdees. Officers commanding corps will be held responsible for the promulgation of all orders with as little delay as possible. It will be their duty to see that all orders are carried out by all ranks under their command. Command. On all occasions the senior officer present will assume the command of the whole. Refeeshments. It will be imperative that arrangements should be made by.officers in command previous to starting so as to enable the cadets to have some refreshments during the train journey, and provision should be made to have this done either by each one bringing something, or out of corps funds, or by telegraphing to stations where there are refreshment-stalls, to have something ready. If purchased before starting a refund of its cost will be made by Government, provided the cost does not exceed 6d. for each cadet. Smoking, etc. Neither smoking nor the use of improper language is to be allowed, and non-commissioned officers are to report every case of a breach of this order to their commanding officer for him to deal with. Haie. Officers commanding will see that every member of their corps has his hair properly cut before starting. Oppicees. First-class railway-tickets and saloon passages will be issued to officers. Railway-passes. Railway-passes will be issued for each corps prior to date fixed for leaving. Matches. No cadet must, on any consideration, have matches on his person or in his kit. Mouening. All officers to wear a black band in. deep above the left elbow. Non-commissioned officers and cadets to have the second button of tunic (if buttons are worn) covered with black crape. L. W. Loveday, Captain, Wellington, 30th May, 1901. Organizing Officer. In consequence of the Union Steamship Company being unable to simultaneously transport the cadets on the day named in the above "orders" —viz., the 19th June—the corps from the West Coast had to leave their respective districts on the 15th June instead, and thus it was that the first draft arrived at Christchurch on the 17th instead of the 20th, with the others embarking here on the 19th. As might be expected, there was not much room on the various steamers, but the officers of the company did all in their power to make things as comfortable as circumstances would permit. A sufficiency of food was provided on the vessels. With regard to the statement made as to certain cadets having to parade in the rain, this chiefly alludes to those of the Wellington Battalion which embarked on the s.s. " Corinna." The parade was called by the officer commanding the battalion for a place near Jervois Quay, at a time when it was raining, but when they reached the wharf previous to embarking they were accommodated in one of the new sheds, and from which they marched on board. Had it been known that the shed would have been available the officer would have paraded his battalion there. No ill results, however, seemed to have followed through the wetting the cadets received. All had overcoats. On arrival at Christchurch the corps were marched to the various quarters. The last to arrive were the Matawhero and Gisborne cadets. Directly a corps arrived it was marched to the Normal School, and there fed.

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Mr. Schofield, with Mr. Tillman, his foreman, had all arrangements made for bedding the officers and cadets, as also for their washing, and the washing-up by means of hot water of the various messing utensils. Separate sleeping and messing quarters were provided for the officers. The following brigade orders were issued : — Orders for Cadet Brigade by die Officer Commanding. 1. The following hours, unless otherwise ordered, will be observed while the brigade is quartered at Christchurch, viz. : — Reveille ... ... ... ... ... ... 6.30 a.m. First breakfast bugle ... ... ... ... 7.15 „ Second „ ... ... ... ... 7.30 „ Dress for parade ... .. . ... ... 9 „ Fall-in ... ... ... . ... ... 9.15 „ First lunch bugle ... ... . . ... ... 12 noon. Second „ ... ... ... ... ... 12.15 p.m. Dress for parade ... ... ... ... ... 1.45 „ Fall-in ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 Retreat ... ... ... ... ... ... at sunset. First dinner bugle ... ... ... ... .. 5.15 p.m. Second „ ... ... ... ... ... 5.30 „ First post... ... ... ... ... ... 9.15 „ Second post ... ... ... ... ... 9.30 „ Lights out ... ... ... ... ... 9.45 „ 2. All the buglers will sound "Eeveille," "Dress for parade," Fall-in," "Retreat," and first and second " Posts," under the bugle-major, who will see that the buglers, while the brigade is exercising, are practised in sounding calls. The bugle-major will detail daily one or more buglers for sounding the calls not specified above. 3. No nuisance to be committed in or about the school premises. Latrines only to be used. 4. In using the lavatories care must be taken that the water is not splashed either on the walls or floors, and the taps are not to be ever turned on " full." 5. Cadets after being allotted to their respective messes will not be allowed to change them. 6. Upon each meal being finished the "orderly men" will proceed to wash up the messing utensils, and place them on the shelves provided for the purpose ready for the next meal. 7. No matches will be allowed to be carried on the person or in the kit. 8. No damage must be done to the walls or furniture, either by writing or defacement; nor must the maps or pictures be interfered with. 9. Certain guards will be detailed daily as may be required. 10. Officers commanding battalions will see that a captain and subaltern of the day are detailed for these duties, who will perform the usual duties appertaining to their respective positions. 11. Orderly sergeants and orderly corporals will also be detailed daily. Their duties will be to attend the captain and subaltern of the day respectively. 12. Officers commanding battalions will issue such orders as they may think necessary, so long as they are not contrary to any brigade orders. 13. In case of the "Alarm" sounding, every cadet must immediately turn out and await orders. 14. On " Reveille" sounding, every cadet must rise, dress, and fold up his blankets in a uniform size and place them at the head of his sleeping-place. After washing himself the towels and great-coats are to be neatly folded up and placed on top of the blankets. The non-com-missioned officers will see the above order is carried out, as also that all loose straw is swept up and the rooms made neat and tidy for inspection by the orderly officers. Windows and doors to be opened to allow free ventilation of their quarters. 15. Officers and non-commissioned officers will come on duty at 7 a.m. daily. 16. The sergeant of the main guard will not allow any cadet to go out when off duty unless he is properly dressed. 17. Brigade orders will be issued daily as required, and they are to be copied in battalion order-books by the regimental orderly sergeants for promulgation. 18. Any cadet found guilty of any offence against these or any other published orders will subject himself to one or more of the following punishments: viz., stoppage of all leave, extra drills, and fatigue duties. 19. Officers and non-commissioned officers are especially enjoined not to pass over any breach of discipline, but to report the same to their commanding officer, either for him to deal with, or the officer commanding the brigade if the offence is of a serious nature. 20. Cadets must always salute officers, and, if addressing them, they must stand at " Attention." 21. Each company's senior sergeant must detail four cadets to wash up the messing utensils as mentioned in paragraph 6 of these orders. 22. Officers commanding companies will issue a " Eation Indent" to the orderly sergeant of their companies, in the form provided for that purpose, to the contractor supplying the rations, at each meal. Duties of Officers and Non-commissioned Officers. Commander of the Battalion. —To see that every officer and non-commissioned officer under his command do their respective duties.

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Officers Commanding Companies. —To inspect their cadets and see that they are clean and tidy on parade. Captain of the Day. —To inspect the sleeping-rooms to see that they are kept in perfect order and that due regard is paid to ventilation. To visit the guards, sentries, and latrines. Subaltern of the Day. —To assist the captain of the day in his duties. Non-commissioned Officers. —Those detailed for duties of orderly sergeants and orderly corporals to report themselves to the orderly officers of the day and accompany them on their rounds. Those detailed for company orderly sergeants and corporals to report themselves to the commanding officer of their companies, and be at all times handy to carry out any orders he may think necessary to give in relation to his own company. The non-commissioned officers in charge of rooms will be held responsible for the discipline of the cadets therein, as also for the cleanliness of their rooms. They will not allow any cadet to quit the room after " Lights out" have been sounded without his leave, and this only when the absence is necessary. L. W. Loveday, Christchurch, 20th June, 1901. Captain Commanding the Brigade. Anticipating that a number of cadets would not be in uniform, I suggested to Major Owen the advisability of procuring at Christchurch a number of jerseys and caps for their use. This he approved of, and you subsequently confirmed the arrangement. The articles, according to your instructions, were issued "on loan." The same applied to the issuing of " model rifles," a number of which were sent to me by the Education Department. Parades were held twice a day, under officers commanding battalions (seven), and a general parade, under myself, on the Saturday previous to the Eoyal Beview, in order to practice that which the brigade would have to do on the Monday. lam glad to say that all ranks acquitted themselves remarkably well, considering it was the first time that such a number of cadets had been brought together. In some cases the material was very much of the " recruit " order. I was very much indebted to Major U. V. Eichards (late of the 87th Foot) for the manner in which he discharged his duties on the arrival of the West Coast cadets, and previous to my assuming the command of the brigade. I fully utilised his services during the time I was in Christchurch. He was aptly fitted for the duties, as he had command of the Canterbury Cadet Battalion a long while ago, as also at the Eoyal Eeview, and at present he is instructor to the Christ's College and High School Cadets. The detail of the brigade at the Eoyal Eeview will be found further on, and I venture to say that it must be exceedingly gratifying to all concerned to study the same, especially when it is considered that 2,932 of all ranks responded so readily to the call in a little over three weeks' notice. The brigade took part in the reception of their Eoyal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York by lining certain streets. A voluntary church parade was held on Sunday, the 23rd June, when a large number of the cadets marched to the Cathedral to hear his Lordship the Bishop of Christchurch. His discourse was highly appreciated by those present, as it was a service specially arranged for their benefit. On Monday, the 24th June, the brigade paraded in Cranmer Square and marched to Hagley Park, and took up its position in mass of quarter-columns, and were inspected by His Eoyal Highness in this formation, the ground not permitting a line of quarter-columns. After his inspection of the general parade the march past commenced. This was led off by the brigade of cadets. I feel proud in being able to convey to you the entire appreciation of His Eoyal Highness of the manner in which each corps marched past and their general bearing. His Eoyal Highness was pleased to remark that the brigade was composed of the finest cadets he had yet seen, and qualified the assertion by adding, " You know, I have seen a good many cadets." He considered our armament and accoutrements inferior to those of Victoria. His Eoyal Highness awarded the place of honour for the marching past to the Napier District School Cadets. I took the liberty prior to leaving him to ask that his remarks might be brought under your notice, as I felt certain you would, from the interest you take in the movement, have practical effect given to the same ; and, from the speech which you delivered the same afternoon, it would appear that His Eoyal Highness had done so. After the review the various battalions were marched to their private parade-grounds and there dismissed. The homeward journey of certain corps commenced the same evening, and by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, the 26th June, the whole of the cadets had quitted Christchurch for their respective headquarters. It affords me pleasure in stating that the Stationmasters at Christchurch and Lyttelton were indefatigable in their duties in connection with the transport of the brigade. The behaviour of the brigade was all that could be desired, and in no case was a cadet brought before me for any breach of discipline. This I attribute to the manner in which discipline was maintained by the officers. I attach the Principal Medical Officer's (Dr. Thomas) and the Eesident Hospital Surgeon's reports for your information. Considering the cold and wet weather which prevailed during the stay in Christchurch, it is very satisfactory to note that there was such very little sickness among such a large number of cadets. I have to thank Lieut.-Colonel W. Wood, who acted as my brigade major, the officers commanding my battalions, and the other officers for the manner in which they all discharged their respective duties ; and it is to this fact the success of the mobilisation, discipline, and drill must be attributed. The assistance rendered me by Sergeant-Major McDonald, of the Permanent Staff, and Acting Sergeant-Major Juriss was of a valuable nature, and their knowledge of the routine in quarters was very acceptable and duly appreciated. The Nelson College Cadets were the guests of the Christ's College Cadets, and were quartered there.

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I must also take this opportunity of bringing under your notice the manner Captain Burlinson and his cadets (Caversham Industrial School) worked in assisting towards the comfort of the other cadets in various ways; as also for the manner in which they collected and looked after Government property, as this was placed in their keeping. This corps and its band formed the guard of honour to His Eoyal Highness at the Agricultural Hall on Monday, the 24th June. The band played well, and reflects great credit on its instructor. A meeting of officers took place on Monday evening for the purpose of making certain suggestions for the consideration of the Government, a copy of them having been sent, I believe, to the Hon. Mr. Walker, C.M.G., as to the fostering, &c, of the movement. I enclose a copy. Copy of Minutes of a Meeting of Officers held at the Normal School Camp, Christchurch, on the 24th June, 1901. Motions carried by about forty officers, representing all New Zealand provinces except Auckland:— 1. That the meeting be held to discuss suggestions in connection with a primary-school cadet system. 2. That the system be under the Education Department, and be carried out on military lines. 3. That officers be granted substantive commissions on passing a prescribed examination. 4. That officers be granted some remuneration while in command. 5. That the attendant motions be forwarded direct to the Minister of Education. 6. That the primary-school cadet force be divided into districts. 7. That there be annual camps for districts. 8. That suitable weapons be provided for shooting. 9. That there be capitation for corps. F. A. Hemplbman, Hon. Sec. With a view of giving each cadet who proceeded to Christchurch a souvenir of the event, the following brigade order was issued, printed in a suitable manner on fancy cards: — The Normal School, Christchurch, 26th June, 1901. Brigade Order by Captain L. W. Loveday, Commanding the Brigade of Cadets. The Officer Commanding has much pleasure in bearing testimony to the efficient manner in which all ranks under his command fulfilled their respective duties. Also to the manner in which the non-commissioned officers and privates conducted themselves when off duty, their behaviour being the cause of great praise from those who saw them when out of their quarters. It is also satisfactory to know that no breaches of discipline had to be dealt with. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York was pleased to express the great pleasure and satisfaction it gave him to be enabled, from his personal observation, to bear testimony to the manner in which the brigade marched past at the review on the 24th instant, and he directed the Officer Commanding the Brigade to convey the same to all ranks. This he now does, and feels proud of the honour he had in commanding the brigade on such an auspicious occasion. A copy of this order will be forwarded to the Right Hon. the Defence Minister for his infor■mation. By order. W. Wood, Lieut.-Colonel, Brigade Major. Seeing the success which has attended your scheme, and knowing that there is a general feeling both among the officers of the State schools and other cadet corps, I take the opportunity of making the following suggestions for your consideration should you decide upon fostering the movement hereafter :— 1. Military drill should be compulsory at all the State schools. 2. A system of organizing cadet corps should be established, and, where practicable, these should form companies of battalions, with full complement of officers, &c. 3. The school cadets should be armed with the model rifles for drill purposes only. A number of School Committees, I find, object to the present condition on which the model rifles are issued, the objection being that School Committees are held liable for any damage done, considering this being beyond their province. If the rifles were not allowed to be taken away, but stored and looked after, the present difficulty might be overcome. 4. With a view to training these cadets a percentage of miniature Martini-Henry rifles or '303 carbines and ball ammunition might be procured for target-practice purposes. 5. With the exception of a sufficient number of waist-belts and ammunition-pouches for ballfiring, no other accoutrements would be required. It would, however, make a finish to the uniforms if waist-belts were isssued, as also haversacks, on account of their utility in many ways. 6. A general cheap and serviceable uniform should be adopted for all State school cadets, whatever the pattern may be"; but uniformity in this respect should be insisted upon, districts being designated in some manner to be decided on. 7. Commissions should be granted to the required number of teachers forming companies of, say, not less than fifty rank and file, but only where such officers had passed the School of Instruction at Wellington; and such officers' qualifications should further be recognised by an annual personal allowance of, say, from £10 to £20, according to the number of boys drilled by them. Thus uniformity in drill would be established, and the Government would have the services of qualified instructors at the schools at a comparatively small cost to the State. A cheap uniform should also be adopted for the officers. 8. A manual for the use of State schools should be published and sold at cost price. 9. Encouragement should be given to form battalion bands —either military or brass.

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Senior Cadet Corps. These should be formed as an intermediate corps prior to cadets joining the adults corps, and they should be composed of lads who had left school, were fifteen years of age, 5 ft. 4 in. in height, and physically fit. They should only be allowed to serve for two years, and if at the end of that time they had not been transferred to an adu-lt corps they should cease, except for special reasons, to belong to their corps. Commissions should be granted to the officers, after passing the same examination as provided in the Volunteer Eegulations. The examinations for non-commis-sioned officers should also be the same as provided in the above regulations. By these means the above-named ranks will be thoroughly qualified to fill similar positions in the adult corps, and by the training thus obtained by all ranks in these corps, there would be no necessity for recruits being enrolled in an adult corps as at present; all then would be returned as " trained men." These corps should be armed with the -303 carbine and bayonet, and have the following articles of accoutrements, viz., waist-belt, frog, and pouch to hold forty rounds of ammunition. The above, can be procured at about 6s. per set, either in brown or black leather, and should be the property of the Government. Haversacks should also form part of their equipment. A suitable uniform should be decided upon. A capitation of £1 per head would be ample to cover cost of uniforms, &c. An annual allowance of ball ammunition per head should also be allowed. District camps of instruction should be held annually. The adoption of a cadet system would be the means of having our young men thoroughly drilled and able to shoot. Annual rifle competitions should be encouraged in the large centres of population, thus giving further impetus to become good shots. No reference has been made to details, as these could be fixed hereafter should it be decided to start the system on the basis proposed. In conclusion, I beg to thank the Government for the honour they did me by intrusting me with the mobilisation of the cadets, and I hope that I fulfilled that duty to their satisfaction. I have, &c, L. W. Loveday, Captain, Commanding Brigade of Cadets. Right Hon. the Premier, Wellington.

Return of Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Cadets mobilised for the Review at Christchurch on the 24th June, 1901.

Name of District and Corps. Captains. Lieutenants. Sergeants. Corporal*. Buglers. Privates. Total. East Coast District. latawhero risborne ... 0 0 2 i 4 2 (i 3 1 0 39 36 52 42 Total 75 94 Haw he's Bay District. lapier High School... lastings ... Vaipawa ... lapier District School, No. 1 and No. 2 'ort Ahuriri 'aradale ... Joys' Church Brigade (exclusive of two chaplains) Total 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 8 1 5 4 2 2 6 5 2 10 4 4 0 8 1 2 0 3 35 38 35 87 48 53 39 115 5 8 8 4 1 9 3 0 2 29 24 55 46 31 77 18 39 30 11 303 409 Nelson District. felson College rreymouth lokitika ... lentral Boys beef con High School 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 5 2 0 5 0 4 1 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 41 67 45 33 31 54 73 48 45 34 Total 12 2 217 254

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Return of Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Cadets, &c.— continued.

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Name of District and Corps. Captains. Lieutenants. Sergeants. Corporals. Buglers. Privates. Total. Westport District. 1 1 Kumara Kanieri 2 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 51 48 58 51 Total 99 109 Wanganui District. New Plymouth Wanganui Public School Hawera Terrace End Feilding Patea Campbell Street Hunterville College Street School, Palmerston North Total ... 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 6 3 2 0 4 6 3 0 0 8 0 0 2 3 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 43 65 45 . 21 27 16 38 46 48 45 67 62 27 30 19 49 59 52 24 17 349 410 9 Wellington District. Mount Cook Boys, No. 1 No. 2 ... 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 4 4 5 0 0 i 0 3 5 0 4 0 5 2 0 4 4 0 0 4 3 3 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 0 0 4 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 42 38 39 33 42 44 39 42 9 41 27 25 33 40 37 25 23 18 38 48 89 52 42 55 47 42 54 10 47 39 26 46 40 52 30 25 23 49 Tβ Aro Masterton ... Wellington Boys' Institute Clyde Quay Petone South Wellington ... Fernridge (Masterton) Terrace Carterton ... Brooklyn ... Featherston Newtown ... Thorndon ... Johnsonville Kilbirnie ... Karori Greytown ... 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 2 2 0 a o 2 1 1 0 2 Total ... L8 25 44 29 10 635 761 Marlborongh District. Blenheim ... 37 46 Canterbury District. Christ's College Christchurch Boys'High School Queen's Cadets Kaiapoi 1 ] 0 1 2 2 1 2 5 5 3 5 4 2 3 2 2 1 0 1 41 52 32 32 55 63 39 43 Total 18 11 157 200 South Canterbury District. Timaru High School Timaru Main Public 1 1 1 0 5 5 4 4 0 1 38 35 49 46 Total ... 10 73 95 Oamaru District. Oamaru North School Oamaru South School Oamaru Middle School 1 2 1 0 0 0 4 4 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 28 29 33 33 89 3C Total 10 90 108

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Return of Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Cadets, &c.—continued.

Medical Bepobt. Sib,— Christchurch, 26th June, 1901. I beg herewith to forward medical report upon the Cadet Brigade while quartered in Christchurch during the Eoyal visit. Several companies arrived from the West Coast on Monday, 17th inst. Others followed on Wednesday and Thursday, and by midnight of the 20th inst. the full strength of 2,932 of all grades was reached. It was originally expected that the Normal School camp would be sufficient, but after the Hon. the Premier's dictum, " Let them all come," this was out of the question. The increase of numbers, necessitating, as it did, addititional stations, possibly somewhat weakened the arrangements in the catering direction, but I do not think appreciably so. The Normal School was constituted headquarters, and, special care being exercised as to overcrowding, this was filled up, and the other companies as they arrived were accommodated at other suitable stations. By the kind permission of the headmaster, Mr. O. P. Bourne, the Nelson cadets were housed in the big schoolroom at Christ's College, whilst the Bast and West Christchurch Schools easily absorbed the balance. In all cases the rooms used were warm and provided with ample means for healthy ventilation. The catering, which was conducted from the headquarters, was very satisfactorily carried out by the contractor, Mr. P. A. Cook. From occasional personal inspections, I can report most favourably, not only as to the liberality of supply, but also as to the wholesome nature of the food. ■At each station the sanitary arrangements were all that could be desired, and were seen to daily. "in view of the large number of cadets and the time of year, the amount of sickness at the various stations was remarkably small. There was none at all among the Nelson cadets. , ; Most 2-A. 6b.

Name of District and Corps. i Captains. I Lieutenants. Sergeants. 1 Corporals. Buglers. Privates. Total. Otago District. North-east Valley ... Albany Street Tokomairiro High School George Street High Street Union Street Caversham Industrial School... „ Band Normal School 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 2 1 1 1 2 2 0 1 i 2 1 4 0 4 2 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 48 34 28 43 47 88 80 17 36 51 40 29 45 58 43 38 17 88 Total ... 8 10 17 2 316 354 Southland District Invercargill Middle School Invercargill Boys' High School 1 J 3 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 43 33 52 40 Total ... 2 4 4 4 2 I 76 92 ! | Summary. Buglers. Privates. Na*n" ft District. Captains. Lieutenants. Sergeants. Corporals. Total. Bast Coast Hawke's Bay* Nelson Westport ... Wanganui ... Wellington Marlborough Canterbury South Canterbury ... Oamaru Otago Southland ... 0 8 5 2 9 18 1 3 2 4 8 2 3 18 9 4 8 25 1 7 1 0 10 4 6 39 12 4 24 44 4 18 10 10 17 4 9 30 9 0 17 29 2 11 8 4 1 4 1 75 11 303 2 217 0 99 3 349 10 635 1 37 4 157 1 73 0 90 2 316 2 76 37 2.427 94 409 254 109 410 761 46 200 95 108 354 92 Grand total 62 90 192 124 2,932 * ExclU: ive of two ihaplains with Church L' ,ds' Brij ;adi

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occurred in the companies from the West Coast, as might, be anticipated after their long and tedious sea journey. I paid regular visits at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to each camp, in order to insure close supervision. As I was unable to place any resident medical officers, the special calls for my services outside my regular visits were naturally numerous enough, but the ailments were trivial in character —chiefly biliousness and simple catarrh—and, in the majority of instances, were due to injudicious zeal in " sampling" the confectionery, &c, of the City of Christchurch. One case only—partial stoppage of the bowel in a cadet from Nelson—afforded anxiety for several days, but, happily, an operation was averted, and convalescence ensued. After Thursday I was assisted by Surgeon-Captain Anderson, of Sydenham, who took my evening visit for me, and during the last few days Dr. Orchard, a civilian, undertook full charge of the Bast Christchurch station. Dr. Fox, a civilian, residing near at hand, also afforded me assistance by visiting at the Normal School at times when the telephone would not work. In all cases where there was the slightest feverishness the cadet was at once removed, with all precautions, to the Christchurch Hospital, and I am pleased to record the valuable and hearty co-operation afforded me by the authorities of that institution. I have, &c, Walter Thomas, Surgeon-Major, P.M.O. for Canterbury.

Return of Cadets admitted to Christchurch Hospital.

None of these cases serious except Price. T. N. Cbooke, House Surgeon

COPIES OF LETTERS, ETC., RECEIVED FROM OFFICERS COMMANDING CADET CORPS. Deab Sib,— Caversham, 26th June, 1901. Mv company arrived in Dunedin at 11.10 on Tuesday night, all well. There were tv\o carriages, with but seven or eight people in them, so that there was more room than enough. ****** May 1 offer you my congratulations on way in which, almost single-handed, you carried out the cadet arrangements, and I hope that in another year you will have things in good working-order. I remain, &c, G. M. Bublinson, Captain Loveday, Organizing Officer, Christchurch. Commanding Industrial School Carets.

Deab Sir, — Greymouth, 29th June 1901 * * * * * * I have to thank you most heartily for your invariable kindness and oourtesy, and also for the efforts you made to render pleasant the visit of my boys to Christchurch. I am, &c, A. A, Adams, Captain, Captain Loveday, Wellington. Commanding Greymouth School Cadets.

Sib,— Cross Creek, Ist July, 1901. I here beg to oompliment you on the excellent manner in which you arranged for the comforts of officers arid cadets irj Christcburch. The food was of the very best quality, both on the boats and in the enrnn. Captain Strang and the stewards of the Union Steam Ship Company did wonders under the circumstanoes, and are worthy of praise for their able attention. My boys all enjoyod themselves very much, and are now anxious to he supplied with rifles, which I trust they may have some day. I here beg to return the two unused forms which you were so good as to send me for my boys to go out to Featherston for drill, and beg to thank you for your very prompt attention to all correspondence at a time when there was such a demand on yout services. I think all who know anythiug of discipline and organization must give you the greatest credit. Much credit is also due to Colonel Wood, of Napier. lam pleased everything was so well managed. I am, &c, Captain Loveday. S. Tubkinston.

irovvn, Arthur .. Kanieri +. )ob?on, Charles .. Greymouth toemaii, Thomas .. „ ioyd, Sydney .. Hawera itace, Arthur .. Wellington 'rice, Richmond .. | Nelson labbits, Charles .. | Blenheim lampbell, S'ewart .. Huntervilie irabant, Frederick .. j Napier lox, Percy.. .. | Featherston .. irown, William .. ] Wellington Vbite, Thomas .. I Hastings 'etrowski, Albert .. ; Waipawa lenderson, James .. ! Dun^din Name. Residence. Admitted. 20/6/01 20/6/01 20/6/01 21/6/01 21/6/01 21/6/01 21/6/01 21/0/01 21/0/01 22/0/01 24/6/01 24/0/01 24/0/01 24/6/01 charged. Suffering from __ ; ~ " J 22/0/01 Ooryza .. v 21/6/01 „ 22/6/01 „ [ 23/6/01 I 25/6/01 Rheumatism . j Peritonitis 23/6/01 i Bronchial catarrh. 26/0/01 i Influenza. 25/6/01 ' Cellulitis of arm .. 26/6/01 Bronchial catarrh. 26/6/01 ; Tonsilitis 25/6/01 J Headache 25/6/01 I Colic 25/0/01 ! Bronchial catarrh. Remarks. Caused probably by the oold wet weather, and sea-sickness on thepassage here. Unwell before leaving Wellington. Bayonet wound of finger. Overeating. Overeating. Overeating.

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Featherston, 4th, July, 1901. ****** " The cost was more than Gd. a head eaoh time, but I do not grudge that as the boys had a real good time, and their experience hag done them a world of good. They enjoyed the outing thoroughly. I have no complaint to make re oatering, &0., in Christchurch. The arrangements-were not altogether perfect, but they were as good as could be expected under the circumstances. I am,&c, T. Porritt, Captain,

Commanding Featherston School Cadets. Sib,— Clyde Quay School, Wellington, 11th July, 1901. Being a close follower of parliamentary news, I notice that some members of the House have stated that the cadets were not well treated at the Normal School, at Christchuroh, on the occasion of the review. As one of the cadet officers I should like to be permitted to state my own experiences briefly : My oompany, Clyde Quay cadets, had good quarters and more than enough of good food. Wβ oertainly roughed it, but that we looked forward to and were quite prepared for. As a matter of facb, every lad of my company enjoyed the outing, and I brought the whole of them home in good health. With reference to the other companies, I can say that they were as well off as mine, because I was oaptain of the day on one ocoasion and had good opportunities of observation. On making my rounds of inspection to the various rooms I invariably asked if there were any oomplaints, but the reply was always that they were " all right." A few of the lads were ill, chiefly owing to their having eaten too freely of various things. I had this latter statement from the medical officer, who informed me that " out of fourteen boys he examined a dozen or so were suffering from slight colds and the effects of overeating." Boys will be boys, and the youngsters went up town and ate lollies, fruit, &c, as long as their pocket-money lasted. I may say in conclusion that I consider the camp a success from a military point of view, as I, personally, as well as many other teachers, agree that we learned more in the week down South than ever we learned before. Apologising for thus troubling you during your busy season, I have &c, D. M. Polson, Captain, Right Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Commanding Clyde Quay Cadets.

Dear Sir,— District High School, Hawera, 16lh July, 1901. I have much pleasure in acknowledging receipt of sixty-two copies of Brigade Orders sent by you. The cadets and officers are gratified that their first efforts in Obristchurch give satisfaction. It will be our endeavour to make ourselves efficient in squad and in company driil, so that in future demonstrations we will be able to oarry out the instructions of battalion and brigade commanders. I remain, &c. C. A. Strack, Captain Commanding Brigade of Cadets. Captain Hawer* School Cadets.

Memorandum. The Hon. Defence Minister, Wellington. Headquarters, Wellington, 15th July, 1901. With referenoe to the transhipment of cadets from Nelson and the West Coast (South Island) at Wellington when en route to Christchuroh for the Rojal review : Oα Sunday afternoon, 16tfh June, I saw the " Oorinna" coming into port, and went down to the wharf to see that everything was done properly, and that the cadets were properly cared for. The vessel came alongside during very heavy rain, and when I arrived at the wharf a few minutes afterwards the rain had almost ceased. The Nelson Volunteers and cadets at once took some of the cadet officers on board the " Tarawera," by which steamer they were to sail the same afternoon, and pointed out the quarters. This necessarily took a few minutes, but no time was lost in getting the biys on board and under oover, as there were indications of more heavy rain. The boys marched on in a continuous stream as fast as they could be stowed away. During part of the time the embarkation was proceeding there was a little rain, but nothing serious, and when all the boys were on board I went round and felt a great many of their overcoats to ascertain if any were wet. A few were damp, but I was satisfied that there was nothing the matter, as their clothes underneath were quite dry. I toid their officers they might use their discretion as to taking the boys ashore again, and the shipV stewards made arrangements for a meal without loss of time. No complaint wait made to me about the boys baing wet, but some of the officers complained about being overcrowded on the " Tarawera." This arose from the faot that the numbers coming from Greymouth and Westpprt and Nelson were sixty in excess of the estimated numbers sent in, and there being no possibility of providing more accommodation, as there was no ship available. R. H. Owen, Major, Staff Officer, New Zealand Forces.

Deab Sir,— Northeast Valley Public School, 19th July, 1901. I notice in the papers that in some quarters there is an inclination to criticize adversely the treatment of the cadets while in Christchurch, and I consider it but right that, as major commanding the Otago Battalion, I should let you know that the officers and cade:s were well pleased with the arrangements, passing over some little defeots that were remedied alter your arrival. lam quite confident that au even larger muster would be the response should a call be again made. I trust the present opportunity of placing the cadet movement on a permanent footing will not be passed over, and that satisfactory arrangemeuts may be made without delay to carry it through. Congratulating you on the success of your undertaking, I remain, &0., D. Murray, Major, Captain L. W. Loveday. Dunedin Cadet Battalion.

High School Invercargill, 20th July, 1901. ******* I should like to state, as against some statements published, that our'jboys had a splendid time in Christchurch--that the food was good and plentiful, and, considering the quantity, well cooked. John E. Vernon, Captain, Captain L. W. Loveday. Commanding High School Cadets. Approximate Coat of Paper.— Preparation, 155.; printing (1,475 copies), £1 19. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ol. Price 6d.]

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