EDUCATION: PUBLIC-SCHOOL CADETS (REPORT ON THE). [In continuation of E.-1d, 1904.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1905 Session I, E-01d

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1905 NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: PUBLIC-SCHOOL CADETS (REPORT ON THE). [In continuation of E.-1d, 1904.]

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

No. 1. EXTRACT FROM THE TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION. The Education Act provides that " in public schools provision shall be made for the instruction in military drill of all boys "; and it is declared to be the duty of the Board in each district "to cause physical drill to be*taught to all boys and girls over the age of eight years attending the public schools in the district." The number of children returned as receiving instruction in drill in the public schools of the colony at the end of the year was 119,624. The term " drill " here must be taken to include physical and disciplinary exercises. There were on the 30th June, 1905, 246 cadet corps, with a strength of 12,524 members, equipped with the "model rifles" (dummies) which have been imported by the Department for purposes of drill, and with a percentage of miniature Martini-Henry rifles for target practice. The number of cadet companies in the several districts was as follows: Auckland, 52; Taranaki, 9; Wanganui, 26; Wellington, 30; Hawke's Bay, 32; Marlborough, 5; Nelson, 12; Grey, 7; Westland, 3: North Canterbury, 16; South Canterbury, 9; Otago, 37; Southland, 8: total, 246. The number of battalions formed was 25. The number of models on issue to the Boards at Hie end of the year was 11,450, and of miniature rifles 900. At the end of the year the companies in the North and South Islands respectively competed for two challenge shields presented by the Government. The conditions were that the competing squad should consist of ten cadets, all belonging to the same company or detachment ; each company to have seven shots at 100 yards (standing), 150 yards (kneeling), and 200 yards (lying), the local range being used in each case. The North Island shield was won by the Terrace (Wellington) Cadet Company, with a score of 711, and the South Island shield by the Oamaru North Cadet Company, also'with 711 out of a possible 840. Owing to the fact that most of the teachers now in the service of the Boards have received a course of training in military drill, the attendance at the special classes held for this purpose in the several districts has gradually declined, and the classes have accordingly been suspended for the present. If the students of the four training-colleges receive sufficient instruction in physical and military drill while attending the colleges it will probably be sufficient in future if, in addition to this provision, a small number of supplementary classes are held from time to time in various parts of the colony. The expenditure for the year 1904 was £4,954 Is. 9d., made up as follows: Salary and travelling expenses of Commanding Officer, and clerical assistance, £774 17s. sd. ; capitation, £1,241 12s. 6d.; arms, accoutrements, ammunition, &c. (less recoveries), £1,764 7s. 6d. ; challenge shield and shooting prizes, £50; rent, <feo., of rifle ranges, £100 lis. 3d.; railway fares of cadet corps, and contingencies, £151 13s. 2d.; instructors of teachers' classes and railwayfares of teachers, £870 19s. lid,

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No. 2

The Officer Commanding Public-school Cadets to the Right Hon. the Minister of Education. Sir,— Wellington, Ist July, 1905. I have the honour to submit the following report regarding the public-school cadets : — Organization. —Since the last report battalions with their respective staffs have been organized in the Auckland (2), Hawke's Bay (1), and Wanganui (1) Districts, making the total number of battalions in the colony 25. The strength of the corps in the several education districts on the 30th June, 1905, was 12,500, beim; an increase of 1,642 over the previous year ; and it is fully expeoted from the enrolments which are still coming to hand, though the movement has only been in existence since July, 1902, that the total strength at the end of the year will be 14,000. There is no question as to the keenness displayed by the cadets in their work, which is very encouraging ; and, unquestionably, from what was learned, the headmasters are satisfied that the movement is helping the school discipline. The assistance given by headmasters still continues, and is duly appreciated at headquarters. Inspection of Corps. —The inspection of the whole of the corps of the colony was completed during ast December. It is impossible not to speak in the highest praise of the great improvement in the drill and rifle exercise of the cadets. The precision with which nearly all the corps performed their arm and foot drills was very noticeable, the exceptions being in the case of corps which had a number of recruits in the ranks at the time of inspecting. The sergeants were personally examined in both theory and practical work, and it is satisfactory to bear testimony to the manner in which these non-commissioned officers carried out their parts of the inspection. The suggestion made in last year's report to utilise the sergeants was found to have been taken advantage of by officers commanding corps. In many cases it was also found that sergeants were a valuable adjunct to the school through their services being utilised to carry out military drill (which is compulsory under the Education Act) of the lower-standard boys. Manual of Infantry Training, 1903 (New Zealand). —To give an idea how anxious the cadets are to be in possession of this manual, the whole of the first edition of 5,000 copies has been sold, and a second edition is now in course of preparation. The special feature of this will be the inclusion of a number of photographs of company movements, which will be better understood than the diagrams used in the first edition. Equipment. —Up to the 30th June, 1904, 8,700 cadets had been fully equipped, but this number has now reached 11,500. The material imported was found to be insufficient, but orders are being executed to provide for the requisitions now waiting completion. The 1,000,000 percussion-caps imported for using on the model rifles have been largely purchased by corps at 2d. per 100. Their use is highly appreciated by the cadets, and a training in fire discipline is secured. Ammunition. —The Government having entered into a contract with the Colonial Ammunition Company for the manufacture of "310 ammunition for the miniature rifles at the same price as the imported article, corps will be able to get their annual allowance of fifty rounds per cadet without delay, which was not the case heretofore, as the shipments were only received from time to time. The cartridges will be loaded with nitro-cellulose powder. Result of Shield Comptitions. —The results for 1904 for the North and South Island shields are given on the next page. A medal is granted to each member of the teams, with his name, &c, engraved upon it. The medal has been substituted for the £10 granted to each team for the 1903 competition. It is very gratifying to be able to note that the scores made for 1904 are greater than those for the previous year. The lowest for 1903 was 219, and for 1904 it was 419. Photographs of the winning teams will be found in the Appendix. Class Firing. —The results for class firing for 1904 also show a great improvement on the previous year. In several cases 80, 81, and 82 points were made out of a possible of 84. The district prize medals have bean issued to the winners, and their presentation was made by the Mayors of the boroughs in which the winners lived. Marksmen's badges have also been issued — i.e., to all cadets making over 63 points a badge in yellow worsted,and to the best shot in each corps one in gold embroidery. Rifle matches between battalion and corps teams took place in many districts, and in some cases very good scores were made. The following are the winners of the district medals : —

District.* Town. Rank and Name. j Number of Points. Auckland Hawke's Bay .. Warganui Wellington Canterbury North Canterbury South Grey Marlborough .. Nelson Otago Southland Onehunga Datmevirke Wanganui Levin Southbrook Geraldine Taylorville Blenheim (Richmond School) Oamaru (North School) Invercargill Lieutenant J. Parry .. 77 Lance-corporal H. Carlson .. 82 Private R. Harris .. .. 79 Sergeant H. Woods .. .. 81 Private E. Beker .. .. 72 Colour-sergeant J. Templer .. 72 Private R. McTaggart .. 69 Private W. Logan .. .. 68 Sergeant E. Ingram . . 64 Bugler A. Whyte .. 80 Private Kingsland .. .. 74 * No returns were received from Taranaki and Westland.

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Winning Teams' Scores in the North and South Islands Shields Competitions, 1904.— Public-school Cadets.

100 Yards (Standing). 150 Yards (Kneeling). 200 Yards (Lying). Grand Totals.| 1 I 2 3 ! 4 i 5 6 7 Total. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 I _.. Total. 1 2 3 4 [ 5 6 7 Total. I North Island. Terrace School (Wellington). I Sergeant Donald Dinnie 4 4 4 4 4 i 4 4 * I . * 28 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 27 3 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 24 79 Sergeant Aubrey Short 4 4 4 4 3 27 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 25 3 3 i 3 24 76 Private Hubert Lambert 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 I 4 4 4 4 27 4 4 4 3 4 . i . I 4 8 I 4 4 27 4 8 4 3 2 2 2 ! 3 j 4 3 21 75 Private Harry Tolley 4 4 4 4 4 28 3 4 4 j 4 4 36 3 3 2 4 21 75 Sergeant Aubrey Binning .. 3 4 4 24 3 4 4 3 i 3 | 4 4 25 4 4 4 „ 24 73 3 3 4 i 3 j 2 3 I 4 4 4 2 2 4 3 ! 4 3 Private Herman Pocke 4 3 4 ! 4 3 4 4 25 3 3 8 4 4 0 3 20 3 4 3 4 26 71 j Private George Hook ham .. . 4 4 4 4 4 28 4 4 3 2 I 3 3 3 22 3 4 3 j 3 21 71 4 4 j Private David Howard 4 3 3 3 4 4 3 24 . 2 8 , 3 3 3 3 3 20 4 3 3 3 23 07 Lieutenant George Glen 4 2 4 ! 4 4 3 3 24 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 18 3 4 4 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 23 65 I 3 i 59 Private Charles Jensen 3 3 I 3 4 I 3 3 I 22 4 4 I 3 ] 3 13 2 4 23 3 2 0 2 14 Socth Island. 257 ■ 233 221 711 General average 71*1 Winning team's score for 1903 64'2 North School (Oamaru). 25 4 4 4 28 27 Sergeant A. Whyte.. 4 4 3 4 I I 4 1 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 I i 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 80 Corporal E. Sinclair 3 4 4 3 3 4 4 25 4 3 3 14 4 4 4 26 4 4 4 4 3 26 77 Sergeant E. Mclntyre 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 27 4 8 4 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 25 4 3 3 4 3 3 4 24 76 - Private G. Jack 3 3 4 j 4 : * 3 3 24 4 4 4 4 27 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 24 75 Private L. Maurice 4 3 . 3 ] 3 3 3 3 22 4 4 3 ! 4 ! 4 - 4 4 27 4 3 4 4 2 3 3 23 72 I Colour-Sergeant J. Dreman.. 4 3 3 j 4 4 4 3 25 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 23 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 23 71 Sergeant S. MacDonald 4 4 3 3 3 | 4 4 25 3 0 . „ „ 4 I 3 3 4 4 21 3 4 3 8 4 3 g 23 89 Private J. Amies 2 4 3 i 3 3 2 4 „ 21 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 3 2 3 4 3 26 8 3 3 4 3 2 3 21 68 Private A. Mackie 4 4 2 I 2 2 3 4 21 3 4 3 2 23 3 4 4 3 2 4 0 20 64 Corporal W. Lawson 2 4 I 2 j 3 3 3 3 20 3 3 0 3 17 4 4 3 3 2 3 Q 22 59 235 243 233 711 General average 71*1 Winning team's score for 1903; 67-3

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Rifl,e Ranges. —The Penrose Rifle Range is now available for the Auckland corps, the Pelichet Bay range for Ist and 2nd Otago Battalions, and the Caversham range for the 3rd Battalion. Nelson will also soon have the use of a range. In some cases the Government has assisted by a monetary grant to provide corps with ranges or has contributed to the support of an existing one. Volunteer corps are always willing to assist the training of the cadets by allowing them the use of their ranges. Army Signalling. —It having been found that this system is preferable to the navy system, practical instruction was given at inspection of corps, and already the cadets have not only made their own flags but are practising with them. In order to give encouragement the Government has decided to issue a Signallers' Badge and Certificate to those who can pass an examination in sending test messages at the rate of five words per minute. By this means the various Volunteer corps will hereafter get trained signallers into their ranks. Uniforms. —A further number of corps have substituted the departmental uniform for those in use previously, and other corps purpose adopting the same as soon as their present ones require replacing, it having been found that the departmental uniform is cheaper, neater, and more suitable to boys than sailor suits, or frocks and trousers. Badges for "Number Ones." — Through the institution of these the groundwork for obtaining future non-commissioned officers has been established, as a cadet to obtain this rank must have been a " number one " — i.e., number one of his section of fours. Sergeants' Sashes. —These have arrived, and are being issued to all corps. School Colours. —-These are now worn by all ranks under the cap-badge, and greatly add to the appearance of the uniform and the distinguishing of companies of a battalion. Certificates of Discharge. —These are issued to each cadet on his leaving his corps, and it is gratifying to learn that they are eagerly sought for, as they form a passport to the boy seeking outside employment. Good-conduct Badges. — A great number of these badges have been applied for for 1904, and issued in accordance with the conditions mentioned in last year's report. Recognition of Officers. —The announcement made by the Right Hon. the Premier that he hopes (see Appendix VII.) to introduce legislation in order to give all the adult officers a status in the Force on their passing a qualifying examination is highly appreciated by these officers. At present, although they may present themselves for the examinations of the School of Military Instruction, they are unable to obtain the certificates granted to officers of the Defence Force on passing. Battalion Band. —Since the issue of the last report the two Wellington battalions have between them formed a full military band of forty performers. Cadet Orders. —All promotions, changes, and matters affecting the movements are promulgated through their agency. Buglers. —lt is very gratifying to learn that already several Volunteer corps are enlisting boys who have served in cadet corps. At all inspections the buglers were examined in sounding calls, when it was found that a large number of them showed great proficiency. It was also found, where competitions took place at military tournaments, that the cadet buglers took the principal prizes. Ambulance. —Since the last report correspondence has taken place at the suggestion of the Sui-geon-General, who strongly advocates the undertaking by the cadets of ambulance-work, so as to [train them for bearer corps. A number of medical gentlemen in the various parts of the colony have signified their willingness to undertake this work, and probably in a short time arrangements may be made under certain conditions to carry it out, seeing that under the new syllabus provision is made for training both boys and girls in " first aid "in the public schools. An opportunity for a personal inspection of this work was afforded at a large school in Auckland, the headmaster of which was the instructor, and the manner in which the use of splints and bandages was displayed showed conclusively what boys and girls could do. Camps of Instruction. —The possibility of a complete training of cadets in subjects beyond those which can only be attempted in the school-ground was exhibited at the camp of the 2nd Wanganui Battalion. The camp was pitched by the cadets in a most satisfactory manner. Instruction in guard-mounting duties, the posting and relieving of sentries, and the formation of cossack posts was personally given, and the intelligence and aptitude displayed during the time the camp lasted was not only of a pleasing but an encouraging nature. The Government were good enough not only to lend the necessary equipment, but also to give a monetary grant in aid of the camp. Information is now being obtained as to other district corps also going into camp. His Excellency the Governor visited the Wanganui Camp, and was pleased to make favourable comments on all he saw. His Excellency also inspected the battalion on parade. Individual companies were exercised in various drills. The remarks made by His Excellency will be found in Appendix V. The signallers of the Hawera Company sent the following message on behalf of the battalion to His Excellency : " We all welcome you." Instructors. —It has been arranged that the services of the drill instructors of the Permanent Force in certain districts will be available for officers' classes on Saturday mornings. Receptions of His Excellency the Governor. —The number of all ranks who took part in the reception at Christchurch was 676, and that at Dunedin 1,025 ; and at the unveiling of the statue of Her Majesty the late Queen, at Dunedin, 918, and at a similar ceremony at Wellington 650. The following communications relating to the receptions at Christchurch and Dunedin were received from the Right Hon. the Premier, which are of a most gratifying and encouraging nature, and are therefore highly appreciated by all ranks : —

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Colonel Loveday, Christchurch. 17th August, 1904. I am instructed by His Excellency to convey to you his high appreciation of the services rendered by the cadet corps and their officers yesterday. His Excellency regrets the unavoidable inconvenience caused by his late arrival, entailing longer hours of duty. R. J. Seddon. Colonel Loveday. Dunedin. 22nd August, 1904. His Excellency the Governor has requested nie. as Minister of Education, to express his admiration of the excellent services rendered by the officers and rank of.the various school-cadet corps. He states that the large number of boys who took part in the reception went to show the utility of the movement, and that in the march past there were evident signs of good drilling and instruction. He also considers that their general bearing and appearance bespoke discipline and enthusiasm. R. J. Seddon. Advantage was taken of His Excellency's visit to Dunedin to ask him to present the Waimate District High School Cadets with the challenge shield for 1903 for the South Island; this he kindly did. His Excellency was also pleased to present the South Island shield for 1904 to the North Oamaru Cadets on the 2nd February, 1905, on the occasion of his unveiling the Troopers' Memorial at Oamaru. During His Excellency's stay at Christchurch he inspected the Ist and 2nd North Canterbury Battalions, and was good enough to compliment the cadets on the manner in which they had acquitted themselves. Long-service Medals to Officers. —A suggestion has been made that the Government might institute a medal for issue to the adult officers of cadet corps on their completing a certain number of years of service. The service these officers render the State is deserving of every encouragement, as through their means hundreds of boys are turned out fit to take their place in the ranks, and the issue of such a decoration would be much appreciated. Examination of Non-commissioned Officers. —Under the Cadet Regulations no cadet can be promoted to the rank of a non-commissioned officer without passing an examination. This examination will be in theory and practice, according to rank, and it has been intimated in Cadet Orders that the rule will be carried out in future. Classification of Corps. —A system of classifying corps on the following subjects has been instituted since the Ist January, 1905. Marks are awarded as follows for each subject: 10 signifies " Excellent " ; 9, " Very good ";8, " Good ";7, " Fair " ; and 5, " Indifferent." Classification : 1, General appearance ; 2, words of command ; 3, rifle exercise ; 4, firing exercise ; 5, marching ; 6, steadiness ; 7, bugling ; 8, skirmishing ; 9, signalling ; 10, drilling generally. And, as far as the inspections have gone, no corps has been under " Good." Fatal Accident on a Rifle Range. —lt is with extreme regret that reference has to be made to a fatal accident which happened to Private J. McPherson, of No. 1 Company of the Dannevirke North Cadets. It would appear from the evidence given at the inquest that a cadet who was at the firing-point, on being addressed by his commanding officer, turned round keeping his rifle at the " Ready" position, pressed the trigger, and shot Private McPherson through the body ; death was instantaneous. The cadet was not aware the rifle was loaded, as this had been done surreptitiously by some other cadet, thus proving that the orders to be observed on a rifle range had not been carried out. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and that no one was to blame. Happily, this is the only accident which has occurred since the inception of the movement, and no doubt the lesson learned will prevent any future ones happening. The Cadet Movement. —Reference is made to the remarks of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales (Appendix II.). New Zealand has already instituted a movement which is now strongly advocated in England. Inspection of the Dunedin Brigade of Cadets. —A full account of the inspection of the City of Dunedin Public-school Cadets on the 25th May, 1905, by the Right Hon. the Premier, and the remarks he made on the occasion, will be found in Appendix VII. Opening of Parliament. —The Ist and 2nd Wellington Battalions were ordered out to take part in the ceremony of opening Parliament, when 650 of all ranks were present. Equipment destroyed. —Through the burning-down of the schools at Gisbome, South Wellington, aiid Te Aroha a large quantity of equipment and uniforms belonging to their cadets was destroyed. The Government immediately replaced the arms and accoutrements. Death of an Officer. —It is with extreme regret that the death of Captain R. J. Alexander, commanding the Kaiapoi Public-school Cadets, has to be reported. He was killed in the railway accident which occurred at Chaney's on Saturday the 24th June, 1905. He took a great interest in the cadet movement, and at the time of his death was commanding the Defence Cadets, Kaiapoi, which corps won the Challenge Shield three years out of four at the annual competition amongst schools of the North Canterbury District. Judging-distance Practice. —-At the suggestion of the Hon. Colonel A. Pitt, M.L.C., who is acting as Minister of Education, it is proposed to have the cadets go through a course of judging-distance practice, this being carried out on the corps drill-days. A simple one-man range-finder, invented by Lieut.-Colonel R. H. Owen (late Major fI.M. South Lancashire Regiment), Commandant Military School of Instruction, Wellington, has been submitted for inspection. The instrument, though very simple in its construction, is accurate, and its price very reasonable —viz., 255. each. A number of these range-finders might be procured later on for the use of corps. Cadets' Marching-song. —A sufficient number of copies of this song (music by Mr. Alec. Hill, words by Mr. J. Liddell Kelly) was presented to the Department by the publishers, the Dresden Piano Company, for distribution to each corps. Training the Youth of England. —An article on this subject by General Lord Methuen will be found in Appendix VIII., by which it will be seen that reference is made to the system adopted in New Zealand. I have, &c, L. W. Loveday, Lieut.-Colonel, V.D.N.Z.M., Commanding Public-school Cadets. The Right Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington.

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APPENDIX I.

Statement showing the Number of Recognised Public-school Cadet Corps in the several Education Districts of the Colony on the 30th June, 1905; their respective Strengths, and the Increase during the Year.

Corps. Cadets. Total increase in the North Island ... ... ... 20 1,254 Total increase in the South Island ... ... ... 9 412 Grand total increase for the year ... ... 29 1,666

APPENDIX 11. [Otago Daily Times, 18th May, 1905.] THE CADET MOVEMENT. London, May 16. The Prince of Wales, when opening the cadets' headquarters at Hampstead, eulogised the Australian example. He said that the colonists were right to encourage the movement, not in order to militarise the population, but to give the youth a training in physical exercises, discipline, and shooting. These were sufficient for the defence of the country.

APPENDIX 111. [Otago Daily Times, 27th February, 1904.] With the object of affording Mr. F. Tate, Director of Education in Victoria, an opportunity of seeing the working of the school-cadet movement here, and the progress which had been made since the movement was organized, a brigade parade of the cadets attached to the Dunedin schools was held at the Caledonian Grounds yesterday afternoon, 26th February, 1904, at which 929 of all ranks were present. Mr. Tate, addressing the officers at the conclusion of the movement, expressed himself as being very pleased with the turn-out. In Victoria the work was sectional, a number going out to drill while others were forced to remain behind. Over there they had insisted on the cadets being armed with a lethal weapon, and the uniforms had proved rather expensive. On his return he would tell them what he had that day seen, and give them something to work up to. He had to thank them very heartily indeed for the opportunity they had given him of witnessing their organization. The cadet movement here, he understood, was a comparatively recent one, and what he had seen showed,, that the teachers had entered into it with enthusiasm. He was very gratified indeed at what he had seen." j

Eduoation Distriots. & M Q o o u a rO a 03 o a © 3 as S CO 43 « ° -S3 o 0 3 CD <D bo J « -3 S3 rj <D o o be <D O Q xn o co eg m O a) & ■§> o 3 o pq i Efl 43 > Hi oi M a CS H "3 o "3 o EH o p ■a a U & 02 o '3 cS o Auckland Hawke's Bay Taranaki Wellington ... Wanganui ... 52 ... 32 9 ... 30 ... 26 44 52 ! 23 30| 8 8 20 25 22 22 28 8 3 8 14 44 25 7 17 21 140 76 27 70 65 72 66 24 52 63 72 52 2 66 32 1 24 9 52 30 1 63 26 1 52 32 9 30 26 2,095 1,291 294 1,366 1,017 L, L, L. I I 09 29 29 36 ,01 2,527 1,551 380 1,588 1,250 149 117 137 61 114 378 277 277 149 6 149 6,063 ,i ,06 7,296 7,296 ! ! Canterbury North Canterbury South Grey Nelson Otago Southland Westland Marlborough ... 16 9 7 ... 12 ... 37 8 3 5 15 19 8 10 5 6 7! 10 32 32 6' 6 3 3 5] 5 81 91 198 228 8 5 3 6 31 3 2 3 12 8 3 4 20 6 2 4 38 28 37 15 95 16 5 12 33 30 12 15 80 16 5 12 33 16 30 9 12 7 15 12 80 37 1 16 8 5 3 12 5 16 9 7 12 37 8 3 5 859 342 187 507 1,843 359 117 176 L, 85 34 18 50 84 35 11 17 1,000 440 260 576 2,170 420 140 222 I 97 61 59 246 203 203 97 4 97 4,390 1, 39 5,228 5,228 Grand total of all ranks 122 173 624 480 246| 10,453 12,524 12,524 Total number of corps ... 246 I

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APPENDIX IV.

Inspection of Ist and 2nd North Canterbury Battalions by His Excellency the Governor on the 17th August, 1904. [Extracted from.the Lyttelton Times, 15th August, 1904.] The cadets were all dressed alike—navy-blue jersey and knickerbockers, with red collar and cuffs, and glengarry field-service caps, with red and white checker band. The boys are so far armed only with the dummy rifles—made of wood, which will not fire bullets made of lead—though each school has a proportion of Lee-Enfield carbines, in the use of which and for target purposes they receive certain instruction, though the amount of ball practice is inadequate in the opinion of many experts. The New Zealand flag was hoisted at the saluting-base, a flagpole having been erected. The cadets were drawn up in column of company formation. The parade state showed a total, including staff, of 710. As Lord Plunket arrived on the parade-ground the band played the National Anthem, and immediately afterwards His Excellency proceeded to inspect the several companies, passing along each corps. Afterwards the cadets marched, and were then formed in one line and saluted, the band, playing " God Save the King." Three sides of a square were then formed, and the Governor addressed the cadets, who, at the conclusion of his speech, gave three hearty cheers for Lord and Lady Plunket. His Excellency the Governor addressed a few remarks to the cadets. Ke congratulated the boys and the teachers upon the splendid muster, and he also made complimentary references to the effectiveness of the cadet system as solving the problem of conscription. The Government was to be congratulated upon introducing the public-school cadet system. To him it appeared that such an organization was desirable, not alone for the good of the colony, but for the boys themselves. The drill and discipline in which the lads were instructed were calculated to improve them and to make them obedient, and, he thought, better men than would otherwise be the case. Many contended that the system was calculated to engender too strong a spirit of militarism, but he did not agree with those who held such views. At Home the cadets were not encouraged to the same extent, proportionately, as in New Zealand. There were, of course, cadet corps in connection with some of the well-known schools and Volunteer corps. He was proud to say that he had himself been a cadet. But the public-school idea, as introduced in New Zealand, was receiving the attention of the authorities in the Motherland, and he hoped to hear that a leaf would be taken from New Zealand's book in this matter. He was much impressed with the cadet system, and he would earnestly watch its progress. He felt that parents realised the amount of good that the system bestowed on their boys. The training would set a boy up, besides giving him an insight into military life, which might in years to come be of advantage to his country and to himself. In this public-school cadet movement he saw that the Government had introduced one of the best organizations of the kind in the world for the people's benefit and for the country's. A little incident in discipline had pleased him very much. He noticed that the boys marched past with their eyes well to the front. Now, he realised, having been a boy himself, how hard it was to do this, and he congratulated the cadets upon having paid attention to this important point of discipline, for it showed him that they observed and carried out the instructions of their tutors. Previous to 1902, he understood that there were no public-school cadets in Canterbury North. The splendid muster before him testified to the progress of the movement and the foresight of its initiators. The Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Minister of Defence, at the conclusion of the parade, addressed the officers of the two battalions and Colonel Loveday. After congratulating the teachers on the excellent parade, the Premier referred to the manner in which the Duke of York, on his visit to New Zealand, was impressed with the cadet force which he saw r at the review on Hagley Park. The Duke then expressed the opinion that the system would have much to do with the solution of the problem of conscription throughout the Empire. Some time ago the Home authorities had sent to New Zealand for information on the public-schools cadet movement, and he felt that the introduction of such a system in England would be beneficial. The excellent muster he saw before him was gratifying to him as Minister of Defence, and the result of the Governor's inspection, together with the information that was being sought from the New Zealand Government on the matter, would tend to advance the interests of the colony. He agreed with His Excellency when he said that there was no reason to fear that too great a military spirit was being engendered in New Zealand. During the South African war the proceedings in sending contingents had been characterized by moderation, and the men had, at the conclusion of hostilities, settled down to normal conditions again. The Volunteers had never gone to extremes, and he claimed that the support given to the Mother-country at that time had shown the strength of the British Empire. The Volunteer movement was progressing. There were 19,000 men in the colony's Defence Force, and 11,000 cadets, besides the large number of rifle-club men and Defence Cadets. In no part of the Empire were the boys of the public schools being trained as in New Zealand. He believed, too, that by the introduction of the system the teachers obtained an even better grip of the boys, for the drill imparted to them and the necessity of an observance of proper discipline tended to mould their characters more uniformly, and the boys, he thought, would show the benefits from the training as they reached manhood. He recognised that teachers sacrificed much to give the time and work which they did to the movement, and he thanked them sincerely. He thought that Colonel Love lay was doing good work, and was deserving of praise for his earnestness in furthering the interests of the cadet system. He had always found that where enthusiasm existed success wais bound to follow. And this applied to our school-cadet force. In the matter of camps, it had been suggested to him that ra>Ti facilities might be given to the cadets in this dir ction. He pointed out that the adult corps had first to be attended to, and the camp equipment of the colony was limited, but he quite realised the benefits that would accrue to the junior force from a proper course of camp instruction, and if the officers

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would confer with Colonel Loveday and make suggestions to him he would consider the proposals and endeavour to give effect to their wishes in this matter. He knew the boys were fond of camping—he had not forgotten his own youthful experience—and he believed that the officers would also welcome the camp training. The Premier concluded his remarks by again thanking the officers for the excellent parade of the cadets.

APPENDIX V.

[Wanganui Herald, 15th December, 1904.] On the 15th December, 1904, His Excellency the Governor, Lord Plunket, reviewed the school cadets in Wanganui to the number of 232. His Excellency stated that he was very pleased indeed to have the opportunity of inspecting them. He took the greatest interest in and held a very firm belief in the possibilities of the cadet movement, and he intended whilst in the colony to do everything in his power to forward it. Unfortunately they had no such movement at Home, but he earnestly wished they had. He had watched the operations to-day with great pleasure and keen interest, and he must say that the evolutions had been well done, especially the physical drill. In this connection a word of praise was certainly due to the sergeant in charge of No. 1 squad, which had done particularly well, but at the same time all were deserving of praise. His Excellency paid a tribute to the officers of the battalion, who, he said, were sacrificing a deal of their time in doing a good work for the boys, for the colony, and for the Empire. The boys would be the better citizens and Volunteers for the drill they were now receiving. He again expressed the pleasure he felt of having this opportunity of saying a fewwords of encouragement to them.

APPENDIX VI.

[Otago Daily Times, 3rd February, 1905.] ******** His Excellency brought his duties to a close by presenting to the North School Cadets the shield presented by the Government for competition among cadet corps in the South Island, and which a squad from the Oamaru North School (under Captain T. Begg) won, with the creditable score of 711 out of 840. Prior to making the presentation His Excellency inspected the cadets of the schools of the North Otago Battalion numbering 158, who made a good display, and went through the march past and other manoeuvres most creditably. His Excellency, in addressing the cadets, said it was appropriate he should make such a presentation as this shield, as he had, when a boy, been a cadet, and he had been a member of several successful rifle teams. The cadet movement he held to be an excellent one for the colony, and one of the finest things of the kind it possessed. It was gratifying to learn that in the North Otago District, moreover, the movement was progressing. Cadet corps were now to be found in Oamaru North, Middle, and South Schools, and at Hampden, Palmerston, Otepopo, and Maheno, and next year cadet corps would, he understood, be formed in eight other places in the district, giving eight companies and a strength of 500. He hoped that project would be successfully carried out, and that the parents of boys would encourage and allow them to join the cadet movement, for which, he was sure, they would never be sorry.

APPENDIX VII.

[The Dunedin Evening Star, 26th May, 1905.] The Caledonian Ground was transformed into a sort of Champ de Mars yesterday afternoon, when the city and suburban school cadets were reviewed and addressed by the Premier in his capacity as Minister of Defence. The cadets mustered in the Triangle and in Crawford Street about 2 p.m., and marched to the ground by separate battalions. On arrival there they were first formed in line of battalions in quarter-column, and afterwards deployed into three lines. In this formation they were inspected by the Premier, who afterwards took up his position at the saluting-base. In moving into position for the march past the cadets gave a very good display of drill, and it was noticeable that, although there had been no special preparation for the review, some of the more difficult movements—the battalion wheel, for instance—were executed in capital style. Major Murray then led the brigade past in column, the first battalion in front. Arriving at the other end of the ground, the cadets faced about, and then came past again in quarter-column, the third battalion leading. Subsequently an advance in review order from the centre of the ground took place, and on arriving close to the flag all were halted. The Premier then came forward, and. addressing the officers and boys, said that lie desired first of all to congratulate them upon their appearance and upon the large number—over one thousandpresent. Speaking for himself as Minister of Defence, he wished to say that nothing could have given him greater pleasure than having had the opportunity of inspecting them and noting the great advance made during the last two years in the cadet movement. It would be cheering news to them to learn

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that the New Zealand cadet movement had progressed so well that people in the Mother-country were anxious to obtain information regarding it, with a view to setting on foot a similar movement at Home. It would be remembered that on the occasion of the Duke of York's visit to the colony a review had been held at Christchurch. On that occasion over two thousand school cadets had marched past, and, although the Duke had been much impressed on that occasion with the Volunteers and detachments of the Permanent Force, it was the drill and bearing of the cadets which had pleased him most. On the occasion of his (the Premier's) subsequent visit to the Mother-country the Duke had spoken to him concerning the cadet display in question in very flattering terms. Since then there had been a great increase in numbers and efficiency, and he desired to tender to Major Murray, and, through him, to his officers and boys, his warm thanks for the services which they had rendered to the cadet movement; they had done excellent service and made great sacrifices in the furtherance of a worthy object. The boys present that afternoon would be the Volunteers of the future, and if the time came—which God forefend and keep away as long as possible—when a need arose for their active service, he felt sure that he was voicing universal opinion when he said that they would do as good work for the Empire and the colony as their fathers and brothers had done in South Africa.—(Hear, hear.)— With regard to the drill shown that day, and speaking first of the individual companies which had taken part in the march past in column, he placed the Union Street School first, Caversham Industrial School second, and High Street School third. In the march back in quarter column, and speaking this time of battalions, he would award the honour to the 3rd (Major Burlinson's) Battalion. Those were the relative positions he placed them in that day, and, as competition and rivalry were great factors towards improvement md efficiency, he hoped that other schools would use their best endeavours to wrest from Union Street and the other leading schools the pride of place which had been given them. Lastly, he wished to introduce a somewhat important question—the question of the status of school-cadet officers and corps. At present, unlike the Defence Cadets, who came under the provisions of the Defence Act, they had no legal status. He felt that an injustice was being done to cadet officers and corps in this respect, and he hoped shortly to introduce legislation which would confer a status on them.—(Hear, hear.) — Other concessions—concessions relating to shooting —would also be made. The association of the boys with the cadets and Volunteers would not merely assist to develop them physically, but would inculcate a spirit of comradeship which would last through life. He wished to know, also, whether they could not in some way evolve something in the shape of an annual camp-out for the cadets, and if that could be done he was sure the boys would like it. As Minister of Defence and Minister of Education, he was glad that he had an opportunity that day of inspecting the cadets, and he hoped on some future occasion to have another opportunity of doing so. His opinion was that if the Mother-country had such a cadet system as that which existed in this country there would be no need to talk of conscription, and they would be able to get their defenders from among the Volunteers.

APPENDIX VIII.

TRAINING OF THE YOUTH OF ENGLAND. [By General Lord Methden, in the Nineteenth Century for February, 1905.J My subject is one in which I have for a long time taken interest, and on which, as a member of the Church Lads' Brigade Council, I am perhaps qualified to write. The great work carried out by Lord Meath in organizing the Lads' Drill Association, and the efforts of the Council of the Church Lads' Brigade to make their movement a success, cannot be too widely known throughout the country. The Commission on the Militia and Volunteers has drawn attention, in a way it has never been drawn before, to the difficulties attendant on our maintaining our present system of voluntary enlistment. We may say what we like, or shut our eyes to the evidence given before this Commission, but here we have facing us the deliberate opinion of a certain number of impartial men, eminently qualified to form a sound judgment, who see no solution except some form of compulsory service. Their task was thankless, for they knew well enough their opinion would not be accepted by the country ; and it is in this emergency that it seems to me so much can be done by the Lads' Drill Association and the Church Lads' Brigade to save t ie situation. Field-Marshal Lord Wolse' . Lord Roberts, Lord Kitchener, Lord Rosebery, and the Association of the Headmasters have united in recognising the importance of the Lads' Drill Association, and said very much as follows : " Mental without physical training is a lopsided experiment; there should be a curriculum of elementary training in all our schools. We ought to follow the example of our colonies and introduce compulsory cadet corps." Now, let us see what claim Lord Meath has to our support, what are the objects of the Lads Drill Association, and how far it has proved successful :— .... (a.) The attention of the nation has been drawn to the necessity for systematic physical training for all boys. . (b.) The Board of Education has been induced to issue for the use of elementary schools an official course of physical training called the " Model Course," founded on the principles which have proved successful at Aldershot. . (c.) It is hoped in the future that the " Model Course " may be made compulsory m every school, and that classes may be formed for the proper instruction of teachers in the imparting of physical training.

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As regards cadet corps, the following results have attended the labours of the association : — a.) Substantive instead of honorary commissions are given to cadet . "leers, thereby enabling them to attend schools of instruction. b.) Any one over seventeen years of age can count qualifying service for Volunteer officer's decoration and long-service medal. c.) A simple uniform and free ammunition. (d.) Recognition in the Army List. The hopes of the future are that the rudiments of military training might be brought within the reach of every able-bodied subject, and that the Government may fully recognise the cadet system as the basis of home defence. The Church Lads' Brigade is far humbler, but I can speak for the splendid influence it is exerting throughout the Empire. On the Council bishops and generals unite in promoting the feeling of good citizenship and Christianity. In a vast number of towns and villages companies of the Church Lads' Brigade are formed for the purpose of learning discipline, self-respect, the esprit de corps one gains at a public school, smartness, use of the rifle, drill, and physical exercises. Each drill is opened with prayer, the lads attend the Bible classes, and many of them are later on confirmed. If I may so express myself, we inculcate the manliest form of religion; and our boys, without parading their faith, are never ashamed of being regular churchgoers. The Boys' Brigade also does good work. The difference between us is that we consist only of the Church of England, whereas the Boys' Brigade admit all denominations. It can be readily understood that it would lead to complications were we to relax our rules in this respect. I will now describe the working of a Church Lads' Brigade company in my own village. It is a good sample of what any country gentleman can easily do, and, quite apart from helping in an indirect manner towards the defence of his country, and the insurance of his goods and chattels, it is impossible to overestimate the difference of tone amongst the boys in the village as a result of their enrolment in this company. I secured, in the first instance, the services of my vicar and his two curates —my vicar had acted as quartermaster and chaplain under me during the greater part of the South African war, in the Yeomanry; so I started well. My agent undertook the duties of officer. The sergeant-instructor, a most important item, was an excellent retired N.C.0., formerly in my county regiment. My ridingschool formed a good drill-hall and rifle range ; the laundry made a good practice-room for the drums and fifes. We next formed a committee, and purchased a miniature rifle range from the National Rifle Association, which is placed in the riding-school, and is supposed to pay its own way. We have built a club for the boys, and a ; really a very moderate cost. If any one cares to see for himself the above programme in perfect working-order, I would ask him to visit the club of the " Oxford House," in the East End. He will find a cadet company, a rifle range, gymnasium, large swimming-bath—everything, in short, to make a boy's life useful and bright; and, let me add, he will be pleased at the manliness, independence of character, and intelligence of the lads the best of Oxford's men have taken in hand so successfully. I have, in as few words as possible, endeavoured to describe two associations which seem to me to go a long way towards shaping the lads into the kind of men we require for the defence of our country. If later on the British public recognise that, for the proper protection of our country, the least we should content ourselves with is the training of our lads in drill and in the use of the rifle, then, of course, the problem is solved ; but so long as the country does not consider it advisable to tax the youth of this country to this extent, then we have to do our best to fill up the gap. What is being done in our colonies ? Under the Commonwealth Defence Act of 1903 of Australia provision is made for the maintenance of naval and military cadet corps consisting of (a) boys over twelve years of age who are attending school, or (b) youths between fourteen and nineteen years of age who are not attending school. Cadet corps consisting of youths who are not attending school are called " senior cadet corps." The corps are furnished by the Defence Force authorities with such arms, ammunition, and accoutrements as are prescribed. Cadets are not liable to active service. All military cadet corps in a military district are under the orders of the military commandant of that district. Service in a senior cadet corps is deemed to be service within the meaning of section 11 of the Act, which provides that in the first appointment of officers to the Defence Force preference shall be given, in the case of equality of qualifications, to persons who have served in the Defence Force for three years without a commission. In his annual report on the military forces of the Commonwealth, Major-General Hutton makes the following observations in regard to cadets : " It is much to be regretted that no funds are available for the development of the cadet military system. It is impossible to overestimate the value of military discipline upon the rising generation. I trust that at an early date a system so valuable to the future of the Australian nation may be seriously taken in hand. It has been suggested that the cadet military system should be removed from the Commonwealth Defence system and placed under the Education Department of the States. This plan, desirable as it may be in some respects, would, in my opinion, have the effect of lowering the status of military service as one of the principal obligations and most honourable privileges of citizenship. The acquirement of drill and the practice of physical exercises are of small value compared with the inculcation among the members of the rising generation of the great principles of patriotism, self-sacrifice, and self-discipline, which together form the basis of a national military training." In New Zealand all expenses connected with cadet-training are borne by the Education Department the cadet corps being solely under the control of that Department. An officer to command the publicschool cadet corps is attached to the Education Department, who is responsible to the Minister of Education for the organization and efficiency of the several corps. The Department supplies free one model rifle for each cadet, one miniature rifle for every ten cadets, one officer's sword for every twenty-

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our cadets, rank badges for N.C.O.s, one bugle for each corps, fifty ball cartridges per cadet per annum. Caps, with badges and haversacks, are supplied at 2s. each, and extra ammunition at cost-price. Uniform is not essential. A capitation grant of 2s. 6d. per annum is allowed for every cadet who has attended the requisite number of drills. The number of cadets in the colony has increased from 4,126 in July, 1902, to 12,000 at the present time. The following extract from a letter written by the Prime Minister of New Zealand to Colonel Loveday shows the value placed on cadet-training by the Government of that colony : " His Excellency is of opinion that it would be difficult to lay sufficient stress upon the importance to be attached to the cadet movement in the colony." Lord Plunket, Governor of New Zealand, in opening Parliament, referred to the smart military bearing of the school cadets, and expressed the opinion that this movement is well designed and likely to be far-reaching in its effects. " If," he added, " the martial spirit thus ingrained in the boy is subsequently encouraged in the young man, the word ' conscription,' so repugnant to a free people, may well be removed from the vocabulary of the colony." The cadet system has been thoroughly reorganized in Canada. Arms and equipments are loaned by the Militia Department, and instructors are detailed from the Permanent Force whenever possible. A carefully considered course of training has been issued for cadets, and in his preface to this course Major-General Lord Dundonald writes : " Youth is the time for improvement—the season for preparation. A cadet, therefore, cannot too early be given the knowledge, the habits, and the skill which fit him not only to perform the general duties of a good citizen, but also to take part at the proper time in his country's defence. It is in his own best interest, as well as in that of the nation, that while free from worldly cares, while not yet immersed in business, he should prepare to take his place both in the battle of life and in that other battle-line from which the noblest and best of his race have never shrunk. The wisdom of this preparation very few indeed attempt to deny A well-trained and disciplined cadet, with all the self-sacrifice that this involves, will not only be of great value to his country when it needs him, but will be a better citizen and a better man." Great stress is laid on cadet-training in the Colony of Natal. In 1902 the number of cadets earning the capitation grant was 2,236. The number is considerable when it is remembered that the available manhood of the colony was estimated that year at 12,000. In accordance with a recommendation of the Defence Commission a Staff Officer of Cadets has been appointed. In his annual report for 1902 the Commandant of the Natal Volunteers refers to this appointment as " an important one," and goes on to say, " When it is remembered that the future defence of the colony is in the hands of our youth, the importance of early training in the use of arms is one that no State looking to the future can afford to neglect." In connection with the cadet system in the various colonies we may quote the "words of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, who, on his return from visiting the colonies, made the following remarks in his speech at the Guildhall: "I am anxious to refer to an admirable movement which has taken strong root in both Australia and New Zealand—that is, the establishment of cadet corps. On several occasions I had the gratification of seeing march past several thousand cadets armed and equipped, and who at the expense of their respective Governments are able to go through a military course, in some cases with an ample grant of practice ammunition. I will not presume in these days of army reform to do more than call the attention of my friend, the Secretary for War, to this interesting fact." In justification of our efforts, we have an interesting precedent in Henry the Eighth's reign. In those days every hamlet had its pair of butts. On Sundays and holidays all able-bodied men were required to appear in the fields, to employ their leisure hours " as valyant Englishmen ought to do, utterly leaving the play at the bowls, quoits, dice, kails, and other unthrifty games." Ido not see golf mentioned. Henry himself, the best lance, the best rider, and the best archer in England, found the people had become slack about the archery practice, preferring the games. He therefore ordered that " every man having a man-child or men-children in his house shall provide for all such being of the age of seven years and above, and till they shall come to the age of seventeen years, a bow and two shafts, to learn them and bring them up in shooting ; and after such men shall come to the age of seventeen years every one of them shall provide and have a bow and four arrows continually for himself, at his own proper cost and charses. or else of the gift and provision of his friends, and shall use the same as aforesaid rehearsed." I must, before I close my article, call in Sir George Goldie as my last witness. In his remarks at the end of the report of the Commission on the South African war he proposed that every physically sound boy of seventeen years of age, who is not serving in the navy, merchant service, or as an efficient member of a Volunteer cadet corps, should serve for a term in national cadet schools, the officers being provided from the regulars. It is said that the money given to these cadet corps increases the expenses of the army; but Sir George remarks that the reverse is the truth, for his scheme would enable the country to reduce the number of men now serving with the colours. Many patriotic persons, including a number of my comrades still serving in or retired from the army, are helping the work we have in hand, and I am confident of the support of others in the appeal I make, not for monetary assistance, but for what is of far greater value—namely, active help. To us it appears that the natural sequence to our voluntary system is that our lads should be taught to know the use of the rifle, as in olden days our ancestors learnt the use of the bow. In my own command there are immense possibilities for the development of both the Lads' Drill Association and the Church Lads' Brigade, and I hope that it may be in my power to assist the good work that is at present being carried out by Lord Meath and the Church Lads' Brigade Council.

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The Onehunga District High School Cadets, Auckland.

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Winners of the North Island Challenge Shield, 1903. Score, 642; possible, 840.

The Waimate District High School Cadets, South Canterbury.

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Winners of the South Island Challenge Shield, 1903. Score, 673; possible, 840,

The Terrace Public School Cadets, Wellington.

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Winners of the North Island Challenge Shield, 1904. Score ? 711; possible, 840,

The Oamaru North Public School Cadets, Otago.

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Winners of the South Island Challenge Shield, 1904. Score, 711; possible, 840.