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Regular Force Cadets Provision was made early in 1948 for the enlistment of youths between the ages of sixteen and eighteen years as Regular Force Cadets. The first intake of 92 Cadets commenced training in July of last year, and a further 93 entered camp in January, 1949. The Cadets are given special training, covering military, academic, and trade subjects, by a fully-qualified instructional staff at the Army School, Trentham. Some, enlisting for an initial term of eight years, are apprenticed in one of a wide variety of trades, and others, enlisting for an initial term of five years, are being trained as Corps instructors. Trade trainees are encouraged to gain civilian trade qualifications to help establish themselves in civilian life if they leave the Army, and all Cadets are encouraged to sit examinations such as School Certificate and University Entrance. Approximately one-third of those now in camp will sit for School Certificate this year, and fifteen are studying at post School Certificate level. Army Apprenticeships A total of sixty-three apprenticeships were entered into during the year. The numbers in each trade are as under : Armourers .. .. 2 Instrument mechanics .. 1 Butchers .. . . 1 Painters . . .. 2 Carpenters .. .. 16 Panel-beaters .. .. 2 Cooks .. .. 3 Telecommunication mechanics 3 Electricians, wiremen .. 3 Turners and fitters .. 5 Electricians, vehicle .. 2 Vehicle mechanics .. 23 Artillery A School of Artillery has been established at Waiouru Camp with effect from Ist October, 1948, at which instruction in all aspects of field branch and anti-tank gunnery will be given. As far as possible, the school will be staffed by officers and N.C.O.s who have attended Gunnery Staff Courses in the United Kingdom, thereby ensuring a high standard of instruction. Rifle Clubs In March, 1948, permission was granted for new rifle clubs to be formed, and 30 have been gazetted during the year. Many of the older clubs had become inactive over the war years and, failing a minimum membership of twenty, are being disbanded. There are now 160 rifle clubs, the great majority of which are active, with an over-all membership of 5,400. New Zealand Cadet Corps In April, 1949, there were 115 School Cadet units with a strength of 600 officers and 25,000 Cadets, the latter representing 90 per cent, of all boys in the post-primary schools. In September and October a conference was held in Wellington, the delegates being Headmasters and school-teachers experienced in Cadet training. Their recommendations on the future Cadet policy are now under consideration. As a result of an urgent recommendation from this Conference the provision of annual camps, free of all cost to the parents, was approved for Cadet units. During the summer months some 80 officers and 3,500 cadets were encamped for six days' training and, subject to the requirements of the future Territorial Force first being met, it is anticipated that greater numbers will go into camp in 1949-50. . -

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