Our Cadets.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue XVII, 25 April 1903, Page 1182

Our Cadets.

8000 LADS UNDER ARMS. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, April 16. Dunng the past few months the organisation of the colonial primary defence forces—school cadets—has been going ahead rapidly under the supervision of Major Loveday. For the purpose of securing uniformity in connection with the organisation of the scheme Major Loveday is at present engaged visiting every corps in the colony, most of which have been formed into battalions, and uniforms, rifles and accoutrements have been issued throughout the forces. It is calculated there are now in the colony over 8000 boys under arms as cadets. Auckland, which is claimed to have the best uniformed body in the colony, has 37 corps, from which it is proposed to form three battalions. The matter of organisation of cadets in Wellington comes in for warm criticism, appearing to have lagged sadly in the rear. Although at head quarters and amongst the first to have the scheme explained them, the Wellington cadets have not yet taken steps to form themselves into battalions. Major Loveday speaks highly of the bearing of those inspected in Dunedin, while he says the Auckland cadets acquitted themselves creditably. The increase of the eadet force has been so great that the Defence Department will be unable to fulfil all their requisitions for accoutrements until orders now placed at Home come to h&nd. Over 5000 small Martini-Henri rifles have been issued, and about 10,000 light •>■ rifles have also been sent out do different corps. Old Snider carbines have all been called in. Last year over 100,000 rounds of ammunition were issued, and as this was insufficient for all demands, an order for 200,000 rounds has been placed this y.-.ir, It is proposed to give the boys a week’s camp every year. Arangemrents are now being made to give inducements to cadets to shoot for prizes given by the Department. Cadets in some parts have made good shooting with their new rifles, which have been 'found very accurate weapons. The Department is publishing a series of manuals for the use of cadets, and a drill manual is being published in uniformity with that which is being arranged for adult corps.