CADET ORGANISATION.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11501, 6 February 1903, Page 4

CADET ORGANISATION.

PROPOSED CHRISTCHURCH BATTALIONS. About a score of headmasters and officers of Cadet Corps met Major Loveday at the Normal School yesterday afternoon, to discuss the question of forming a Cadet battalion in Christchurch, and securing a line range for shooting practice. Mr E. Watkins, Principal of the Normal School, occupied the chair. Major Loveday explained that the formation of a battalion, or battalions, would stimulate healthy competition among corps, and facilitate the application of the capitation grant. Battalion entertainments could be arranged, also, {or the benefit of the funds. The companies would be required to parade together as a battalion four times a year. General Babiiigton, i ■whe was a strong advocate of this system, believed that in England its adoption would bo the only alternative to conscription. A battalion had already been formed at Napier, and he hoped that Christohurch would be the second town in the colony to move in thie direction. It was pointed out that the Cadet Corps of the Normal, Eaet Christchurch, Richmond, and St. Albans Schools would conveniently form one battalion, and those of the Sydenham, Addington, East Christchurch, and Waltham Schools another. Mr J. B. Mayne moved, and Mr P. Waller seconded, a motion to the effect that the meeting was in favour of battalions being established. Mr J. Baldwin urged that the last week of the sobool 'year, in which very little work was generally done, should be devoted to camp work. He enlarged upon the benefits which had accrued to hie own pupils through their fortnight's encampment at Governor's Bay each year. Mr J. Alexander urged the necessity of making the system popular with the boys. To do this teachers must study their drill thoroughly. Like officer, like corps. Two drills of twenty minutes each week would fen better than one of forty minutes, as provided by the regulations. Also all drill should ba done in school time. With these precautions the ajstem would be » success. The motion was then put and cahried unanimously. Mr J. Baldwin urged the advkablenese of a thoroughly competent Government paid instructor being appointed, to instruct the masters as well as the boys in drill. Major Loveday.referred to the necessity of obtaining the use of an existing rifle range, or acquiring one. He hadi arranged with the Hon. W. C. Walker a scale of honours for the encouragement of skill in shooting. Mr Baldwin thought that the Govern* ment should proridle ranges, as well v rifles and ammunition. Major Loveday Indicated, In reply, that if a suitable range were recommended, and the expense of upkeep signified, the schools would not be called upon to provide th» money. Further arrangements in connection with the scheme were left for the officers of corps'to decide.