SOLDIERS AT SCHOOL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 107, 30 January 1919, Page 5

SOLDIERS AT SCHOOL

THE EDUCATION SCHEME. In a letter to the Minister of Defence, General Sir Andrew Russell has a little to say about how the Division fares in these days when the guns crash no more «n the front. He writes: "The education scheme about which I have written to you, and ■with the main details of which you are probably familiar, is taking good shape. YFo have Colonel H. Stewart, of Christchurch, in charge of the whole scheme. Dnrins the course of this week nearly 200 selected instructors are going to England for three or fonr weeks for a xefresher course, and to be properly organised in order that instruction may be carried on everywhere on similar lines. I don't anticipate great difficulties in getting the necessary buildings .and facilities, and the technical equipment will be largely drawn from Army sources, in •which we are to have our share, although our scheme is not part of the British scheme. The whole affair is conducted on military lines, in that the commanding officers are made responsible for the instruction of their men through the medium of the instructional stuff just as much ns they are responsible for the instruction of their men in any military subject." It is probablv known generally by this time that the Government has decided to expend .£50,000 on this scheme, and that it is being carried on while the men are on transports coming to New Zealand, and right up till tho time of discharge in this country. It will happen in practice that only the men who are undergoing treatment in hospitals will receive educational training in this country, because the aim of the authorities is to release tho fit men as soon as they step off ship at their home pnrt. Then they will pass under the tutelage of the Repatriation Board and out of that of tit* Defenco Department.