CADET TRAINING

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 177, 22 April 1919, Page 4

CADET TRAINING

MINISTER REPLIES TO A CRITIC,

The Minister of Defence has received from a very angry' correspondent a letter denouncing .the scheme for the training of Cadets. The writer of tho letter accuses the Minister of being "anxious to keep conscription on (he kids," and of teaching them to disobey the Biblical injunction, "Tliou shalt not kill." 1 Tho 'Minister has thought fit to reply to the letter, and he has written as follows on the subject: "It is evident from what you have written that you have placed a wrong interpretation on the principles underlying the training of Cadets. There is nothing in the scheme which teaches 'Thou shalt not kill.' It it true that one of the_ purposes of Cadet and Territorial training is j to teach a man to defend himself and tho women of his country against those wishing to kill' them. But beyond this is the desire to make our young people physically .fit,. thus, making them more capable citizens' in civil employment. Nor is there anything in our training system \vl;ich teaches ajad not to worship the Lord his God. On the contrary, the Churches are represented in all our camps, and their ministers are encouraged to do all they can for the moral weliare of those wliu attend. There is abundant proof that this influence has beon exercised for good. Your suggestion that Cadeta or Territorials may think they are to serve the Minister of Defence Ib entirely wrong. The principles inculcafed tench service to fellowman and to country." .