ARMY EDUCATION

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 282, 27 August 1942, Page 5

ARMY EDUCATION

Prime Minister To Be Approached PRACTICAL SCHEME SOUGHT

“That this meeting deplores the fact that today no provision is made for a continuance of. education for the general classes of youths aged 18 and upward in the armed forces of the Dominion and decides to make representations to the Prime Minister for a proper education scheme, which it is the plain duty of the State to provide,” was a motion carried at a meeting of men and women prominent in commercial, educational and professional life in Wellington yesterday.

The meeting was convened by Mr. R. L. Macallster, who said he had called it at the request of a number of people who had been agitated during recent weeks over the interruption of the education of youths called into the Army. After his preliminary remarks he was elected to the chair. Mr. Macalister said that had a public meeting been called he was sure a very large hall would have been filled, but the number who were present were sufficient for the purpose. For three years youths between 18 and: 21 had been entering the Army, but it was questionable whether the work they were doing there was so vital that their education could not be considered. They were doing their duty to their country, but was their country doing its duty to them? Any Government might have drifted into the position the present Government was in in this respect, and he hoped: speakers would not attack the Government but discuss whether anything could be achieved. Practicable Scheme Wanted. If the war went on for another five years half a generation of youths would be thrown on the scrapheap because of the difficulty of restarting their education. One heard a lot about rehabilitation, but that was patching up after the war. Prevention was better than cure, and education was prevention. As a member of the administration had said, there bad been too much preaching to youth and too little that was practical done for them. It was for the Government to evolve a practicable scheme and get the Army to adopt it. The Army could not be expected to initiate it. He suggested a deputation to the Prime Minister, who might give a mandate to the proper authorities. The motion that was finally carried was moved by tho chairman and seconded by Mr. A. L. Wall, who said that he had gathered that there were many hours in camp, and some-on leave, which could (be put to good purpose, so that a (boy would be made a good soldier and a good citizen after the war.

Mr. R. H. Nimmo, Speaking on behalf of the Y.MjO.A„ said that something had been done already. The Army had a programme, the basic principles of which had been fixed, but he commended the chairman for the action he had taken.

“If we destroy the future all benefits from our military activities will be lost)” said Mr. W. S. Livingstone, who suggested intensive training for youths and their return to civil training, where they could assist in production -till they were 21. Students’ Units Suggested.

Mr. 11. F. O’Leary, K.C., who said he represented the New Zealand Law Society, but could speak also for the Victoria University College Council and the University Senate, said a practical proposal was needed. The university authorities had not been neglectful of the interests of young men. At Victoria College there were 80 students who had been kept out of the Army so that they might pursue studies which would make them of greater benefit to the country than as soldiers. However, that policy did not touch students for professions such as the law or tradesmen. Soldiers who had to do full-time duty could not study seriously. On the other hand, it could not (be expected that they could be taken out of the Army. . One (had to consider how their duties could be lessened while they were studying. He suggested that those who wished to study be put in particular units in which their work would be limited. The university college staffs would do anything to assist, such as extending the session or reducing it. Mr. R. G. Buckleton said they would have to be satisfied with any compromise that could be obtained.

Mr. V, F. C. Franqis, principal of Scots College, said the subject being discussed was only part of the larger subject of the education of both adults aud youths in the Army. He directed attention to the value of cultural education, saying that it helped morale and vocational training would look after itself if a person had a cultural education.

After the motion had been carried the following were appointed to carry the movement further .-—The chairman, Professor W. 11. Gould, Messrs. R. G. Ridling, F. M. Renner, J. T. Martin, IV. H. iStevens, L. R. James, W. V, Dyer, R. 11. Nimmo, W. D. Fitchett, and 11. F. O’Leary, K.C., with power to add to their number.