ARMY EDUCATION

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 289, 4 September 1942, Page 2

ARMY EDUCATION

Major-General Puttick’s

Views

The introduction of education in the' New Zealand Army as soon as it has. reached a certain standard of efficiency which he has iu mind is favoured by Major-General Puttick, according to an Interview published recently in “Salient,” the Victoria College student paper. “Preparing men for return to Civil life shortly after their eutry into the Army might have an effect on morale when the nation is being scared for war,” he is reported as saying. The scheme Major-General Puttick had in mind would combine a stern insistence on the creation and maintenance of lighting skill and strength, with the realization that the A rl “y does uot hold the only . future for a trained soldier. It was stated that the scheme would comprise a series of lectures similar to those of the Workers’ Educational Association on current events and general educational subjects. Attendance would be voluntary. Vocational training was considered to present too- many difficulties to be introduced at the start of the scheme, but might, 'be added later. The military authorities had suggested to some unions that the time an apprentice spent at his trade in the Army count toward his apprenticeship time, but negotiations had so far been fruitless. Mechanics servicing military vehiqles were among those continuing their trade, said Major-General Puttick, aud this had been recognized by the Motor Trade. Association when it asked the Array to grant leave to mechanics wishing to sit the “A” grade examinations Leave with pay and free travelling warrants to the examination centres had been granted.