FIREARMS TRAINING

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 7, 4 October 1943, Page 6

FIREARMS TRAINING

Rifle Ranges At Schools Dominion . Special Service. CHRISTCHURCH, October 2.

A heated argument took place at a meeting of the Board of Governors of the Christchurch Technical College when a motion that a request for a rifle rauge for the Papanui Technical School be granted by the board was discussed. Mr. AV. T. Langley, chairman of the buildings committee, said that as far as he knew this was the only secondary school in Christchurch without it rifle range. Mr. D. Rowsc, who gave notice of the motion, said he thought it was essential that boys should be trained in the use of firearms.

“I am not a pacifist, but I believe it is wrong and contrary to the principles of education to have rifle ranges ou school grounds,” said Mr. R. Jones when opposing the motion. “Let the Papanui School be the first school in Christchurch or in New Zealand to be without a rifle range, but let us not lose sight of the ideals for which we stand.” He added that he thought it was important for children to know how to protect themselves, but it was not part of technical education to teach them to use firearms. Mr. A. G. Williams: We often hear Russia quoted, but if Russia had not been prepared and had not taught her boys and girls to use firearms we might not be in the position we are today. By opposing this motion we are robbing the boys of a good deal of, sport that they would derive fropi learning to shoot, and apart from this 1 think our boys should be trained to use firearms. Mr. J. J. Hurley: I detest war, but I believe that teaching a, boy how to use a rifle safely is not training him to kill his fellow man. If we can get our boys to take up sports, such as rifle shooting, we will gradually reduce the juvenile court sittings. Mr. J. E. Jones: It is ridiculous to say that rifle shooting is not for killing. It is the first step and should be taken by a man, not a boy. It is nonsense to say that rifle shooting is part of a boy's education.

Mr. F. Robson said he thought it was not the duty of the schools to provide facilities for rille shooting. Mr. Rowse: The issue has been sidetracked. The issue was to train boys in the use of rifles with safety. It will not be compulsory, ami if any parents object their boys need not take it on. A show of hands disclosed that five members of (he board were in favour of the motion and four were against it.