MAKING SOLDIERS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5127, 18 May 1927, Page 3

MAKING SOLDIERS.

CADETS TO TERRITORIALS*

POSTINGS NEXT MONTH. The annual posting of Territorials takes place at the beginning of next month, when cadets will be drafted into the various Territorial units. These will, to a large extent, take the place of Territorials who have served the requisite number of years, and are now entitled to be transferred to the Reserve. Strictly speaking, the posting of cadets should take place- annually, but the Defence Department, as a measure of expediency, drafts the boys into various companies as they reach the age of fourteen.

When boys of fourteen make- their first acquaintance with New Zealnd’s compulsory military training system they are not required to undergo a medical examination, although boys not fit to serve may secure exemption if they are able to procure the necessary proof of their inability to serve. With the Territorials, however, it is a different matter, and before a boy of eighteen is entitled to wear the King’s uniform he must pass a fairly severe medical test. Some of the points on which a Territorial must be- able to satisfy his medical examiner are: Good -eyesight and hearing; his speech must be without impediment (although this is not always strictly adhered to) ; his teeth must be good enough to ensure proper mastication of food; his chest must be sound; and hislungs and heart must be- in good condition ; he must not be ruptured ; and his limbs must be well formed. These are the main requirements, the others being of minor importance. The minimum height provided for in the regulations is sft 4in, but before a youth may be posted to a field artillery unit he must be able to measure- up to sft 6in. For coast and pack batteries the minimum height is sft 9in.