MILITARY DRILL IN SCHOOLS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 549, 12 March 1913, Page 2

MILITARY DRILL IN SCHOOLS.

NEW REGULATIONS ADOPTED. The arrangements hitherto in force with respect to military drill in public schools having terminated on December 31st, 1912, the Auckland Education Board has just issued a circular to head teachers of schools where junior cadet corps and detachments have been established, setting forth the new methods relating to military drill in these schools. The circular states that under section 6of the Education Amendment Act, 1912, arrangements (in accordance with regulations to be issued in due course) may be made for military drill in public schools where there are approved instructors. For the present a public school in connection with which there is a fully equipped company or detachment in charge of someone holding under the regulations in force last year an appointment as an officer of the junior cadets, may be regarded as a school in which military drill may be given to boys between the ages of 12 and 14 years. Section 6 further provides thac military drill so given shall be subject to inspection at such convenient times as may be arranged with the Education Board by an officer appointed by the Commandant of Defence Forces. It is understood that tha Defence Department will also endeavour to provide, as far as circumstances allow, opportunities for instruction.

As military drill in public schools will henceforth be carried out in accordance with regulations, under the Education Act, continues the manifesto, it should be clearly understood that officers' uniforms may not be worn by those in charge of such drills unless they are officers in the territorials or in the senior cadets. The Defence Department, recognising that many teachers are interested in military drill will, it is understood, make every effort to provide for those teachers who may wish to join either the territorials or the senior cadets. Applications to join either branch of the defence forces should be addressed to the Commandant of the Defence Forces. The hope is expressed that the number of such applications will be considerable. No definite decision has yet been arrived at regarding the disposal of uniforms and swords issued to officers since 1910. It is not proposed to call in the equipment (consisting of jersey, cap, belt, haversack and model rifle) now in use on issue, except in the case of schools where insruction in military drill will not be continued. In such cases all the equipment except the jersey will require to be returned to store.

Tbe circular concludes by stating that it is proposed to arrange for target practice with the Hazard air rifle outfit For the present, however, schools that have been using miniature ranges (.22 rifle) will be allowed to continue to do so. In order that the Defence Department may be advised of the school in which military drill is to be given, head teachers are asked to inform he board as early as possible whether they propose that military drill shall be taught in their schools under the new condition.