CADET CORPS.

Kumara Times, Issue 3148, 6 December 1886, Page 3

CADET CORPS.

In response to a notice in these columns inviting all youths over thirteen years of age desirous of joining a Cadet Corps to meet at the Adel phi Hall on Friday evening last, some 50 to 60 youths assembled in the hall at the appointed time, 7.30 p,m. His Worship the Mayor (H. Burger, Esq.) presided, and there were a goodly number of adults present, who walqhed the proceedings with interest. His Worship called upon Mr Robert E. Wylde, as convener of the meeting, to explain its object. Mr Wylde stated that the idea occurred to him to organise a Cadet Corps in Kumara from the favourable way in which the Hon. Col. Whitmore, who lately visited the Coast and inspected the Koraara Hifles, had advocated the formation of a Cadet Corps throughout New Zealand. There was really good material in Kumara to form a corps. He also referred to the advantages to be derived individually to youths by the Volunteer exercises and drill.

Captain Davies, of the Kumara Rifle Volunteers, then explained the manner of working. Each youth must be over 13 years of age; and, when once enrolled, must serve for one year, unless leaving the district. The only difficulty that presented itself was the supply of uniform ; but no doubt the public would help them in that matter. It was moved and seconded and resolved that a Cadet Corps be organised in Kumara,

The Mayor, before proceeding to take names down, cautioned the youths to think well what they were doing. Some Volunteers present then formed the boys into two ranks, and they were asked to elect theit 1 own captain. The Mayor suggested Mr Robert Wylde, who had gone to some trouble l in promoting the movement. Mr Y/ylde desired them not to choose him solely on the ground of his having initiated the movement, but to elect one who they thought they would like best to fill the position j as, while he would be willing to act if elected by them, he was well aware there would be a good deal of responsibility attaching to the office.

Mr Wylde was then nominated by two of the youths, and, there being no other nomination, the motion was put to the vote by his Worship the Mayor, and Mr Robert E. Wylde was unanimously elected Captain of the Kumara Cadet Corps. Mr Wylde acknowledged the compliment thus paid him, and said it would be his endeavour to make the Kumara Cadet Corps second to none in New Zealand, He then asked the Cadets whether they would wait until properly constituted by Government, or whether they would start drilling at once:

To which the unanimous reply was “ Start drilling at once ! : ’ Tuesdaay (to-morrow) night at seven o’clock, at the Adelphi Hall, were then fixed npon as the time and place for the first drill.

Mr Seddon, addressed some encouraging remarks on the advantages to he gained hy the exercises of drill find the u-e of the rifle.

The proceedings closed hy the captain, Mi V\ ylde, calling for three cheers,

for the Mayor, Mr Seddon, and Capt. Davies. A cheer was also given for the caplain elect. A vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding closed the proceedings.