"B.P." ON OUR CADETS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 296, 11 June 1912, Page 7

"8.P." ON OUR CADETS

GOOD PHYSIQUE—SOME SLACKNESS IN DISCIPLINE. The General Officer Commanding publishes for the information of all ranks and all branches of the forces the following letter, received by him from Lieutenant-General Sir Robert BadenPowell, written on his departure from New Zealand. He trusts that all Senior Cadets will take to heart the remarks of the distinguished officer, who has shown such marked interest in the development of the Cadet training in the Dominion: —"Thanks to the arrangements so kindly made for me, I have been able to visit eleven centres, and to see some 11,000 Cadets during my week's visit to New Zealand. I was greatly struck with the good physical appearance of the Cadets, especially among some of the Senior Cadets from certain high schools. Both classes of Cadets made a smart turn-out on parade, and the Senior Cadets looked very well • equipped in their active service kit, especially where they had taken to the 'shorts,' as worn by the regular troops in India. The marching-past was satisfactorily done, hut I wish I had time to see the companies in the more practical test of field work, where their officers and N.C.O.'s would have the chance of showing their individual capacity for commanding their .units. The discipline was not in all companies; up to the best standard. I noticed sev* eral companies that were excellent, and could not well have been better, but in others there was slackness. No doubt in these the Cadets were only recruits, and knew no better, but each, should correct the recruits near him' inthe ranks, by his example make .them remember that they are now in the service of his Majesty the King; that they are not boys playing at childish jgijmes; but are young men doing serious for their country. I am convinced fjroqi what I have seen that if the. 3e'ni(9jc' lf Cadets act up to this they are going,, to,, make a really fine and efficient , .force in the jiipar .futfljVluji-,