DRILLING.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 124, 23 June 1870, Page 5

DRILLING.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.) Sir, — It has often struck me as very strange that our scholastic system does not include in its curriculum some drill, in order to increase and benefit the physical development of our children, and thereby increase the health and strength of both, mind and body. At the High School there is a cadet volunteer corps, consequently drilling, and even the use of arms is taught them. I submit for public consideration that drilling in all our schools is an absolute necessity, and I should much like to see it commenced at once. Not only would it improve the bodily and mental vigor of youth, but in a very short time it would prove a great assistance in the maintaining of discipline, and in producing that instant obedience, which is such a great help to the teacher, as well as a wholesome advantage to the taught. So far as Lawrence is concerned, I see no difficulty in the way. Some person (some old soldier, for instance) might be found competent to give instruction, say twice a week. The masters would, I doubt not, " fall in," and would soon be able to do the work themselves — indeed, I have been informed that Mr. Menzies, the second master, understands drill, having been through a course at home, at the school where he was educated ; and for aught I know, Mr. Stenhouse may also be up to the mark, and perhaps quite capable of commencing at ouce without exterior aid. If so, so much the better. I commend the subject to public consideration, and to the attention of the various school committees.— l ams &c, Pabma. Lawrence, 22nd June, 1870.