AWAY FROM ROUTINE

Wairarapa Age, 3 March 1927, Page 5

AWAY FROM ROUTINE

OPEN-AIR ACTIVITIES AT HIGH SCHOOL. CADETS IN BARRACKS. SPECIAL CLASSES FOR GIRLS. The Wairarapa High School cadets ?.ro at present in annual barracks in the school ground.-. The company, 155 .strong, which shows a substantial increase in. numbers since last yetr, is under the charge of Captain V. Sugden (Area Officer), and Captain J. W. Bird (O.C. High School Cadets), assisted by Staff-Sergeants Major, Rogers (Masterton), Stewart (Oarterton), and Perritt (Dannevirke). Instruction is carried out daily in infantry drill, n usketry, and physical training, while the last hour of each day. given over to swimming, is greatly enjoyed by the A pleasing feature of the barracks is the fine work done by the High School N.C.O. ’s. Twenty N.C.O.’s attended a course of special instruction held in January at Trentham, and as the brunt of the work of instruction falls upon them, this training stands them ir good stead. Great keeness and smartness is apparent in nil parades, and Major Wood, who visited the barracks on Tuesday and addressed the cadets, was very favourably impressed by the high standard of efficiency attained ♦

A sham fight is included in the barracks programme and this prospect is keeping enthusiasm at a high pitch. Occasion is also taken to impart in- , struetion to the 50 cadets who will form the Guard of Honour on Saturday, for Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of York. Their work, and that of the company as a whole is of a very high standard. While the cadets are in barracks, the girls of the High School are engaged in various physical training and other activities differing from their usual school work. Physical drill is being carried out with vigour by a dozen competent “N.C.’s, ” under the supervision of Misses O. R. Sutherland, K. Leonard and D. Bethell. Special interest is being displayed by members of the jui jitsu classes, which are under the supervision of Mr. G. W. Morice. There has been a large and enthusiastic swimming class every day at the West School baths, kindly placed at the disposal of the girls by the West School Committee. Yesterday a party of eighty girls were in the swimming party and not one of them was unable to swim.

A member of the Swimming Chib visited the School on Tuesday and explained the various methods of rescue and resuscitation of the apparently drowned, which kindness was greatly appreciated by the girls. A most useful course in first-aid and home nursing is being given by Misses K. Leonard, D. Bethell and Mr. C. B. McClure.

Odd half-hours are filled with singing under Miss O. R. Sutherland.

This afterneon, Mr. J. B. Strong, of Auckland University College, who has just returned from spending a year or two in China, will address the girls on Chinese peoples and customs. Such a week of sound physical training is calculated to make the whole school, girls and boys alike, more fit for the scholastic work that lies ahead.