STOCK EXCHANGE CORPS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21195, 19 August 1940, Page 4

STOCK EXCHANGE CORPS

OLD AND YOUNG AT DRILL PAYMENT FOR PRIVILEGE (Times Air Mail Service) LONDON, July 18 Elderly stockbrokers stood to attention, formed threes, marched and counter-marched across the floor of the Stock Exchange yesterday until the domed roofs echoed to the sound of tramping feet. * They were drilling under the command of Major Max Karo, commander of the Stock Exchange Cadet Corps. He had offered preliminary military training to any one who wished. N.C.O.’s from the Guards put the civilians through their paces. Alongside senior partners marched young clerks waiting to be called U p—2oo of them altogether. The older men were a little self-conscious, but they stepped out well with the younger ones. After drill they split up into groups, learning to handle a rifle. Many of them already knew how—from the 1914-18 war. “Seems heavier than the one I used to have,” said a senior clerk, trying to get the feel of the rifle again. “Same pattern as in the last war,” the sergeant-major taking the class assured him. They were also taught to load, aim and fire a Bren gun. “Now this is a bit different from the 1918 ones, sir,” said the sergeantmajor. “So is the sergeant-major,” murmured the senior clerk. “Fancy him calling him sir.” When the class ended, the trainees produced sixpences, shillings and half-crowns to help pay for their training. This afternoon they are coming back for more.