E.—ld.

It has also been arranged that a challenge-shield match for each Island shall be fired annually,. on the local ranges of the several corps, at a date to be fixed hereafter; each team to consist of ten cadets ; ranges, positions, &c, as laid down in Target Practice for 1903. The teams making the highest scores shall hold the shields for the North and South Islands respectively. The names of the winning teams, with the individual scores made, the name of the corps, the year, and totals of scores, will be engraved on the shields. Each winning team shall hold the shield till the result of the following year's competition is decided. A report stating the total points made, with the names of the successful competitors, is to be sent to the undersigned directly after the firing is completed. The shooting of the cadets from the various registers inspected is very encouraging, and in several cases both "possibles" and " near possibles " had been made; and there can be no doubt that in the near future the adults will find that the cadets will be able to hold their own against them. The miniature Martini-Henry rifles supplied by Messrs. Westley Bichards are a very accurate weapon, and reflect great credit on that firm. Rifle Ranges. —ln several cases it was found that where local Volunteer corps existed arrangements had been made between the officers commanding for the cadets to have the use of them, either at a nominal cost for repairs, &c, or for the cadet corps to provide their own targets. Other cadet corps were arranging for a suitable site, and others again had a range. In all cases, however, there would be some assistance required from the Government towards providing ranges ; but as this would not, on the whole, amount to a large sum, it may be presumed the necessary funds for this very important part of the cadet's training will be forthcoming. Bugler's Manual. —Every bugler has been supplied with one of these. The duties of a bugler are clearly defined. They contain the various calls, as also about 150 bugle marches. Navy and Army Signalling. —Direct photographs showing the letters of the semaphore or navy system of signalling have been supplied to every corps, together with an " Abstract of Army Signalling," so that in a very short time every cadet will be well acquainted with this important and useful branch of a soldier's training. Transfers. —It is proposed that where a cadet goes from one corps to another he shall receive a " transfer," so that his service may be a continuous one. Reckoning Boys' Service. —Some recognition should be given to the service of cadets during the time they belonged to corps in the event of their joining a Volunteer corps when they were of the age (seventeen years) to permit of them doing this. It is suggested that they be allowed to reckon half service. This question has been referred to the General Officer TDommanding for his consideration. Physical Drill. —Numerous inquiries were made regarding the issue of a universal system of physical drill for boys and girls. A syllabus of work in connection with this is, I understand, included in the new regulations for the inspection of public schools now in the printer's hands. Uniforms. —Heretofore there was no uniformity in the dress of cadets ; nearly every corps had its own uniform. One corps only in the colony has scarlet frocks. But it is pleasing to note that, after the pattern suggested by the Department had been submitted for personal inspection of 'both headmasters, officers, and cadets, they unanimously approved of it. Already several corps are clothed in this uniform, others are procuring it, and others again will also adopt it as soon as those on issue at present are worn out. Schools which are forming a second company of cadets are clothing them in the Departmental uniform. Gamps of Instruction. —Seeing that by the time in which these could be held—viz., during the last week of the school year, in the month of December—battalions will be in existence in each education district, and considering the advantages to be derived from holding these camps annually, it is to be hoped the Government will see its way to authorise them. It was ascertained that a daily allowance of Is. 6d. per cadet would suffice for providing rations, bedding, fuel, and light. Instructors. —The present system of imparting instruction in drill through the medium of teachers' classes might be improved with advantage by the engaging of, say, five or six military instructors for the colony, their duty being to instruct the teachers and to visit the schools more frequently than can be done at present. At each visit the cadets would be drilled by the military instructor, and both the teacher-officers and the cadets would be benefited greatly thereby. Badges of Rank. —An order has been issued regarding the wearing of rank badges by officers of cadet corps in terms of the following request of the General Officer Commanding to the Hon. the Defence Minister :— Badges of Bank fob Educatiok Department Cadets. I have the honour to recommend that the badges of rank of the officers of the Education cadets should be worn on the collar, instead of, as at present, on the shoulder-strap. This will prevent the confusion which at present arises between officers of the Volunteer Forces and those of the Education cadets. J. M. Babington, Major-General, Commandant, New Zealand Forces. Certificates of Discharge. —With a view to training a cadet's moral character while he is at school, it is suggested for approval that on the cadet quitting his school there shall be issued to him a " Certificate of Discharge" setting forth his rank, name, length of service, and character, signed by the headmaster of his school and countersigned by the officer commanding his corps. This certificate would thus form a passport in the case of his seeking employment or wishing to join either a Defence cadet corps or the Volunteers. The above suggestion was submitted to all headmasters, and duly appreciated by them as a step in the right direction to attain the object in view. Good-conduct Badges. —ln order to mark the conduct of a cadet while he is serving in his corps it is suggested for approval that every cadet who can be certified as being of very good character for a period of one year shall be entitled to wear a good-conduct badge, in the shape of a chevron,

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