THE CADET MOVEMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2057, 30 April 1907, Page 1

THE CADET MOVEMENT.

Captain Atkin, British Commissioner to tilt' Inhibition, visited the Christchurch Boys’ High School on April 22nd, and was shown over the institution by Mr C. E. Bevan-Brown, headmaster. Captain Atkin subsequently addressed the boys, and in the course of liis remarks said:— “I must congratulate you on the excellent display you have made, and those who have been watching you must have l'elt, with mo, that quite apart from the military point of view, the formation of these cadet battalions is most desirable as tlio best means of benefiting very materially the youth of this country. A great improvement in your educational system over that of the Old Country is the universal existence of those cadet battalions. All British boys are freed from restraining influences on reaching the age of fourteen, as education is • not compulsory after that. And

here-we see tile great difference between the British Empire and her neighbors. You must always remember that the essential difference between our Empire and Continental countries in the matter of boy life, is the all-jiervading sense of discipline which results from the foreign boy’s universal military service. As a result of military discipline a public opinion has been created there, which will not tolerate that inconsiderate

and impossible behavior which sometimes passes without remark on the part of the British youth. Tin- foreign youth is made at every turn to realise his obligation to the State, and the necessity incumbent upon

him to expend iiis energy in useful directions. ' In the British Empire, 1 fear, lie is too frequently left to consult his own interests and pleasures at an age when lie is incapable of forming an opinion as to what his true interests are. - Uemember that

those few years from fourteen up to eighteen or nineteen are the most critical in your lives, as moulding your future character, and therefore an organisation such as this, which helps to teach you the lessons of loyalty, patriotism, obedience, punctuality, unselfishness, cleanliness, orderliness, and self-respect demand everybody’s heartiest support and goodwill. There is no doubt that it is our duty .to recognise the high spirits of the lads of the British Empire, and to provide proper means for the outlet of these natural spirits and love of adventure, and for the use of the muscles with which Nature has endowed them. There is nothing like these good physical drills and military exercises for you youngsters. They improve your physique, promote a spirit of comradeship, and discourage’ loafing. It is in my opinion absolutely necessary' for 'the welfare of the Empire not only that our lads should cultivate their minds, but that they should also train their bodies, No matter how high you nifty be in your school work, it would not be worth much to you or to us, if you entirely neglect the training and development of your bodily powers. You have ill the cadet movement ali the machinery for organising all kinds of sound exercises and games; you have the advantages of musketry, military training and discipline; you have tlie means of regulating thoso adventurous elements which arc in ali boys of British origin, of hardening your bodies, and putting grit into yourselves, and at the same time you have the grand satisfaction, of knowing that you arc adding most valuable strength to the available resources of an Empire to which wc arc ali so proud to belong—King Edward’s great British Empire. 1 have had the greatest possible pleasure in being here to-day, and I f.eel confident, Mr. Be van Brown, that I express the sentiments of all in wishing you every encouragement and success in your splendid work,”