16 AUGUST 1919, Page 14

CADET TRAINING..

[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] Sta,—May I direct the attention of your readers to the need for a definite movement to be made to promote Cadet Corps in this country, with the view to their being considered an essential part of the Territorial Force about to be reconsti- tuted ? The country owes much to the labours of those who midst great difficulty worked and trained lads of an impression- able age to perform their duties should necessity arise, and if no national crisis had presented itself, the discipline, the esprit de corps, the recreative side and the camp life, all tended to create in our working-class youth pride of country and a sense of citizenship, which if not encouraged might conceivably have rendered our task in the earlier days of 1914 more onerous. Those who are concerned with Cadet Corps require a better status, more financial support, and an obligation such as there was in the case of the Territorials in reference to drills and enlistment for the boys. Unfortunately the War Office, is not facing the question boldly, and may I suggest that a small but competent Committee be appointed at an early date to inquire into the Cadet system in this country and how it can become incorporated in our national defence system ? If the Government is frightened of Labour, let, as has been proposed to me by a member of the Government of one of our Dominions, a party proceed to Australia or Canada, and judge for themselves. Experientia docet.—I am, Sir, &c., DOUGLAS HALLIDAY MACARTNEY, Ex-Editor Imperial Cadet Magazine, Author Naval and Military Cadet Training.

Primrose Club, Park Place, St. James's, S.W. 1.