[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."1 Sin,—The Spectator has always
so strongly advocated the military training of lads that I thought the enclosed pamphlet would interest you. You will see that an organised system of instruction in rifle-shooting has been established in the elementary schools of Derby, thirty-two masters and two hundred boys having lately completed a six weeks' course. The popularity of the movement amongst both masters and boys is clearly shown by the extracts from letters printed in the pamphlet. A similar movement is taking place amongst the elementary teachers in Lewisham, and steps are being taken in the same direction in other parts of the country.—I am, Sir, &c,
W. ELLIOT
[The pamphlet in question, which has been circulated by the Lads' Drill Association, contains a report of the meeting of Head-Masters of the Borough of Derby on April 17th, at which the generous offer of the Midland Railway Company to allow scholars to practise on their indoor miniature ranges- was accepted. A scheme having been drawn up by a sub. committee, and approved by the Directors of the Midland Railway Company, the "Derby School Boys' Miniature Rifle Association," open for affiliation to all schools under the Derby Borough Education Committee, was formed a few weeks later, with the results noted in our correspondent's letter. With regard to finance, we note that under the Derby scheme all affiliated schools raise money to go to a General Fund for the purchase of rifles and to pay range officers' fees, the balance being divided between them for the purpose of starting a local Fund to supply ammunition. The minimtim age-limit is fixed at twelve.—En. Spectator.]
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