1 SEPTEMBER 1906, Page 2

The men of Kent may rightly feel proud that their

county is officially taking the lead in this most important matter. We say "officially," as we are glad to know that in West Surrey an unofficial movement has already begun for teaching the boys in the elementary 'schools the use of the rifle. We do not believe that even the most anxious opponent of militarism who had seen the boys shooting, and realised the training given to eye and hand and general intelligence, could fail to admit that they were benefited thereby. Our only criticism on the action of the Board of Education is that they should have restricted the age to twelve. In rural districts the boys leave school very early, and we therefore think that eleven would have been a better age-limit.