SIR,—I forward a copy of a letter received by the
hon. secretary of the Lads' Drill Association from the Southfields Miniature Rifle Club. As stated in this letter, one of the chief obstacles to the practice of rifle-shooting in the primary schools is the expense, and this obstacle would be practically overcome if the rifle clubs throughout the country followed the example of the Southfields Club, and placed their ranges at the disposal of the local schools. The training of lads in rifle-shooting has been so strongly and persistently advocated by the Spectator that I venture to hope you will publish this letter, and so give publicity to the action of the Southfields Club, which may possibly induce other clubs to grant like facilities.—I am, Sir, &c., MEATH,
Chairman, Lads' Drill Association.
"January 24th, 1905. To the Hon. Secretary, Lads' Drill Association.
DEAR SLR,—In reply to your letter of January 20th, referring to the letter addressed by this club to the London County Council, a copy of which appeared in the Press on January 10th, I have much pleasure in giving you the following information.
In offering the free use of the Southfields Miniature Rifle Club range and rifles to the London County Council for the purpose of inaugurating marksmanship classes amongst boys in the local primary schools, this club was actuated solely by the desire of carrying out one of the chief objects for which it exists,—viz., the popularisation of rifle-shooting.
Realising the difficulty of overcoming the present apathy towards rifle-shooting, even when offered to the public as a cheap and charming sport, and the desirability of engendering a love for it in the youthful mind before the counter-attractions of the less useful sports, as cricket and football, had had time to take an effect, it was thought that by offering such facilities to the governing bodies of primary schools the chief objection to teaching marksmanship (viz., the expense) would be largely removed, and they might be tempted to adopt our suggestion.
The Report of the Minister of War and Education in France, where rifle-shooting has been taught as a regular subject in the state primary schools for the past ten years, sets at rest any doubt as to its utility, even in a country where conscription ensures that at some time in his life every able-bodied citizen will be trained as a soldier. How much more, therefore, is it a necessity for a country like this, where not five per cent. of the inhabitants are in any way qualified to defend themselves or their country.
The Southfields Club is wholly in favour of developing the military spirit in the nation by transferring the most important of all military exercises into a national sport. If our suggestions were advocated by an influential society such as the Lads' Drill Association, and brought to the notice of the rifle clubs and educational bodies throughout this country, I think that very many might be induced to follow our example.—
I remain, yours very truly, (Signed) S. J. FENTON, Hon. Sec., Southfields Miniature Rifle Club.'•
[The Southfields Miniature Rifle Club has set a most admirable example, and one which we trust will be largely followed.—En. Spectator.] MINOR POETRY.
Previous page
