[Editor: This article, about the compulsory training of Australian teenage males as military cadets, was published in Evening News (Sydney, NSW), 29 March 1911.]
Boy soldiers.
Cadets fine physique.
The medical examination of boys under the compulsory training system have been completed in several of the city and suburban areas, and a start is being made with the musters for the doctors in other localities.
In some suburbs a small percentage of the boys enrolled have failed to undergo the physical tests, and the absent ones will be called upon to attend the medial parades.
At Randwick 450 boys out of 500 on the roll have been examined; only six were rejected as unfit, and about 20 were declared to be temporarily unfit.
At Burwood 430 were examined by the doctor, and the rejects were very few, and a number were told to present themselves in a year.
Some fine types of the Australian youth have been found in all the districts, and the doctors are surprised at the splendid physique of the boys between the ages of 15 and 17. It is stated by some of the doctors that the lads are physically fit to pass the examination of the Imperial service.
The small number of rejects speak well for the virility of the Australian race, and the sturdy lads should make splendid defenders. They have got the enthusiasm, and are eager to become soldiers.
The conduct at the medical musters has been, with few exceptions, excellent. Some of the boys tried to get out of hand, and at a muster at Erskineville during the week, some of the boys were observed to be mocking. In the list of units for the young soldiers it is stated that they must not have cigarettes in their possession. Another list is that when going and returning from parades the cadets’ behaviour should be such as to show the public they fully estimated the responsibilities of the soldier.
In some of the suburban areas steps are being taken to form non-commissioned officers’ classes, and the promotion is first to corporal, then to sergeant, color-sergeant, and second lieutenant. Examinations for promotions will be held from time to time, and the promotions will be allotted to those in the next lower grade who are most successful in the examinations. Some of the area officers will experience a difficulty in securing halls for parades.
Source:
Evening News (Sydney, NSW), 29 March 1911, p. 5 (Latest Edition)
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