[Editor: This article, about the compulsory training of Australian teenage males as military cadets, was published in The Warwick Examiner and Times (Warwick, Qld.), 1 March 1911.]
Military
Notes for senior cadets.
In connection with Saturday’s muster parade in Warwick, we are informed by Captain Clowes, area officer, that notices were sent to absentees ordering them to show cause why they should not be dealt with.
Of the 27 notified, 13 put in an appearance. Ten were satisfactorily accounted for, and the remainder are not reasonably supposed to have yet received their notices. There are now ready for medical inspection, etc., 217 cadets, and the area officer is on the tracks of about ten more, so that the previous estimate of 220 will not be far out.
Of the 13 who appeared at the drillshed on Monday night, it is stated that 9 were prevented by their employers from attending on Saturday, and it is expected that action will be taken in these cases, as it would be unfair to other employees who inconvenienced themselves to overlook the matter. It is considered necessary that a firm stand should be taken from the first. Employers will receive every consideration, and will be inconvenienced as little as possible, but there are occasions when a little inconvenience must be borne. After all, it is pretty watery patriotism which will not stand so light a strain.
As a pleasing contrast to the attitude shown by a few employers, a woman of humble station from near Stanthorpe called upon the area officer stating she had brought her son, who was registered, to be examined medically and measured. There was no suggestion of complaint at coming so far or of any inconvenience or hardship. A farmer residing over nine miles away also called to state that only one of his boys would be able to come in to drill, etc., at a time, as he could only provide one with a horse. It was ultimately arranged that they should come in alternately.
There are lots of boys and youths in the Warwick area, as well as in every other area, who have neglected to register for training. They or their parents and guardians are liable to a penalty of not less than £5. There are others who have stated they are over 17, and, therefore, are not liable to join the cadets. When the census is taken in April it will be found out whether the truth about age has been told.
Criminals and bad characters are not permitted to serve in the cadets or citizen forces. Senior cadets are aged from 14 to 18, and those in the citizen forces from 18 to 26. The latter will be taken annually from the senior cadets.
Parades are statutory and voluntary. Attendance at statutory parades is obligatory, and failure to attend is an offence. Voluntary parades are those called by the officer commanding to enable cadets to attain a higher standard of military proficiency.
If a cadet goes away on a holiday he must notify the area officer, and he will arrange for attendance at parades in the area in which the cadet may be temporarily residing.
Cadets must also learn to shoot as well as drill. Cleanliness of the rifle is a strict law. All property issued to a cadet is the Government’s, and damage to it is an offence against the regulations.
Obedience is the first duty of a soldier, young or old. Good conduct is required on all occasions. Uniforms must be worn at all parades and drills, and not when not on military duty.
When in uniform the behaviour of the cadet in the street must be such as to show, not only the officers, but the general public, that he fully estimates the responsibilities of the soldier. Cadets must not lounge about the streets; they should walk in an upright and soldierly manner. A true soldier will always treat with respect all women, young or old.
The Commonwealth Government invites applications for appointment as instructors of physical training under the Defence Act of 1903-1910. The duties will include instruction of members of the defence force and masters of schools in the method of physical training prescribed by the Act and regulations for those subject to universal training, inspection and report upon the results of the training, and to assist the military board and district commandants in administration connected therewith. Applications are to be sent in not later than the 31st March.
Source:
The Warwick Examiner and Times (Warwick, Qld.), 1 March 1911, p. 5
[Editor: The original text has been separated into paragraphs.]
Dear Ed.
Four lines from the bottom of your quotation above, I see the word “proscribed”. From the context I expect that it must instead be “prescribed”.
Well-spotted. Thank you.
The error has been corrected on both the IAC and Trove websites.