§ MR. R. TORRENSmoved a Resolution for instruction in military drill and instruction in rate-aided schools. The hon. Member, in support of the Resolution, referred, to the example of Switzerland, which adopted this practice of giving military instruction and drill to young men attending school, which became the foundation of a general system of military efficiency and economy; and referred to the important aid to the national defence which would ultimately be afforded by the adoption of his Motion.
§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That, in the opinion of this House, instruction in military drill and gymnastics should be given in all State-aided and Rate-aided Schools to boys over eight years of age; and that a Rule to that effect should be introduced into the 'Revised Code.'"—(Mr. Robert Torrens.)
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERsaid, that he did not suppose that the object of his hon. Friend was more than to draw attention to the advisability of encouraging drill at the elementary schools. But, in fact, the new Code was more favourable to the scheme than he supposed. The Government was fully aware of the advantages of drill to the children themselves, apart from any possible ulterior advantages to the country; but they must remember that the large sums of money voted for the purposes of education were primarily for such purposes. The Code acknowledged for the first time the usefulness of drill, and by the 24th section they allowed two hours of drill per week for 20 weeks in the year to be equivalent to the amount of attendance at school; but he could not consent to make drill compulsory in state-aided schools. As soon as they were satisfied that "the three R's" were taught in their schools, the Government would be glad to encourage additional instruction in the other elements of education.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.
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