But, can some practical means be suggested which will maintain the boys’ interest in their work during the gap made by the period taken from the time that a boy leaves school and that when he reaches the age of 18, without interfering with the performance of those duties of his civil life for which he may be preparing himself?
The following suggestion is submitted, namely, the establishment in all centres of population of public gymnasia for the training in physical culture, and that rifle shooting by means of miniature ranges, and, further, the imposing upon those who employ lads up to 18 years of age, the obligation of enabling such lads to attend a course of instruction during each year at these gymnasia at such times as may be deemed advisable, provided such training is not made irksome to the lads themselves or detrimental to their employers’ interests or their own.
III
SCHEME PROPOSED
The scheme proposed therefore comprises:
1st. A general uniform system of mental and physical culture in all schools up to the time when the boy leaves school.
2ndly. The scientific training necessary to develop a disciplined mind in all schools.
The above to be under the direct supervision of the Education Departments.
3rdly. The teaching of schoolboys to shoot straight under expert supervision.
4thly. The establishment of public gymnasia for the training in physical culture and rifle shooting up to 18 years for lads who have left school.