Turning boys into soldiers
Compulsory military training was established in New Zealand in 1909, and by 1912 all boys aged 14 and over were required to undertake military drills as Senior Cadets. From the age of 18 to 21 they were required to serve in the Territorial Forces. In the process boys were turned into soldiers, since the Territorials formed the recruiting basis of the NZ Expeditionary Force.
This film shows just how young this element of the Expeditionary Force was. Some very youthful-looking members of the Canterbury Territorials, and possibly Cadets as well, are seen marching into Christchurch around 1914.
Turning boys into soldiers
Compulsory military training was established in New Zealand in 1909, and by 1912 all boys aged 14 and over were required to undertake military drills as Senior Cadets. From the age of 18 to 21 they were required to serve in the Territorial Forces. In the process boys were turned into soldiers, since the Territorials formed the recruiting basis of the NZ Expeditionary Force.
This film shows just how young this element of the Expeditionary Force was. Some very youthful-looking members of the Canterbury Territorials, and possibly Cadets as well, are seen marching into Christchurch around 1914.
Year: c. 1914
Length: 01:22
Credits: The person who made this film is unknown.
Source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
Catalogue Reference: F56660 2500 Territorials march into Christchurch [1914]
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
The Defence Act of 1909 introduced compulsory military training (CMT) in New Zealand. From the age of 12 all boys were required to undertake 52 hours of military training each year. From 1912 the age of eligibility was changed to 14.
Trained cadets were given further compulsory training in the Territorial Forces. The New Zealand Territorial Force was set up in 1910, and the four territorial regions of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Otago-Southland became the basis of recruitment for the NZEF.
CMT was supported, on patriotic grounds and for defence purposes, by large sections of the population and by groups such as the National Defence League and the Reform Government of PM William Massey. However, the system was also strongly criticised by the trade union movement, socialists and members of the Labour Party. Organisations were established to oppose it, including the Passive Resisters’ Union and the New Zealand Peace Council.
Some of those who opposed CMT before the war became conscientious objectors when conscription was introduced in New Zealand in 1916. They often received very harsh treatment from military authorities who tried to compel them to take up arms. CMT continued in New Zealand until 1930.
Turning boys into soldiers
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Christchurch, New Zealand
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0:00
Brass band leading soldiers round corner on street which has tram lines. Spectators watch territorials march towards and past camera, followed by others on horseback.
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0:28
Territorials in uniform and carrying rifles march past.
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0:50
Territorials continue march past, officers and men. Bystanders watching parade- women and boy, group on bicycles [on corner of Hagley Park].
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1:00
Territorials on foot, officer on horseback march back into camera view. Continuous stream of soldiers and band, horse drawn wagon.