Cocks letter diary, 1916-1919 / Verner Cocks - Page 475
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[Page 475]
5.
flower of Australian manhood. These young men were in various walks of life before the war, the framework upon which the Australian nation was being builded. By the war the work of these young men has been disturbed, and, while in the military sphere they have made history and tradition beyond compare for Australia, a great part of their energies has of necessity lain idle and become almost atrophied.
In the first place, therefore, a chance was presented to us of repairing this waste. Any steps taken would, of course, be outside the military curriculum, but this war has frequently caused us to leave the beaten path, and it seems to me that there can be made both time and facility for doing the work I have indicated without impairing military efficiency.
Again, let me ask you, has there ever before been presented to a nation the opportunity of training the bulk of its young manhood, and inculcating the right ideas of good citizenship and patriotism such as there is now before us? A chance is undoubtedly presented of directing the minds and energies of the men into channels which flow into the sea of national greatness.
If you agree with me that there is a great opportunity before us, and that we should seize it, you will agree also tht we must do a big, whole-hearted thing. It is necessary that we should have the co-operation and the vigorous support of everyone in the Australian Imperial Force. It is to ask you to grant me this co-operation and support that I am taking this opportunity of meeting you. I look to you to stimulate great enthusiasm in the scheme, and to make its supervision your own special care.
What the scheme aims at is briefly -
1. To give to those men who have already set out in a profession, trade or occupation, the opportunity of resuming their studies and appprenticeships.
2. To give to those men who have no definite profession,