VOCATIONAL TRAINING.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 187, 8 August 1919, Page 9

VOCATIONAL TRAINING.

PKOGKESS IN AUCKLAND. MEN KEENLY INTERESTED. WORK AT THE AXXEXJS. A great change has taken place in the attitude of returned soldiers towardn vocational training since the scheme was initiated in Auckland by Major W. A. Gr. Penlington some six months ago. One of the greatest difficulties MajorPenlington had to contend with was to get the soldiers themselves sufficiently interested to take up the classes. This difficulty has happily been overcome, and the soldiers now take a keen interest in the •work. Every effort is made to meet the requirements of the men. Where they are not able to attend the classes correspondence courses are given, and these are proving highly satisfactory. Speaking of the matter this morning Major I'enlington remarked that a man had only to indicate that he wanted to take up a ■certain course of instruction by correspondence and they were able to start him practically at once.

At the Military Annexe In the Domain there has been a considerable increase of activity. Among other classes that have been started i≤ one in motor engineering, •which is attended by about 15 men. They are taught practical work with a motor car, including driving. There is also a fairly strong commercial clas3, while there are quite a number of enthusiasts who are reeeivirie instructions in beekeeping under Mr. G. V. Westbrooke, Government apiarist. A hive of bees ha s •been provided, and it is intended that the men shall make more hives for the purpose of housing the busy little producer of honey. Not the least interesting ot the classes is one in milk testing, and another in poultry farming. Both are under the supervision of Government experts, and are well attended. Samples of Eiilk are brought up by the instructor from.various cows, and these are tested ty the pupils under his supervision. In addition instruction is given in the use of the separator to further qualify tnose -who have serious thoughts of taking up pursuits connected with dairying. JTith regard to the instruction in poultry farming, various types of fowls are ■brought to the classes, and instruction given as to their various points. When it can be arranged it is intended to take the men out to poultry farms in the district, so that further instruction may be imparted. J

The carpenters' workshop is becoming, increasingly busy, and several men are now working there every day. When these men are discharged a report is Eent to the repatriation officer with a view to aiding him id placing the men in a suitable position. Major Penlington mentioned that in cases where the Repatriation Board is experiencing P some delay in placing men as trainees in carpentry and joinery he is allowing them to use the workshops at the annexe, as this does not in any way interfere with the requirements of the disabled men ■who are as a rule only fit to work for a few hours each day.

* The splint-making workshop is well Under way, and the equipment is practically complete. Orthopaedic splints are new being made for the use of patients. One of the features of the work is the efforts that are made to get the outpatients During- the last month 200 of these men were visited by vocation officers, while literature was sent to about 450. In response to this, requests for training have been received from men at Kaipara, Hikurangi, Whangarei, Paeroa. Hamilton and other places, the subjects including instruction in special engineering, accountancy, nautical mntters. a course for a river master's ticket, locomotive and traction driving, and. in fact, practically any subject that it is desired to learn.

The classes in commercial training are proceeding satisfactorily at Kamo, and a library of technical books has been procured for the use of those taking instruction. It is intended to arrange for instruction in veterinary work to a further extent in the near future. At Hamilton it has not been possible to establish classes, but courses in correspondence are given. "With regard to Rotorua the keenest interest is now being taken in the classes, and about 170 men are taking courses in various subjects.