BOYS FOR FARMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 142, 18 June 1929, Page 8

BOYS FOR FARMS.

POSITION IN TARANAKI.

ACTION BY MII. FLETCHER, M.P.,

There is little or no demand in the Taranaki district for New Zealand boys to be employed on farms. Mr. J. S. Fletcher, member for Grey Lynn, has received a letter from the secretary ci the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Val. Dunn, to the effect that after advertising in two local newspapers, only one reply had been received from a farmer who is willing to accept a New Zealand boy. That reply came from Mr. 11. H. Crush, of Eginont Village, an old English school boy, who has been in New Zealand for three or four years, and who is farming on his own account. A letter to this effect was received by Mr. Fletcher to-day,

It will be remembered that some few weeks ago the chairman of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, with a deputatian, waited on the Prime Minister, asking for the removal of the restrictions relating to the bringing in of English school boys, as situations were available for 40 such boys on farms in Taranaki.

Mr. Fletcher, in view of the fact that hoys in his electorate were in need of employment, forwarded a telegram to Sir Joseph Ward asking him to hold the matter over until inquiries could be made. Mr. Fletcher also communicated with the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce suggesting that he be given the opportunity of finding New Zealand hoys for whatever positions were available. As a result the chamber advertised as follows: —

"Taranaki Chamber of Commerce: Immigration Scheme: Owing to the suspension of immigration affecting English public school boys, no English boys will be available for farmers this coming season. Mr. J. S. Fletcher, the Member for Grey Lynn, has communicated with the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, urging that our own New Zealand boys be given a chance to fill the vacancies. The Chamber of Commerce is accordingly inviting farmers in the Taranaki district to send in applications, intimating their willingness to accept New Zealand boys instead of English boys. Any applications so received will be passed on to Mr. Fletcher, who is willing to advertise for boys in the Dominion. Applications will be received up to June 1. —Val Duff, secretary "

Mr. Fletcher said to-day that as there vere apparently few openings for boys m farms in Taranaki, he felt tliat his action in guarding the interests of New Zealand boys had been fully justified.