LAND FOR YOUTHS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 223, 20 September 1929, Page 8

LAND FOR YOUTHS.

FARMERS OF THE FUTURE.

SETTLEMENT PROVISION URGED. IMPORTANT LOCAL CONFERENCE

The refusal of the Minister of Lands in a letter to the New Zealand Land Settlement and Development League to do anything in connection with the settlement of boys oil the ground that the resources available would be required for establishing experienced farmers was discussed at the conference between the lea,cue and representatives of the Salvation Army and the Church of England. Mr. W. J. Holdswortli presided, others present being Mr. J. E. Makgill, Mr. J. Eattv (Church of England), Staff Captain Davies (Salvation Army) and Messrs. Mackley and N. G. Gribble, members of the league. The chairman read an extract from the recommendations of the Dominion Conference held in Wellington in Marcii, which stated that one of the most important duties of a settlement committee would be the devising of a policy to enable the rising generation to look forward to becoming farmers.

Staff Captain Davies supporter! the league's intentions and considered that it was an urgent necessity to provide means which would keep bovs from staying in the cities. Boys going into the country saved money, but they became disappointed when they gravitated to the cities and lost it. The Salvation Army had brought to New Zealand over 700 boys for farm work, and ninety-four per cent were still engaged in this work. The Army was more than satisfied with the experiment.

Mr. Makgill said that under the Church of England scheme the boys brought out were from fifteen to eighteen years of age and they had an idea that they were going to become farmers. Altogether they had brought out over 400 boys and had only had one per cent failures. The New Zealand Association of English Public School Boys had brought out the same number of lads as the Salvation Army. He thought it would be an excellent thing if the organisations mentioned came to an understanding on the welfare aspect. The legislation now before the country was disappointing on the matter of juvenile settlement.

Mr. Batty, as an old, experienced farmer, considered the scheme of cadet group settlement would be a success if the right man was selected to direct operations. He would be prepared to give advice as to the working. He considered that a block of 2000 acres might be worked without loss over a period of five years, but adequate finance was essential. Pie considered £1;> an acre a fair price to sot down as "cost of buying in" a farm. It was imperative to have money for the purchase of fertilisers; also a system of continued care and guidanco over a period of years must be arranged. The chairman thanked the delegatesfor attending; and assured the meeting that steps would be taken to forward tho recommendations to the right quarters.

The matter was further discussed by the Land Settlement League at, its meeting this afternoon.