TRAINING BOYS FOR SEA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 64, 17 March 1930, Page 10

TRAINING BOYS FOR SEA.

SHIP MAY BE ACQUIRED. DISCUSSION IN WELLINGTON. (By Telegrnplj.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Sunday. A proposal that a- ship shoiul be acquired in Wellington for the training o E boys who desire to take up sea, life as a vocation was discussed at a representative meeting presided over by the Mayoi, Mr. G. A. Troup'- Those present were Captains P. A. Petersen, S. Holm, J. S. Gill, W. J. Keene, F. A. Macindoe and Messrs. C. H. Chapman, M.P., R. A. M.P., E. Salmon, chairman ot the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and J. T. Spears, represpiting the Manufacturers' Federation. Mr. Troup said representations had been made to him that there was a possibility of getting a ship for the trainin" of sea apprentices. There was also the possibility of getting money to place the vessel in good condition and bring her to Wellington The scheme would enable an opportunity to be given to a number of New Zealanders who had an inclination to go to sea, but at piesent could not do so. ' Captain Holm said their proposal was to place a, training ship at Wellington, or- some other suitable port, where New Zealand boys could • qualify for the sea. It was their aim to instruct 50 boys a year, enabling them to enter the mercantile fleet as ordinary seamen. At present there was no facility in this direction, and New Zealand boys were barred from entering the seafaring profession under the existing regulations. They had been offered the sailing ship Rewa. Captain Keanc suggested that a small ship could carry cargo in the intercolonial trade. Mr. R. A. Wright said there was no argument as to the value of a training slrip, but ho stressed the point that many of the trades on shore were in a similar position, and it was practically impossible to get a boy in some, as an apprentice. This was due to some extent to tho reluctance of some employers to so to the trouble of training them. He thought, however, that they had a veiy good case to put before tho Minister. Mr. Troup consented to introduce a deputation to the Acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, on Friday next.