BOYS ON FARMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 27, 2 February 1932, Page 9

BOYS ON FARMS.

MATAMATA PROPOSALS.

SOTPORT FROM AUCKLAND

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT.

The effort of the Matamata Unemployment Committee to settle boys from thecity on the land has been advanced another stage, following the receipt of a letter from the principal of the Auckland Boys' Grammar School on, the subject, in reply to the committee's offer to take a-parental interest in the boys. The principal stated that he would bring the suggestion of settling boys on the land before the school when it reassembled. However, he pointed out that two factors would not appeal to parents. One was: that there was no assurance that a boy's wage would be increased to, say,, 7/6, after three months, and 10/ after six months, should he prove worthy. In all cases of boys placed last year by him 10/ had been given for a start, Secondly, parents would not pay the boys' fare to Matamata on the mere chance of their getting employment; positions should be assured. Unless those points were amended he was doubtful of getting any response from parents and suitable boys, despite the fact that he, was strongly in favour of the movement. J. Buchanan, chairman, remarked that though the details mentioned were "ot specifically itemised, they were to he ■ read between the lines and were understood by the committee. However, it would .be a simple matter to reassure the principal on these points. Mr- W.. M. Griffiths urged that the scheme be started as quickly as possible and that the principal be advised that 81x . situations were now vacant. .Eventually the following conditions Were agreed to for ensuring satisfactory •mploynient:—(l) Confirmation of wages (2) guarantee that employer *uLteach the boy farming; (3)' term of to be one year; (4) proper food and accommodation to be guaran-half-day holiday a week to be given and freedom between milkings on Sundays, f