BOYS ON FARMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 16, 20 January 1933, Page 12

BOYS ON FARMS.

NEW SOUTH WALES MOVEMENT SOLUTION OF UNEMPLOYMENT. An enthusiastic supporter of the movement to place town boys on the land is Mr. W. F. Ross, M.L.A., of New South Wales, and a member of the United Country party, who arrived in Auckland this week on a brief .visit.

Mr. Ross said a "boys on farm" scheme was launched in New South Wales about six months ago by a committee of practical men charged with the task of bringing the unemployed boys of the country and towns into direct touch with farmers who could employ them. This voluntary organisation sent some thousands of letters to dairy farmers,' with the result that this branch of the primary industry, has absorbed over 200 lads into productive work. The scheme provides for the thorough scrutiny .of the boys, as to character, qualifications and inclinations, particular attention being paid to the aptitude of the boys "for farm work. Proof of the soundness of the system lies in the results, which reveal 98 per cent of

successful engagements. Not only had the unemployed hoy problem been tackled vigorously , and with succeess, hut there had also been a reduction in unemployment generally in New South Wales, said Mr!. Ross. This was due mainly, he considered, to the steps taken by the Stevens Government to restore confidence and to the financial aid by the Government to the primary producers. Private enterprise was being helped, and this, in turn, was reflected in a general movement towards recovery. One of the big problems still to 'be solved was that of the lieavy debt burden on farmers, and there was a growing feeling that this could not be eased by postponements or by standstill arrangements.

Among Mr. Ross' many interests is elieep farming, and one of the purposes of his visit to New Zealand is to investigate the problem of meat marketing. He says that sheep on the Auckland local market sell at approximately the Fame prices as in New South Wales, but the quality is much better. Cattle, Jhe finds, are cheaper here.