FUTURE OF YOUTH

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 298, 17 December 1942, Page 6

FUTURE OF YOUTH

PLAN FOR GUIDANCE

OPPORTUNITY FOR CAREERS

"If a new society is to lie constructed, we who work for education must have our say: we must prepare for peace now." In these words Mr. A. Gilbert, president of the Auckland School Committees' Association. last night unfolded his executives plan for rebuilding education.

"I feel that in New Zealand we have never given our boys and girls a chance." lie said. "Some do not go to secondary school: others enter industry without knowing the conditions prevailing and without proper guidance. Children at the pre-.-ent time are leaving school at 1 t and getting big money. They have no thought of the future at all. In the past we have trained too many hoys for the pick and shovel; we must train technicians if N'ew Zealand is to take her rightful place in the world."

Mr. Gilbert suggested that when a boy or girl left a primary school, he should be interviewed hv a special committee set up to guide children into the correct sphere, and should then be sent to a secondary school for two years, taking a course in a profession or trade.

A year in a Government Vocational Centre would follow, and then the bos' would enter a workshop as an apprentice, or go into a lawyer's ollice or other profession for two years, or more, according to the type of work. A boy or girl who showed promise at the Vocational Centre would be sent on to the University. Roys Paid High Wages In the discussion that followed, Mr. W. Ashton gave his support to the executive's plan. "As a trade union secretary I am highly concerned at the high wages young boys are getting at present, i have boys of lfi who are being paid between £8 and U0 per week.

"These bovs work seven days a week, including shifts that begin at midnight. There is no future in the trade for them. In most cases their parents allow them to keep most of the money. The work they are doing is ruinous to their health and morals."

The meeting carried the following resolution:

"That the Auckland Headmasters' Association be asked to co-operate with the Auckland School Committees' Association on the matter of vocational r uidance of boys and girls from primary schools until they enter a trade or profession, and that Mr. N. G. Gribhle, of the Youth Centre, be asked to attend the meeting." It was also agreed that a plan should be drawn up from the meeting, and offered to the Employers' Association, the Federation of Labour, the Chamber of Commerce, and other interested bodies, with a view to taking concrete action.