BARNARDO BOYS FOR AUSTRALIA.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17292, 2 November 1921, Page 2

BARNARDO BOYS FOR AUSTRALIA.

« —. INTERESTING EXPERIMENT IN IMMIGRATION. (PROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) SYDNEY, October 25. The first fruits of the activities of a committee which was. recently established in Sydney with the object of arranging for the migration to Australia of "boys from the Dr. Barnardo Homes in Britain, were enthusiastically received in Sydney on Saturday, when a batch of 50 arrived on the Berrima. The GovernorGeneral, and the Governors of the various States welcomed the boys on their, arrival at the southern and western port 3, and they are to be officially received in the grounds of Government House here. The type of boy has created a most favourable impression, and 'those who have organised the scheme at this end are hopeful that many more will follow. 'A commodious home has been prepared in Sydney for their reception, and as they reach the proper age it is intended to send them out to approved farmers. Mr Percy Roberts, the assistant Director of the Dr. Barnardo Homes, who has oersonally accompanied the firßt contingent, states that it is his tion to visit.all the States of the,Com'monwealth to explore the prospects for bringing more boys out for farm work and also girls for domestic duties. He desires to ascertain exactly the type of boy and girl that is wanted in Australia, and whether there is any general desire to have them here. The"boVs m< the present batch range in age from 9: to 16 years. The elder ones win be placed on farms immediately, and the younger will be taught, the rudiments of farming in conjunction with their ordinary lessons at the home. Mr Roberts says that already 26,000 -children liave been sent to Canada, and only £ per cent., including those who could ■not stand the rigours of the climate, had not succeeded. For the services ot every bov landed there had been 20 or more applications.