EMPLOYMENT FOR BOYS

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20985, 13 October 1933, Page 16

EMPLOYMENT FOR BOYS

SCHEME FOE FARM TRAINING A NEW ORGANISATION

A scheme for teaching unemployed boys Angora rabbit farming by setting up small training farm near Christchurch is outlined in a circular letter which has been sent by the Boys' Employment Committee to all, firms and companies in Christchurch. The letter invites employers to become members of an organisation entitled "Boys Training Schemes (Christchurch), Incorporated," at an annual subscription of ss, and is signed by Mr M. E. Lyons (chairman), Mi John Mac Gibbon (chairman of the finance committee), Mr T. N- Gibbs (vicechairman), and Mr G. M Keys (secretary). The letter is as follows: "For several years past this committee has been grappling with the problem of boy unemployment, and while we have no cause to be dissatisfied with our efforts to date, we feel that it is essential that still further forward steps shall be taken. "Our most serious problem centres round the youths of 17 to 20 years ox age, for whom it is very difficult to get work of any kind in town. There are hundreds of these registered with us, and we are sure „nat you will realise the danger of their outlook on life becoming embittered „s they find that their only opportunity in life is to compete for work in the ranks of unskilled labour. We feel that at all costs they should be assisted to maintain their morale. In the interests of social stability we should be willing to make any contribution within our power.

Necessity for Training:.

"The committee has now arrived at the decision that it should procure means to give employment itself to these lads, and at thj same time some preliminary training in farm work, such as milking cows, attending to poultry, cultivating land for growing green food, breeding Angora rabbits for their wool, etc. Such employment and training would place them in a much better position to secure jobs on farms. "With this object in view, the committee is incorporating a subsidiary body under the name of 'Boys' Training Schemes, Incorporated.' It proposes to rent or otherwise acquire from 10 to 20 acres of land withm four or five miles of the Christchurch Post Office, plice a suitable man in charge as farm manager, and employ, for limited periods, as many boys as possible to work the farm. The boys will be paid a small wage, but will live at home and cycle to and from the work daily. "The committee has investigated the Angora rabbit wool proposal very fully, and is satisfied, so far as one can be on such matters, that the industry offers not only scope for running a farm on a paying basis, but has the additional advantage of affording t.ic trainees an opportunity, with very little capital, to start later on their own account. The co-opera-tion of the local Rabbit Breeders' Association and the agricultural experts j attached to both the Christchurch Technical and Lincoln Colleges has been assured us. "Any profits which may be made will be used for furthering the interests of the unemployed boys in this city. No salary or remuneration will be paid to anyone, except for work done on the farm. We estimate that a fund of £SOO is required to provide for the establishment and necessary operating expenses for the first year. "We therefore invite you to assist us in carrying out this proposal. The assistance most urgently needed is cash donations. We would also ask you to become a member of the 'Boys' Training Schemes (Clvistchureh) Incorporated,' at the annual subscription of ss. A form for application for membership is enclosed. We are confident that any amount you entrust to us will prove an investment, yielding dividends in the welfare of a large number of our boys and future citizens."

CONTRACT RELIEF SCHEME] START ON WAIMAKARIRI ! UNDERTAKINGS \ The contract system of relief work, which began in Canterbury at the Ashley camp on Monday was commenced on the Waimakariri River Trust's undertakings yesterday. The Public Works Department in Christchurch has been advised that the men arc working satisfactorily under the Unemployment Board's latest scheme. The engineer at the Ashley camp reported that the men were settling down to the scheme, and the engineer to the Waimakariri River Trust (Mr H. W. Harris) stated that lie did not anticipate trouble with the men under his charge. At the Ashley camp, according to returns furnished to the Public Works Department, 69 Christchurch and 63 Rangiora men are working under the contract system, while 27 Christchurch and 35 Rangiora men are working out their allocation of work under the old system. On the River Trust's undertakings 300 men have begun under the piecework scheme, while others have still to complete their allocation under the old scheme.

RELIEF FUND BUSINESS MEN'S APPEAL The contributions to the Citizens' Relief of Distress Fund received yesterday brought the total to date up to £13,814 7s 7d. The honorary treasurer, on behalf of the committee, acknowledges the following additional contributions:— £ s. d. Previously acknowledged 13,775 2 0 Employees T. Armstrong and Co., High street (9th contribution) .. 0 10 9 Staff McKenzie and Willis (3rd contribution) 2 10 6 Governor-General's Winter Relief Fund .. 30 4 4 £13,814 7 7 COMMUNITY SINGING At the community singing yesterday in the Civic Theatre, in aid of the Mayor's Relief of Distress Fund there was a good attendance and the selection of popular choruses went with a swing. Mr Alan Brown was song leader and Dr. F. C. A'Court was at the piano. From all sources the proceeds amounted to £3!) 5s sd, bringing the total to date from community singing this year up to £906 lis 7d There will be sessions in the Civic Theatre next Thursday, October 19, and the following Thursday, October 26, and the final session for the year will be an evening one on Monday, October 30. NEW BRIGHTON RELIEF The Mayor of New Brighton (Mr E. A. M. Leaver) yesterday received a cheque for £35, the sum allocated to his relief of distress fund from the proceeds of the "Better Times" Art Union.