DISCUSSION ON FLOCK HOUSE

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21180, 2 June 1934, Page 13

DISCUSSION ON FLOCK HOUSE

CRITICISM AND PRAISE (rnE33 ASSOCIATION TELEGIt.'.M.) DUNBDIN, June 1. Criticism of Flock House and its training is not frequently expressed, but at this morning's meeting of the Women's Division of the Farmers* Union, two speakers made it_ clear that they were not altogether satisfied with what was being done. The first, stated that in her opinion it would be better if the boys, with the aid of a subsidy, were sent out straight to farmers, because they received only a smattering of practical knowleigc at the Flock House, and whatever they did learn had to be learned over again. Another speaker said she knew cf several members who had had Flock House boys who were not at all_ satisfactory. One boy had been a waiter in a Dunedin restaurant, and had no heart in farming. The president (Mrs Drake) said there were a great many people who were completely satisfied with the Flock House methods, and they really could not judge the institution by isolated instances of boys who did not do well. Bovs received a splendid eight months' training, and then went on farms to carry on there. Satisfaction seemed to be general, but there were certain to be some who did not make the most of their training. j Mrs Drake's opinions were supported by other speakers.