EMPLOYMENT OF BOYS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21198, 23 June 1934, Page 22

EMPLOYMENT OF BOYS

LINCOLN COLLEGE SCHEME MEETING OF CHRISTCHURCH COMMITTEE A meeting of the Christchurch Boys' Employment Committee was held last evening, Mr M. E. Lyons presiding. Several enquiries made by the secretary (Mr G. M. Keys) into methods followed by the Auckland Boys' Employment Committee and tihe unemployment position in the city were answered in a letter from the secretary of the Auckland committee (Mr ff. G. Gribble). It was stated by Mr Gribble that the methods used in getting into touch with unemployed boys were to advertise in the newspapers and to use any opportunities available. The committee was also considering a . special move to establish contact with boys during the winter. "Our committee has never considered that the number of effective registrations shown here represents the total of the unemployed boys in the city and its environs," was the reply made by Mr Gribble to a question whether the figure of 217 represented the actual position in Auckland and the number of boys still seeking work at the end of March, and if there were many more boys with whom the committee had not been able to get into touch. "I think I should stress the point that this committee has concentrated on getting lads from the city areas into the country," continued Mr Gribble's letter. "We believe that this is the best work that we can do, and our attitude is common knowledge among the people here. This, of course, is reflected in our registrations. Boys know that they will probably be asked to go to country positions and the deep-rooted aversion which we are meeting is one of our greatest difficulties. "Our new executive committee recently set up a sub-committee which is now investigating and reporting with a view of getting some reliable figures to enable us to gauge the magnitude of the problem here, and to lay down a skeleton plan for long term proposals, dealing with juvenile unemployment." School Committees' Help For the welfare committee, Mr A. J. McEldowney reported that it had been decided to organise the work through the school committees and form welfare sub-committees to undertake a personal canvass in each district. The chairman said that a gift of £5 to the farm training scheme had been received from Mr E. Hay, and promises of support had been received from three other Canterbury farmers. It was reported that boys who had gone on to farms during the last 18 months would be given a course of training at Lincoln College for a fortnight from July. 9. The boys would be accommodated in town each night and conveyance had been arranged to take them to and from Lincoln College. At least 20 boys had notified their intention of attending. They would be accommodated at the Christchurch Show Grounds.

Employment Found Figures comparing the number of boys placed in employment during the last six months were submitted by the secretary. They showed that up to June 22 permanent and temporary jobs had been found for 296 and 411 boys respectively, as compared with 307 and .232 last year. Of these, 126 had been placed in farming jobs, 104 in commercial jobs, 156 in industrial work, and 321 in miscellaneous work. For the week ended June 22, permanent and temporary work had been found for 19 and 22 boys respectively. Mr J. S. Barnett said that the publication of figures showing an improved position might cause some persons to think that there was a lessening of the need. Th 6 chairman* There are still hundreds of boys wanting jobs. However, it is heartening to know that some employers are looking to this committee when tbey want lads. SUSTENANCE PAY SOME MEN TO STAND DOWN ON JUNE 80 The Heathcote County Council at its meeting last night received a letter from the officer in charge of the labour Department, Mr R. T. Bailey, referring to the placing of certain relief workers on sustenance. The text of the letter was as follows: — "With reference to the employment of men under No. 5 scheme who are physically unfit to undertake the ordinary work which Is offering, and whom you find somewhat difficult to place in suitable work, I shall be glad if you will, on and after June 30, stand them down and instruct them to report at the Employment Bureau, 28 St. Asaph street*" It was decided to give effect to the request in the letter.