YOUTH WORK IN N.Z.

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30058, 16 February 1963, Page 13

YOUTH WORK IN N.Z.

Govt. Policy Outlined

The Government’s policy on the development of youth work was outlined to the youth committee of the National Council of Churches ait its annual meeting yesterday by an executive officer of the Physical Welfare Branch of the Internal Affairs Department, Mr S. V. Higgins. Mr Higgins said that the two greatest needs in New Zealand today were the provision of more buildings and facilities and the training of a core of young leaders.

The Government expected local authorities to accept much more responsibility and looked to churches and existing youth organisations to support the Government's efforts, he said. The most important step was the appointment of youth activity officers who would operate initially from the four main centres. These men would survey the work of all organisations in their districts and then formulate leadership training schemes, Mr Higgins said. Sir Percy Wyn-Harris. overseas representative for the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, was welcomed at the meeting. He said the scheme was a personal challenge to young people to make proper use of their leisure time. Because of the increasing numbers of New Zealanders who travel overseas, the meeting recommended that courses of training be initiated by the National Council of Churches to prepare those going overseas for life in countries such as those in South-east Asia. Officers elected were:— Chairman, Mr D. W. Holland; vice-chairman, the Rev. J. Vincent; secretary, Miss P. Yearbury; treasurer, Mr J. Wilson; auditor. Mr B. England.