Farm Training for Boys

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 146, 17 March 1934, Page 9

Farm Training for Boys

Sir,- —I was glad to read in the editorial column of "The Dominion” dated March 13, under the heading “Training for Farm Work,” as follows: — “The Christchurch Unemployment Committee has taken a practical step in the direction of providing a preparatory course of instruction in farm work for boys. . . . An area of 30 acres near the city has been leased, and boys are to attend daily, as at a school, returning to their homes after the day's wwk. Instructions in milking andl the use of the simpler farm implements only is to be provided.” Sir, I consider that the Christchurch Unemployment Committee has taken the first step in the right direction, namely, that of giving the youth of this country a chance—(l) Because it is to the land they must look for their future existence: (2) because it is unfair to an untrained and inexperienced lad to expect him to make good' in surroundings he is unused to, and untrained for; and (3) it is unfair to the farmer and his over-burdened wife (no matter how willing they may be to help) to have an untrained and possibly undisciplined lad to look after. If the lads have some working knowledge such as suggested above they will have more confidence to tackle their new job, nnd will be more useful—thus preventing friction which would otherwise occur. The Christchurch Unemployment Committee is to be complimented on the •action it is taking in this matter. I hope other centres will follow the example and-—give youth a chance.—l am, etc., M. C. ALGIE. Wellington, March 16.