JUVENILE LABOUR PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 71, 17 December 1937, Page 5

JUVENILE LABOUR PROBLEM

Boys Leaving School

Too Early

REVIEW OF RONGOTAI COLLEGE YEAR

The problem of juvenile labour ami the difficulties confrouting education authorities through boys leaving school at an early age were dealt with in the annual report presented by the principal, Mr. F. Martyn Renner, at the annual breaking-up ceremony of Rongotai College Inst night. , “We began this year with a roll number of 5(50, and we end with a roll number of 500,” he said. ’Ch the 60 boys who have left, 40 were under 16 years of age. “This is a disturbing feature, in that the return of more prosperous times apparently sees no corresponding diminution in the number of boys ot such au early age leaving school. The reason may be either a relic of tae depression days when- so many boys were, for economic reasons, forced into the labour market, or the repercussion of the Government’s labour legislation. Whatever the reason, these boys are definitely handicapped in more ways than one. Firstly, far too many of them are adversely affected physically and mentally in being forced to attend evening classes at the encl of a day s work. Secondly, lacking,, as they do, the foundation of a broad and good general education, they prove by no means apt pupils to be trained in the highly specialised branches of trade and commerce.” Many parents, said Mr. Renner, were inclined to draw a comparison with conditions in their younger days, pointing out that they had left school at 13 or 14 years. He wished to point out the world then was a totally different place and civilisation was less complicated and less complex. Changed Conditions. “We are so apt to look back at the good old days and think that the world is much the same to-day as it was then,” he said. “The boy of 16 to-day has to face conditions far more disturbing than the adult man of 30 years ago; he has to be better equipped, better prepared than his father was if he is to play his part in the world. So too, when an employer says, ‘I don’t want a boy over 16. The basic wage Government legislation and all that, you know.’ That is the kind of thing that makes me angry. Can’t the employer see tha't the boy with a poor educational foundation is a poor investment for him? They look at the boy only as a cog in their machine and refuse to employ the older and perhaps more mature lad, simply because he is too close to the period of life when he is entitled to be paid a decent wage. “However, just let me say this. The boy who is taken from school before his real education has ever begun will be faced inevitably in a year or two with disillusionment and disappointment w-heu, through lack of sufficient preparatory education, his work deteriorates in efficiency and promotion is withheld from him. The best 'type of boy for any employer is the: boy with a good general education and the greatest boon which a parent can confer on his boy is to keep him at school until he has been able to obtain such an education.” Education Legislation. Mr. Renner expressed regret that nJ education legislation had been brought down this session. “Schools throughout New Zealand are looking to the Minister to free them from the bonds of university domination of the curriculum,” he said, “The Minister has made an excellent beginning in cutting out the proficiency certificate examination and in removing the senior free place recommendation bar. The elimination of the former (proficiency certificate) has already made it possible in our intermediate department to widen and broaden the curriculum by the introduction of art appreciation lessons, classes in craft work, and in the extension of music, singing, and drawing.” Following is the prize list:— Class Prizes. Ic: E. C. Robinson, 1; B. Curtis, 2. lb: P. Schreiber, 1; D. Nunn, 2. la: C. R. Ellis. 1; B. G. Connolly, 2. Shell I: K. Harris, 1; R. Wilson, 2. Shell II: R. Perks. 1; C. Bradstock, 2. He: N. Dockery, 1; L. Shadwick, 2. Ill): B. Webling, 1; G. K. Hamlin, 2. Ila: A. G. Stirrat. 1; R. Cox, 2. nib: F. E. Langdon, 1; D. J. Moore, 2. Illa: K. Willis, 1; J. B. Heath, 2. Upper III; G. G. Robinson, 1; J. Heimann, 2. IVb: D. 0. Shennan, 1; K. T. Ball, 2.., IVa: K. C. Durrant. 1: H. B. Conway. 2. Upper IV: A. E. Beard. 1; K. Orman, 2. .. - V, geography prize: H. W. Peterson. Vb: J. Sadler, 1. Middle V: C. R. Spaekman, 1; J. H. Tanner. 2. Va: English and history. G. E. L. Dawson: French and Latin, E. J. Osborne; mathematics and science. W. M. Wallace. Upper V: English and history, A. L. Whiteman ; French and Latin, A. L. Whiteman ; mathematics and science. L. M. Berry. VI: English and history. T. C. Edmond: French and Latin, T. C. Edmond; mathematics and science, R. N. Seelye. Proximo Accesslt: P. J. Moore. Head of school: T. C. Edmond. I’lnhey Memorial: R. Cox. Ralph Edwards Memorial: W. Easter-brook-Smitli. Donald Medal (for best and most original literary effort): G. G. Robinson. Higher Leaving Certificates.—E. P. Brasted, F. E. Coleman. T. C. Edmond, W. R. Familton, B. G. Harvey, P. E. E. Kllllck. J. E. .Morison, P. J. Moore. H. R. Orman, R. N. Seelye, E. C. Southwick, W. G. Smith. Cups and Trophies.

Debating.—Junior impromptu speaking, Gow Cup, R. Allenden. Senior impromptu speaking. Morriyon Cup, W. H. B. Easter-brook-Smith. Junior oratory, Ballard Cup, A. Q. Bruce. Senior oratory. Burge Cup, SV. G. Smith. Senior debating championwhip. Rose Cup, G. E. L. Dawson. Shotting. —Best score in Imperial Challenge Shield, Lad.v Godley Cup, Cpl. H. R. Orman. Junior shooting championship, Ladies’ Auxiliary Cup. Cadet A. Wiltshire. Senior shooting championship, Stewart Cup. C.S.M. G. E. L. Dawson. Boxing.—Boxing teams competition, shield. Romans (G. Ik L. Dawson). Most scientific boxer, Wt’.lington Boxing Association's medal. T. K. S. Moody. Senior boxing championship, Stewart Hardware Cup. G. E. L. Dawson. Tennis.—Junior tennis championship, Morris Cup, J. Clure. Intermediate tennis championship, Aimers Cup, H. P. Field. Senior tennis championship. Cocks Cup, J. E Hamilton. Swimming.—Junior swimming championship, Mrs. Storey’s Cup. A. F. Gardiner and E. G. Chown. Intermediate swimming championship. Mackie Cup, L. Albert. Senior swimming championship, Bond Cup. P. B. Mclnnes. Athletics.—Senior'cross-country and mile championship. Scottish Harriers and A.A. club’s trophy. G. B. Rowberry. Junior cross-country and mile championship, cup, T. K. S. Moody. Junior athletic championship. Cocks Cup, T. K. S. Moody. Senior athletic! championship. Huntington Cup, S. V. Rea.